Are you facing DUI/DWI, violent crimes, sexual offenses, theft, or drug charges? You should not worry. The constitutional right, which gives you a fair trial, a major aspect of criminal laws, provides fundamental protection when facing criminal charges. Despite the charges, this right, enshrined in the Sixth Amendment, will protect you regardless of guilt or innocence. Therefore, it is essential to understand this law and how it can help you. Here are the five remarkable ways it will help when facing criminal charges.
- Guarantees Effective Legal Representation
This right guarantees effective legal representation by giving you the right to an attorney like San Antonio criminal lawyer. It states that you will enjoy the right to have the assistance of counsel for your defense which you can hire or the court can provide if you aren’t in a position to. This is essential because criminal law is complex, and you need an expert to represent you for a chance of winning the case.
- Protects You against Self-Incrimination
It is common for law enforcement officials to question you to get you to make a statement that can be used against you during the trial. Some go to the extent of making threats or promising light sentences. The constitutional right to a fair trial protects you against this self-incrimination through the Fifth Amendment, which allows you to remain silent. Using it before your legal representative makes it to the scene or interrogation room would be best.
- Ensures You Get a Fair and Impartial Trial
As an accused, you are likely to look guilty in the eyes of the public due to media portrayal, personal biases, and lack of information. However, it shouldn’t be so. The constitutional right to a fair trial ensures a fair and impartial trial. It guarantees the right to an impartial jury selected from across the community, free from bias. This right also guarantees a public trial in an open court where everyone can observe the proceedings.
- Warrants a Speedy Trial
Lengthy legal processes can take a toll on you since it affects other aspects of your life. For starters, it affects you emotionally and brings an unbearable financial burden. The Constitutional Right to a Fair Trial protects you from such woes by warranting a speedy trial. This speedy trial protects you from the effects and protects the integrity of the legal process. For that reason, you have a right to dismiss the criminal case if the right to a speedy trial is violated.
- Protects Against Double Jeopardy
This right protects you against double jeopardy, which refers to being tried for the same crime you have been convicted of or acquitted of. The Fifth Amendment includes this clause to prevent harassment. Although, it is worth noting that there are exceptions, such as the discovery of new evidence which wasn’t available during your initial trial. For that reason, it will help to hire an expert like San Antonio criminal lawyer to help you navigate the case and this clause.
The U.S.A criminal laws are complicated but provide right that protects you when accused. These rights ensure you get legal representation and a fair trial and don’t face double jeopardy. Therefore, it will help to use the information you have read here next time you face criminal charges.
