Your Rights as a Criminal Defendant: What You Need to Know!

You have numerous rights as a defendant in a criminal prosecution. It is important to have a basic understanding of these rights so you can exercise them if needed. It is always recommended that a person charged with or accused of the commission of a crime contact an attorney to protect all of his or her rights including, but not limited to, the following:

1. The right under the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to be free from any unreasonable search and seizure,
2. The right under the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to remain silent,
3. The right to a trial either before a judge or a jury,
4. The right to summon witnesses and compel their attendance to testify on behalf of the defendant,
5. The right to confront and cross-examine any witness the State may call,
6. The right to a speedy trial,
7. The right to be presumed innocent unless and until the State has proven each and every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt,
8. The right to be represented by an attorney,
9. The right to a court-appointed attorney if the defendant establishes he/she is unable to employ an attorney because of his/her indigence, and
10. The right to consult with an attorney, family members, and friends before entering any pleas of guilty or not guilty before the court.

If you, a family member, or friend has been accused of or charged with a crime in Missouri, our legal team at Parker Law LLC is committed to helping you obtain the most favorable outcome possible. At Parker Law LLC, we believe in pursuing excellence with every client.