Although some criminal defendants think that they can beat the system on their own, having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side gives you a better chance of preserving your legal rights. If you have been charged with a crime, contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
St. Louis, Missouri Criminal Defense
A criminal conviction can have devastating consequences. Depending on the severity of the crime, you could be facing jail or prison time, probation, or heavy fines. It is important to remember that even when you have been arrested, you still have rights. You are not obligated to say anything to the arresting officer that will incriminate you. You will want to speak with an experienced defense lawyer who has a proven track record of successful results in both state and federal criminal courts.
In the St. Louis metropolitan area and surrounding portions of Missouri and Illinois, you can find a lawyer like that right here — at The Marks Law Firm, L.L.C.
For more specific information on the topic of criminal defense and what we can do to help you, please visit our criminal defense Web page. Or, contact us to schedule a free initial consultation.
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What do your criminal charges mean? Are there any defenses? Would a plea agreement be in your best interests? Or, should you take your chances at trial? For answers to your questions, an experienced criminal defense attorney and more — contact The Marks Law Firm, L.L.C. in St. Louis, Missouri.
The Marks Law Firm L.L.C. defends people charged with misdemeanor offenses and state and federal felonies in the St. Louis area and surrounding portions of Missouri and Illinois. For experience when it matters the most — call the firm directly at 314-993-6300.
Constitutional Protections for the Criminal Defendant
The United States Constitution and its subsequent amendments define the scope of governmental power and reserve certain individual rights to the people. The first 10 amendments, also called the Bill of Rights, contain basic, fundamental rights of individuals on which the government may not impinge. Many of these constitutional rights provide protection to criminal defendants in the criminal-justice system. The 14th Amendment extends substantive due-process rights beyond the federal system to criminal defendants in state courts, where the vast majority of criminal trials occur.
The basic constitutional rights of the criminal defendant permeate almost every aspect of the criminal-justice process. If you have been accused of a crime, whether federal, state, tribal or local, a criminal defense attorney from The Marks Law Firm, L.L.C in St. Louis, Missouri, can explain these rights to you and help you to fight for them at every step of the way.
Fundamental Rights
Here are the main federal constitutional rights guaranteed to criminal defendants in the United States to promote fair trials. Remember that these rights have been refined and interpreted by the courts, and a lawyer can advise you about each right's role in and application to your particular case.
- The right to due process of law
- The right to equal protection under the law
- The right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure
- The right against self-incrimination or being forced to testify against oneself
- The right against double jeopardy or being tried more than once for the same offense
- The right to legal counsel
- The right to a speedy, public trial
- The right to an impartial jury trial
- The right to confront witnesses against you
- The right to call supporting witnesses
- The right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment
- The prohibition against ex post facto laws or laws that retroactively criminalize certain acts or retroactively increase criminal sanctions
- The right to be free from excessive fines or excessive bail
- The right to clear notice of criminal charges
- The right to a grand jury in federal felony proceedings
Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Our criminal justice system is designed through constitutional protections to provide a criminal defendant with a fair trial. If you face any phase of the process, consult an experienced attorney at The Marks Law Firm, L.L.C in St. Louis, Missouri, as early as possible to enlist an important ally in your quest to protect your legal and constitutional rights.
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DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.
