Constitutional Protections for the Criminal Defendant

If you have been charged with a crime, working closely with an attorney who will clearly explain all rights, options and consequences can help you make decisions that are in your best interests. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation and case evaluation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Criminal Defense From a Former State Prosecutor

20 Years of Experience in Criminal Law

Trial lawyer Ed DeWerff has conducted dozens of jury trials as both a criminal defense attorney and former assistant district attorney in Robertson and Montgomery County. He handles all felony and misdemeanor offenses in the Clarksville, Tennessee, area. Read below for more information about your rights and the criminal justice process.

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If you are facing criminal charges, the law firm of Edward E. DeWerff will protect your constitutional rights and hold police and prosecutors accountable for weaknesses in the evidence against you or violating your protections under the law. Whatever the charges — DUI, drugs, assault, sex offenses — we can help.

Call us at 931-266-4089 or 931-266-4091 or or or e-mail Mr. DeWerff for a free consultation. He personally handles your case, and is prepared to go to trial if necessary to fight for your freedom.

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 Fourteenth Amendment extends substantive due process rights beyond just 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 every aspect of the criminal justice process. If you have been accused of a crime, whether federal, state or local, a seasoned criminal defense attorney from Edward E. DeWerff in Clarksville, Tennessee, 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 an attorney can advise you about their 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 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

Conclusion

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 like one from Edward E. DeWerff in Clarksville, Tennessee, as early as possible to enlist an important ally in your quest to protect your legal and constitutional rights.

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.

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