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.

A Spokane, Washington, Criminal Defense Law Firm

The attorneys at Andersen Staab Law P.L.L.C., defend people facing criminal charges in the Spokane area and throughout eastern Washington State and the Idaho Panhandle. We have more than 30 years of combined experience to draw from and have successfully helped countless numbers of former clients minimize the damage that an arrest and conviction can do. To learn more about your legal rights and defense options, call or contact our lawyers for a free consultation today.

For more details about our experience and the unique assets we have to offer you as a law firm, please see our Criminal Defense page. For general information and a broader overview of criminal law, please take a few moments to review the articles we have provided below.

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The experienced criminal defense lawyers at Andersen Staab Law P.L.L.C., help people who have been charged with crimes in eastern Washington State and northern Idaho. We are dedicated to helping you achieve the most positive result possible given the circumstances, and we will vigorously fight to protect your rights. Contact us.

Arrested? Charged with a crime? Based on former prosecutor Scott Staab's experience, we can tell you that the biggest mistake you can make is to talk to the authorities before you've talked to an attorney. Call our law firm in the Spokane area at 509-590-2674 or toll free from anywhere in eastern Washington State or northern Idaho at 866-688-1085.

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 Andersen Staab Law P.L.L.C. in Spokane, Washington, 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 Andersen Staab Law P.L.L.C. in Spokane, Washington, 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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