Constitutional Protections for the Criminal Defendant

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.

Learn More About Criminal Law and Your Rights

At the Peoria, Illinois, law office of Joel E. Brown, Attorney at Law, we put strength, experience and knowledge behind your state or federal criminal defense. We work to provide the highest quality advocacy and representation, and we are committed to the unwavering defense of our clients.

We also make it a priority to keep people informed about the issues they face. Our philosophy is one of empowering clients to take control over their case and their future by being knowledgeable on the issues they face. We know that when you work with a lawyer, you expect to have access to the full range of tools necessary.

Find out more about criminal defense below, or contact us directly to schedule an initial consultation.

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Whether you are facing criminal prosecution in the state of Illinois or the federal court system, we can provide experienced and aggressive representation to defend your case. We can't change the past, but we can affect your future.

At the law office of Joel E. Brown, Attorney at Law, we are passionate about the advocacy of our clients and tireless in our preparation. Schedule an initial consultation and case review at 877-712-5118 or reach us online today.

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 Joel E. Brown, Attorney at Law in Peoria, Illinois, 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 Joel E. Brown, Attorney at Law in Peoria, Illinois, 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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