Your Rights When Accused of a Crime

Whether you’ve been rightfully or falsely accused of a crime, you have rights that must be adhered to in order for correct procedures to take place. There are actually quite a few rights that you have if you are arrested and charged with a crime. Knowing these rights are essential to getting yourself a fair trial once everything has been sorted out by the legal system.

Right to Remain Silent
The first right you have upon being arrested and accused of a crime, and the right that most everyone is aware of, is the right to remain silent. According to the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution, a person does not have to say anything that will incriminate them at any time. Remaining silent when you are being questioned is the best way to make sure that you don’t say anything that could come back to haunt you during any future legal battle that you might face.

Right to a Public Trial
You also have the right to a public trial, as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment of the Constitution. This allows you to argue your case in front of a judge and a jury of your peers. It also means that you have the right to have witnesses against you be in full view when you are being tried. Your family and friends will also be allowed in the courtroom unless the judge deems that it would be best to close off court to the entire public.

Right to Have an Attorney
Another right that is guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment is the right to have an attorney present to represent you in open court. You can either hire your own attorney, or one will be appointed for you by the court. Some people that have been arrested do not have the money required to retain an attorney, and therefore, they must rely on a court-appointed criminal defense attorney to represent them.

Right to a Speedy Trial
One final right that you have if you’ve been accused off a crime is the right to a speedy trial. Even though most courts do not have a set time limit on what is considered “speedy,” judges are advised to use their discretion when deciding if a case must be dismissed because the legal process has carried on for too long.

If you have been formally charged with a crime, make absolutely sure that you know all your rights so you are not unduly put into jail for something that you did not do. Also, knowing your rights ahead of time will most assuredly get you to trial in a quick manner.