Defendant's Rights

Individuals who have been charged with a crime retain a number of legal rights, the five most important of which include:

• 1. Right to Legal Counsel – Every person accused of a crime has the legal right to obtain a competent defense attorney. In the event that a defendant cannot afford counsel, the court must provide one for free. A defendant may also choose to act as his/her own counsel in court, which is NEVER recommended.
• 2. Right Against Self-Incrimination – All individuals charged with a criminal offense have the legal right to remain silent to avoid self-incrimination. They may also choose to testify on their own behalf in a court of law.
• 3. Right to a Jury Trial – All defendants have the right to a speedy, fair, and public trial. Additionally, every person accused of committing a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by a panel of impartial jurors.
• 4. Right to Cross-Examine Witnesses – Every defendant has the right to cross-examine and question all witnesses that testify against him/her in court.
• 5. Right to Submit Evidence – A defendant has the legal right to submit evidence into court and/or file a motion to subpoena all witnesses and evidence that could significantly alter the outcome of the case in his/her favor, at no cost.