Your Fifth Amendment Rights

If you have been accused of a criminal offense, it is important that you fully understand your legal rights and know how to protect them. Among the most important legal rights for a person accused of a crime are included in the first ten amendments of the U.S. Constitution, also known as the Bill of Rights. The Fifth Amendment, in particular, spells out laws that are highly important to anyone accused of a crime.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a criminal offense, it is important to have an experienced attorney on your side. For the legal guidance and representation you need, call the Champaign criminal defense lawyers of Bruno Law Offices at (217) 328-6000.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

Under the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, you are guaranteed protection from:

• Prosecution for a capital offense without indictment from a Grand Jury – If the charges you are facing may be punished with the death penalty, you are entitled to certain safeguards to make sure there is adequate evidence against you. One of these safeguards is a hearing before a Grand Jury, a jury of your peers that will determine whether there is enough evidence for a trial.

• Double jeopardy – If you have been tried for a certain offense and found innocent, you cannot be re-arrested or re-tried for that offense again. The reverse does not apply – even if you have been found guilty of a crime, you can petition for a retrial and, if successful, potentially be found innocent.

• Self-incrimination – You do not have to testify in your own case, or give information to a jury or the police that may incriminate you. You have a right to discuss your options with an attorney before and during police questioning.

• Absence of due process – You cannot be punished for a crime without fair and complete court proceedings.

• Illegal search and seizure – Police officers cannot go through your home or take your property without due cause.

If you believe your rights have been violated during your arrest or trial, our knowledgeable Champaign criminal defense lawyers will fight for you.

Contact Us

The Champaign defense attorneys  of Bruno Law Offices are proud to protect the legal rights of citizens facing criminal accusations. Contact us today at (217) 328-6000 to learn more about how we can help you.