I've been accused of a crime. What are my rights?

 

A:

When accused of a crime, you have rights guaranteed by the US Constitution.

Your rights include:

  • the right to remain silent in order to avoid self-incrimination;
  • the right to competent legal representation;
  • the right to reasonable bail, right to a fair and public trial;
  • the right to be informed of the charges against you;
  • the right to be confronted with the witnesses against you and to gather witnesses of your own;
  • and a number of other rights.

As a criminal defendant it is also presumed that you are innocent until proven guilty. This means the prosecution has the burden of proving you committed the criminal act(s) for which you're accused beyond a reasonable doubt. This also means you do have to do anything or say anything to prove you are innocen.

Search and seizure laws also require law enforcement officials to obtain a search warrant before they are allowed to search a specific place, at a specific time, for specific persons, for evidence, contraband. There are some ciscumstances where an officer does not require a warrant for a search or to make an arrest.




The information on this web site is not legal advice. All cases vary based on unique details so  all case evaluations must be performed by an attorney or law firm.  Past case performance is not an indication of performance on any current or future case.  Information on this site is intended for educational and general reference purposes only in order to assist the reader with a better understanding of various issues which may affect them. Reading from this site does not establish a client/attorney privilege. To obtain legal advice, you must hire an attorney.

Vienna Law Group, P.C.

10615 Judicial Drive
Suite 101
Fairfax, VA 22030

       Phone       (703) 385-6868
     Toll free    1 (877) 491-4LAW
          Fax       (703) 385-7009


Vienna Law Group, P.C. provides immigration, bankruptcy, family law, divorce, employment and labor, contract review, personal injury law, traffic violation, DUI/DWI and criminal legal services in Northern Virginia, including the following cities and counties: Fairfax, Vienna, Reston, Tyson's Corner, McLean, Falls Church, Arlington, Alexandria, Mt. Vernon, Annandale, Springfield, West Springfield, Newington, Lorton, Woodbridge, Dale City, Burke, Manassas, Centerville, Chantilly, Herndon, Sterling, Ashburn, Leesburg, Fairfax County, Alexandria County, Arlington County, Loudoun County and Prince William County.