If you have been charged with a crime, working closely with an attorney who will clearly explain all rights, options and consequences can help you make decisions that are in your best interests. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation and case evaluation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Learn More Information About Criminal Defense
Whether you are facing a serious criminal charge with the possibility of jail time, or you have been charged with a minor traffic violation as an out-of-state driver, your choice of attorney could have a significant impact on your freedom and rights. At the Beaufort, North Carolina, law firm of Cummings & Cummings, PLLC, our lawyers provide experienced criminal defense.
Attorneys James and Sydney Cummings provide criminal defense that meets the diverse needs of our clients. Learn more information about criminal law below or by calling us toll free at 888-409-0532 for a no charge consultation.
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The lawyers of Cummings & Cummings, PLLC, help individuals in Coastal North Carolina who are facing traffic violations in North Carolina that range from DUI and DWI charges to speeding tickets. At our firm, you can feel confident that we are working for the best outcome possible in your case. Contact us to learn more information.
We're here when you need us. At Cummings & Cummings, PLLC, that's not just a slogan but its something we adhere to every day in our criminal practice. We take pride in the responsive, honest and straightforward service we give to our clients and the dedication we have toward achieving positive results for every client we help.
Constitutional Protections for the Criminal Defendant
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 Cummings & Cummings, PLLC in Beaufort, North Carolina, 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 Cummings & Cummings, PLLC in Beaufort, North Carolina, as early as possible to enlist an important ally in your quest to protect your legal and constitutional rights.
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