Constitutional Protections for the Criminal Defendant

The criminal justice system can be confusing and overwhelming. For guidance about criminal procedures and help building a defense, contact a skilled and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney.

Aggressive Response to Criminal Charges in Missouri

If you or a family member has been arrested and charged with a crime, there is no time to lose. But it is important to choose a law firm that you can trust to guide you through the system and fight for the most favorable outcome. Read more about criminal law and your rights, or contact the Jefferson City law firm of Carson & Coil, P.C.

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Our experienced attorneys provide aggressive criminal defense for misdemeanor, felony, juvenile and traffic offenses, including DWI, drugs, theft, assault, child abuse and domestic violence. Our goal is to avoid a conviction or minimize the consequences.

Carson & Coil practices in criminal courts of Jefferson City, Columbia and surrounding counties in central Missouri. Whatever the charges or circumstances, you can count on our lawyers to stand up for your rights, to negotiate the best deal or prepare a compelling case for a jury. Arrange your free consultation today.

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 14th Amendment extends substantive due-process rights beyond 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 almost every aspect of the criminal-justice process. If you have been accused of a crime, whether federal, state, tribal or local, a criminal defense attorney from Carson & Coil, P.C. in Jefferson City, MO, 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 a lawyer can advise you about each right's 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 retroactively 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

Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer

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 at Carson & Coil, P.C. in Jefferson City, MO, as early as possible to enlist an important ally in your quest to protect your legal and constitutional rights.

DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.

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