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Constitutional Protections for the Criminal Defendant

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.

Criminal Defense Help in Franklin, Tennessee

Don't Leave Your Freedom to Chance or Inexperience

The most effective criminal defense is born from experience, legal knowledge and a commitment to the best-possible legal outcome. At the law firm of Brasfield & Milazo, P.C., we bring these attributes to each case we handle.

Our attorney team has handled hundreds of criminal cases in our 20 years of combined criminal law experience, and is fully familiar with Tennessee law and legal procedures. Our aggressive advocacy has resulted in numerous instances of fully dismissed charges, acquittal and significantly reduced charges. For a no-charge discussion of your rights and your case following criminal charges, contact a lawyer at 615-599-7719.

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Don't choose between experience, commitment and cost. At Brasfield & Milazo, P.C., we have practiced criminal defense law for a combined 20 years, and will provide aggressive, diligent advocacy throughout your legal process. Call 615-599-7719.

Have you been charged with a drug crime, a white collar crime, a violent crime or a sex crime? Contact us at 615-599-7719.

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 Brasfield & Milazo, P.C. in Franklin, Tennessee, 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 Brasfield & Milazo, P.C. in Franklin, Tennessee, as early as possible to enlist an important ally in your quest to protect your legal and constitutional rights.

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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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Brasfield & Milazo, P.C. 
109 Cleburne Street
Franklin, TN 37064
Phone: 615-599-7719
Fax: 615-595-9195
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