Defendant's Trial Rights

• Right to a Lawyer - You have the right to an attorney during the legal proceedings. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the court will appoint a lawyer for you at no charge. 

• Speedy Trial -  You have the right to a speedy trial. This  ensures that you are not arrested only to languish in jail for a lengthy period of time.  Each state sets specific time limits for trial and if the case is not tried within those time limits, the charges against you must be dismissed.

   

•  Jury Trial - You  have the right to a public trial by a jury of your peers. At the trial, the defendant is presumed to be innocent and cannot be convicted unless the jurors are convinced of  guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. "Reasonable Doubt" does not mean all doubt.

• Witnesses - You have the right to confront and cross-examine all witnesses testifying against you.  You also have the right to call witnesses to testify for you and to compel that testimony if the witness is reluctant to testify. 

   

• Self-incrimination - You have the right to remain silent.  You do not have to testify at trial and the fact that you do not testify cannot be used against you to infer guilt. 

   

• Due Process - You have a right to Due Process of Law. "Due process" means procedural fairness. You must be given notice of the charges against you and a legitimate opportunity to contest those charges. 

   

• Double Jeopardy - You cannot be tried for the same crime twice. This is called double jeopardy. 

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