Speak With a Houston Attorney About Your Constitutional Rights

As a Houston attorney, my job is to protect the rights of my clients. As a citizen of the United States, you have rights granted to you under the Constitution. Many people are not aware of their rights, and at times, police officers are not even sure of what those are, accidentally violating them in the process. Understanding your rights is the first part of protecting them. Here is what you should know:

The Fourth Amendment

Under the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution, you are protected from an illegal search of your person or property. Legally, in order to search you, an officer would need to acquire a warrant that is only given after someone makes an oath as to why you should be searched, and the warrant specifies exactly what is to be searched. If you are searched without a warrant and without you giving consent, it could be illegal, and any evidence obtained during the search could be inadmissible in court. However, this will need to be argued by a Houston attorney familiar with constitutional law.

The Fifth Amendment

You cannot be compelled to give testimony against yourself. This applies while on trial, but is also the basis for your Miranda Rights, giving you the right to remain silent when arrested. If you do speak, anything you say can and will be used against you. However, you have the right not to say anything and protect yourself in the process. Be sure to exercise this right.

The Sixth Amendment

If you have been arrested and accused of a crime, you have the right to an attorney, to a speedy trial and the right for your case to be heard by a jury of your peers. You also have the right to be informed of what charges are being brought against you and to hear witnesses against you. As a Houston attorney, I will ensure your trial is scheduled promptly and to help you get out on bail while you wait.

Being accused of a crime is nothing to take lightly. It is critical that you hire an attorney as soon as possible, so we can begin to prepare for your defense. This includes spending time discussing what happened leading up to and during your arrest. We will identify anyone who can confirm your version of events, so they can become a witness during the trial. It is also important to look for evidence that can confirm your story, to be presented at the trial. Even if you are accused of committing a crime you are guilty of, it is important we still mount a strong defense to limit what the penalty will be if you are indeed found to be guilty. Working to limit potential jail time and fines is critical because this is your future at stake.

Take the time to prepare for your defense now. Call and schedule an appointment with my office and speak with an experienced Houston attorney.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Having practiced criminal law in Texas, primarily in Houston, for many years, I have spent countless hours explaining various aspects of the law to clients, prospective clients and people who are simply curious about the law. Whenever I do so, I exercise great caution to stress that a quick explanation, or even a lengthy explanation, can never fully account for all of the complexities that are sure to arising in handling any specific case. All criminal cases, from seemingly the most minor to obviously the most complex, should be handled by a properly trained and experienced criminal defense attorney. These articles, and all of the material contained in this website, are only intended to provide a general overview of the topics discussed. And while they may contain some very useful information to the reader, theses articles must not be viewed as a substitute for specific legal advice. Unless otherwise stated, all comments refer to Texas law. Always choose your lawyer carefully.