Know your rights when fighting a state or federal case

The U.S. judicial system is anything but simple, and knowing your rights when fighting a state or federal case is important.

The U.S. judicial system is anything but simple, and knowing your rights when fighting a state or federal case is important. You can be charged with a crime by the state government, the federal government, or both.

While the legal process may differ from case to case, your rights remain the same. To understand how the trial system works for U.S. citizens, it’s helpful to start with the basics of American law: the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights. The amendments connected to the criminal justice system are as follows:

  • Amendment IV protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures.
  • Amendment V protects you from being held without being charged, from double jeopardy, and from being a witness against yourself.
  • Amendment VI gives you the right to a speedy and public trial with an impartial jury, to know what you are being accused of, and to confront accusing witnesses.
  • Amendment VIII protects you from excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishments.

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