Tennessee Criminal Lawyer - Protecting Your Fundamental Rights

The criminal justice system is too complex for a layman to understand, and that is why, it is important to seek the services of a competent and experienced Tennessee criminal lawyer when facing a criminal charge. A criminal lawyer can help you understand all the rights granted under the constitution to defendants. Moreover, he or she will also guide you about which plea you can enter.

Under the United States Constitution, there are certain rights provided to criminal defendants in the criminal justice system. These basic constitutional rights permeate every aspect of the criminal justice system. It is the job of a Tennessee criminal lawyer to inform you of your rights and to ensure that none of your rights were violated.

Rights Granted To Criminal Defendants

Irrespective of what kind of criminal case you are facing, you have the following rights:

* You have a right to due process of law. This means that throughout the criminal legal process, the authorities must ensure that the rules of criminal procedure be observed.

* You have a right to equal protection under the law.

* You have a right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure.

* You have a right against self-incrimination. In other words, you cannot be forced to testify against yourself.

* You have a right to a legal counsel; therefore, you should ask for one the minute you are charged or you feel you will be charged

* You have a right against double jeopardy. This means that you cannot be prosecuted for the same offense twice.

* You also have a right to a speedy and public trial.

* You have a right to an impartial jury trial.

* You have a right to confront witnesses against you.

* You also have a right to call witnesses that support your case.

* You have a right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment.

* You are protected against ex post facto laws.

* You have a right to be free from excessive fines and bail.

* You have a right to clear notice of criminal charges against you.

* In federal felony proceedings, you have a right to a grand jury.

Any violations of these rights can lead to dismissal of the case against you. An experienced Tennessee criminal lawyer will ensure that your rights are protected and that you get a fair trial. Moreover, your lawyer will also help you file the right plea.

Pleas You Can Enter

Under the Tennessee criminal law, a defendant can enter the following pleas:

* You have a constitutional right to plead “not guilty.” An experienced Tennessee criminal lawyer knows when it is right to file a “not guilty” plea.

* One can file a “guilty plea.” This means that the defendant is admitting in the court that he or she has committed the offenses for which he or she has been charged.

* No contest plea can be filed with the consent of the court. This plea cannot be used against the defendant in a criminal or civil action based upon the facts of the same case.

* Conditional guilty plea can be filed with the consent of the court when a defendant is charged with a misdemeanor.

Under the guidance of an experienced lawyer, you will be able to file the right plea. An experienced lawyer will ensure that your case reaches the best possible outcome.