Whenever you are accused of a crime in Florida or elsewhere in the United States, you are protected by the guidelines in the United States constitution. There are several different components of this explained below.

A new research study identifies that litigants who are not getting quality representation at the Supreme Court are those who have been accused of crimes.

According to a new study published in the Minnesota Law Review, criminal defendants are rarely represented by expert attorneys and arguments before the Supreme Court.

Criminal Defendants May Be at a Disadvantage in America’s Highest Court

In fact, between 2005 and 2015 up to two thirds of the arguments made on behalf of criminal defendants were presented by attorneys making their first appearance in the Supreme Court at that time.

Local and state prosecutors who argued in the Supreme Court as well often had less experience than you might expect. Although the Supreme Court is the last resort for individuals who are appealing their case, it is important to be aware of your constitutional rights and your rights to appeal a verdict if you have been convicted of a crime.

Right #1: Right to an Attorney

It is never recommended that you enter any U.S. courtroom without an experienced Florida criminal defense attorney. It is in fact one of the biggest mistakes that an accused criminal can make.

Every individual who has been accused of a crime in Florida and anywhere else across the United States has the right to an attorney when they enter the courtroom for the purposes of criminal defense.

Going with a court-appointed lawyer can be a mistake as this individual may not be as committed to your case or is as experienced as a knowledgeable Florida criminal defense attorney.

Make sure you have a meeting with your Florida criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after you have been accused of a crime. This way you have time to change course if you determine the attorney is not the right fit for you.

Right #2: Reasonable Search and Seizure

Both citizens and law enforcement officials need to be aware of the rules associated with search and seizure. Police officers have specific rules and procedures they must follow in order to search a person’s home or vehicle.

A careful analysis of your case by your Florida criminal defense attorney can help illuminate whether or not your search and seizure rights were violated.

Right #3: Speedy Trial

An accused individual has a right to a speedy trial so that he or she is not required to stay in jail for a significant period of time.

It can be difficult to determine exactly what qualifies as a speedy trial but a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will be watching out for situations in which your case is delayed unreasonably.

Right #4: Fair Bail

Bail must be set at a reasonable rate aligned with the crime for which the accused has been charged. It can also be unconstitutional to hand down any excessive fines for an individual who has been convicted of a crime or to sentence any person to cruel or unusual punishment.

Right #5: Jury Trial

Any accused individual has the right to request a jury trial. This is not always required but it could be the best choice in your case. The only way to find out is to consult with your Florida criminal defense attorney about whether or not it is in your best interest to have a jury trial or to have a trial that is handled by a judge.

Contact a Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself is to work with an attorney who is dedicated to the best possible outcome for you.

Having an initial consultation with this attorney can help illuminate whether or not this individual has the relevant experience and commitment required to represent you fully.

With so much on the line for your future, do not hesitate to select a Florida criminal defense attorney who will work hard to represent you to the best of his or her ability.

One of the most terrifying experiences to live through is being accused of a crime you didn’t commit. Learn how to handle that situation here: http://www.mariarogerslaw.com/six-steps-take-if-you-have-falsely-accused-of-a-crime/