Your Rights as a Defendant Charged With a Felony or Misdemeanor

LEGAL RIGHT #1: You have a 5th Amendment Right not to speak to the police or respond to interrogation.

LEGAL RIGHT #2: You have a 6th Amendment Right to counsel, either privately retained or appointed by the court.

LEGAL RIGHT #3: You have a right to reasonable bond or release on “personal recognizance” pending the outcome of your case.

LEGAL RIGHT #4: You have the right to a fair trial before a jury of your peers.

LEGAL RIGHT #5: At trial, you are Presumed Innocent unless the Prosecutor can prove you committed the charged offense Beyond a Reasonable Doubt.

LEGAL RIGHT #6: You are entitled to “Effective” Assistance of Counsel.

LEGAL RIGHT #7: Your attorney is entitled to interview ALL of the Prosecution witnesses who will testify against you.

LEGAL RIGHT #8: Your attorney can compel interviews of witnesses favorable to your defense, and can subpoena them to appear at trial to testify in your behalf.

LEGAL RIGHT #9: You have a right to confront all witnesses against you at trial, and your attorney has the right to vigorously “cross examine” them about falsehoods or inconsistencies in their testimony.

LEGAL RIGHT #10: You have the right to testify at trial or the right to refuse to do so.

LEGAL RIGHT #11: You have the right to a “unanimous” verdict by a jury.

LEGAL RIGHT #12: You have the right to appeal an unfavorable verdict to the Court of Appeals.