The timely resolution of criminal charges calls for an attorney who has experience defending clients and is dedicated to providing personal service. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation and case evaluation with a criminal defense attorney.
Learn More About Criminal Law
If you have been charged with a crime, you need an attorney who not only understands the law that applies to your case but is also familiar with the court system where your case will be resolved. At the MacDonald Law Office, both of our attorneys are former prosecutors who have been practicing law on the Eastern Shore since 1995.
Below is some general information about criminal law in the United States. To discuss what our experienced criminal defense lawyers can do to help you deal with your Maryland criminal charges, contact us today at our offices in Salisbury and Ocean City.
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If a family member or associate is currently being held on criminal charges, chances are the first thing on your mind is getting him or her out of jail. We always respond quickly and are experienced at handling bail and bond issues. Call us or send us an e-mail to get in touch.
In addition to defending local residents, we have extensive experience defending vacationers in Ocean City and elsewhere on the Eastern Shore, as well as students at Salisbury University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, who have been charged with crimes.
Constitutional Protections for the Criminal Defendant
The United States Constitution and its subsequent amendments define the scope of governmental power and reserve certain individual rights to the people. The first 10 amendments, also called the Bill of Rights, contain basic, fundamental rights of individuals on which the government may not impinge. Many of these constitutional rights provide protection to criminal defendants in the criminal justice system. The Fourteenth Amendment extends substantive due process rights beyond just the federal system to criminal defendants in state courts, where the vast majority of criminal trials occur.
The basic constitutional rights of the criminal defendant permeate every aspect of the criminal justice process. If you have been accused of a crime, whether federal, state or local, a seasoned criminal defense attorney from MacDonald Law Office, L.L.C. in Salisbury, Maryland, can explain these rights to you and help you to fight for them at every step of the way.
Fundamental Rights
Here are the main federal constitutional rights guaranteed to criminal defendants in the United States to promote fair trials. Remember that these rights have been refined and interpreted by the courts and an attorney can advise you about their role in and application to your particular case.
- The right to due process of law
- The right to equal protection under the law
- The right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure
- The right against self-incrimination or being forced to testify against oneself
- The right against double jeopardy or being tried more than once for the same offense
- The right to legal counsel
- The right to a speedy, public trial
- The right to an impartial jury trial
- The right to confront witnesses against you
- The right to call supporting witnesses
- The right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment
- The prohibition against ex post facto laws or laws that retroactively criminalize certain acts or increase criminal sanctions
- The right to be free from excessive fines or excessive bail
- The right to clear notice of criminal charges
- The right to a grand jury in federal felony proceedings
Conclusion
Our criminal justice system is designed through constitutional protections to provide a criminal defendant with a fair trial. If you face any phase of the process, consult an experienced attorney like one from MacDonald Law Office, L.L.C. in Salisbury, Maryland, as early as possible to enlist an important ally in your quest to protect your legal and constitutional rights.
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DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.
