Facing Drug Crime Charges? Know Your Rights
If you are facing drug charges, be it drug possession or drug trafficking, you should know that you have rights that can protect you. One of the rights you have is the right to an attorney. You can hire a private defense attorney, or the court can appoint a public defender for you at no cost.
At Cessna & George Law Firm, we are ready to educate you about all your other rights. We are prepared to help protect your rights and help you fight your charges.
Below are some of the other rights you have as a person facing drug charges;
The Right To Be Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty
As a defendant, the court should assume that you are innocent until the prosecution proves your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. To prove a criminal case beyond a reasonable doubt requires convincing the jury that there isn’t any other plausible explanation that can come from the evidence presented.
The Right to a Jury Trial
Regardless of the specific drug crime charges against you, you have the right to a trial consisting of impartial jurors. These impartial jurors are the ones to decide at the end of your trial whether or not you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Right To Remain Silent
You have the right to stay silent to avoid the possibility of incriminating yourself. After your arrest, you may have been informed about this right. You do not have to answer questions before or during your trial. And if you choose not to answer questions, the judge or jury cannot make adverse inferences regarding your decision to remain silent. In other words, the judge or jury cannot conclude that you are guilty simply because you decided not to answer questions.
The Right to a Speedy Trial
Generally, a speedy trial means your trial must be held, or you must be released within a reasonable time. You cannot be locked up indefinitely without being tried. When assessing the right to a speedy trial, courts usually consider four things; 1) the length of the delay, 2) why the delay occurred, 3) whether the defendant asserted their right to a speeding trial, and 4) prejudice to the defendant.
The Right to a Public Trial
The right to a public trial usually offers defendants the opportunity to have a fair trial. If judges and prosecutors know that the public is watching, they may be more incentivized to uphold their duties. Also, with a public trial, witnesses are less likely to lie.
The Right To Confront Witnesses
You have the right to cross-examine or question the prosecutor’s witnesses during your trial.
The Right to Produce Evidence
Finally, you have the right to produce evidence you believe may favorably affect the outcome of your case. You can do this either by presenting the evidence to the court or by first requesting the court to allow you to present evidence. However, it is vital to note that you can only present logically and legally relevant evidence.
Contact a London Drug Crime Attorney Today
If you are facing drug crime charges, do not hesitate to contact our London drug crime attorneys at Cessna & George Law Firm. We can help you understand your rights, protect those rights, and fight the charges against you.
