What are some of my important rights in federal court?
- You have a right to refuse to make any statements. If you have a lawyer, never make a statement to anybody without talking to your lawyer first.
- If you are charged with a felony, you have a right to have your case presented to a grand jury where a group of citizens vote as to whether there is probable cause to believe you committed the crime charged. If you are arrested for a felony offense before an indictment is returned, you have a right to a “preliminary hearing” where a magistrate judge determines if probable cause exists to believe you committed the crime charged.
- You have a right to be represented by an attorney and to have an attorney appointed by the court if you can show that you are unable to hire an attorney.
- You have a right to a detention hearing if the government seeks to keep you in jail pending your trial.
- You have a right to discover the evidence against you.
- You have a right to have the government prove any charge against you “beyond a reasonable doubt.” The “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard is the highest standard of proof that exists in the American justice system.
- You have a right to a speedy jury trial. Unlike in state court, a jury in federal court only decides the issue of guilt and innocence, not the sentence.
- If there is a trial, you have a right to testify at the trial. On the other hand, you cannot be forced to testify and, if you chose not to testify, that fact cannot be used against you.
- You have a right to use subpoenas to make witnesses come to court and testify on your behalf at any trial.
- You have a right, if there is a trial, to have your lawyer cross examine the government’s witnesses.
- You have a right to appeal your case and, if you cannot afford a lawyer, you have a right to an appointed lawyer on appeal.
Phone Numbers
Office: (214) 538-6629
Office Location
Dallas
