Constitutional Rights

Constitutional rights play a crucial role in every criminal investigation. As a defendant, your constitutional rights must be protected through every step of the process. If your rights are violated at any time, it may be grounds for dismissal of the charges.

At Pelley Law Office, L.L.P. our attorneys have extensive experience handling criminal defense matters for clients throughout North Texas. We know your rights and we know how to protect them. If you are facing criminal charges and have questions about your constitutional rights, please contact us today to schedule a free legal consultation.

Protect Your Constitutional Rights

Whether you have been arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, a drug offense or any other crime, you are protected by the U.S. Constitution. Every element of the arrest, including the stop, the search, the breath test and reading of your rights, is governed by this ancient document. Every element of the prosecution — from questioning to jury selection — is governed by the constitution as well.

The most important constitutional amendments in regard to your criminal defense rights are:

• The Fourth Amendment: "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
• The Fifth Amendment: "No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation."
• The Sixth Amendment: "In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense."
• The Eighth Amendment: "Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted."

Also, the 14th Amendment ensures that states recognize the federal constitutional rights of individuals. If you feel your constitutional rights have been violated, our experienced Texas defense lawyers are here to help.

Contact Us

Have you been charged with or accused of a crime? Contact our criminal defense firm at 972-608-0335 or 903-813-4778. We offer a free initial consultation.

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