The criminal justice system can be confusing and overwhelming. For guidance about criminal procedures and help building a defense, contact a skilled and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney.
Learn More About Criminal Defense
An arrest for any charge, from shoplifting to murder, pits you against the power of the government. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help equalize the balance of power. Rob McKinney, Attorney at Law, has been protecting the rights of the accused in Nashville, Tennessee, and the surrounding area since 1994.
To learn more about how Rob McKinney can assist you, please review the information below and visit the criminal defense section of this website. To arrange a free initial consultation with an experienced and effective criminal defense lawyer, please contact Rob McKinney, Attorney at Law by e-mail or call toll free 866-603-2842.
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Too many people assume that a criminal defense attorney cannot help them. Don't make that mistake. Contact Rob McKinney, Attorney at Law by e-mail or call toll free 866-603-2842. He offers a free initial consultation to discuss your case and advise you of your rights.
A criminal conviction can result in fines, probation, jail or prison time, and a criminal record that can affect your life for years to come. Do not put your future at risk. Talk to Rob McKinney, Attorney at Law. It costs nothing to learn if he can help.
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 14th Amendment extends substantive due-process rights beyond 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 almost every aspect of the criminal-justice process. If you have been accused of a crime, whether federal, state, tribal or local, a criminal defense attorney from Rob McKinney, Attorney at Law in Nashville, TN, 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 a lawyer can advise you about each right's 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 retroactively 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
Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer
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 at Rob McKinney, Attorney at Law in Nashville, TN, 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.
