When you’re suspected of committing a crime, understanding your legal rights is imperative for avoiding self-incrimination or any other negative outcome. An essential part of United States citizenship includes knowing and comprehending the rights afforded to you by the constitution and other legal precedents. One of these vital rights is the Right to Counsel.
Where Does the Right to Counsel Come From?
The right to counsel is found in the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution. The initial interpretation of the Sixth Amendment only allowed defendants a right to counsel in criminal prosecutions. However, court cases have determined that the right to counsel be extended to the following phases of legal interactions:
- Interrogations
- Trial
- Sentencing
- Appeals
What Questions Can Be Asked of Me Before Invoking My Right to Counsel?
In many instances, police officers will ask questions to individuals without reading them their Miranda Rights. This is not technically a necessary procedure until interrogation begins. However, it’s essential that you understand the questions that you must answer before you invoke your right to counsel. Furthermore, all questions that they may ask are identification questions, such as name, date of birth, or social security number. Most importantly, individuals do not need to answer any other questions before they are joined by their attorney, despite what an officer may say.
What is an Attorney’s Role in Assisting a Defendant?
Keith J. Williams is an award-winning criminal defense attorney in Bucks County, PA. At Keith J. Williams Law, we pride ourselves in assisting defendants to the best of our ability. We believe our advisement will offer important insights for individuals facing a criminal charge. We will:
- Advise you on your rights
- Explain the legal process to you
- Negotiate a plea deal on your behalf, if possible
- Investigate your case
- Defend you during trial by cross-examining witnesses
- Defend you in trial by objecting to improper questioning
- Represent you in trial with any other form of legal defense
- Ensure your rights are upheld in all phases of the prosecution
Come to Us for Counsel
Above all, it is crucial to remember that your right to counsel begins once any line of questioning starts. If you’re looking for a criminal defense attorney in Doylestown, PA or nearby areas, contact Keith J. Williams Law now. We specialize in criminal defense with the singular aim of giving you the best representation possible.
