Understand Your Rights!

Reliable Information from a Reputable Defense Firm

Many people are generally uninformed about their protected rights under federal and Florida state law. This information becomes extremely important after you have been accused of a criminal offense, and knowing your rights can help you avoid severe penalties and further charges. The criminal justice system is hard-hitting and unforgiving, but that doesn't mean that the criminally accused don't have rights.

The various rights that are granted to all individuals under the U.S. Constitution include "search and seizure" rights, Miranda rights, right to counsel and trial rights. Under the "search and seizure" clause in the 4th Amendment, citizens are kept safe from unreasonable searches of their person and property. This law also prohibits police officers from making unlawful arrests and may be the key to fighting your charges or arrest.

Miranda rights are based on the 5th Amendment, and originate from the U.S. Supreme Court case of Miranda v. Arizona. Based on the ruling in this case, criminal suspects are granted a number of rights when they are questioned by law enforcement officers. If you have been taken into police custody, the police officer must inform you of four key rights before you are questioned. Under the Miranda Rights, you have the right to remain silent, and anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You also have the right to an attorney, and if you can't afford one, one will be appointed for you.

Individuals who are under investigation also have the right to counsel in most criminal proceedings. This means that you have the right to an attorney, but you must be vocal and clear about invoking your right to counsel. If you are under investigation for a crime, seeking counsel from an experienced and aggressive attorney is the most important thing you can to do avoid conviction. When you retain the help of a defender at our firm, you won't have to worry about defending your rights during the pre-trial or trial stages.

Why Parks & Braxton?

At Parks & Braxton, PA, we are intimately familiar with your rights and we know how to protect you to the fullest extent of the law. From the moment you contact our firm, you will begin to see the difference that a knowledgeable defense attorney can make in fighting your charges. Our partners bring experience as a former prosecutor for the Broward County State Attorney's Office, and he is familiar with what strategies the prosecution will try to use against you. Don't risk going to trial without full protection of your rights.