Denton Criminal Lawyers

Fifth Amendment Rights

If you’ve been arrested, you know the negative impact an arrest can have on your life, but you may not be fully aware of your rights. The end of the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution states:

…nor shall any person be subject for the same offence 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.

Put simply, this means that you cannot be tried twice for the same crime. You cannot be imprisoned or have your property taken from you without first having gone through due process of the law. Your property cannot be taken from you for public use without you being compensated for it.

Most importantly, you are not obligated in any way to bear witness against or incriminate yourself. This portion of the Fifth Amendment ties directly into your Miranda Rights. These rights include the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.

Remember: if you choose speak about your arrest, anything you say can be used against you in a court of law. Also, if you are unable to afford an attorney, one will be provided to you by the state.

Contact a Denton Criminal Lawyer

If you have been arrested, or have questions about your fifty amendment rights, please contact the Denton Criminal Lawyers of Alexander & Associates at 972-420-6560. Learn about your rights and get the representation you deserve.