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Understanding Your Constitutional Rights

Criminal Defense Attorneys Aiding St. Petersburt Residents

As criminal defense lawyers, we are constantly searching for evidence that our clients have been victims of constitutional violations on behalf of the government. Some of the most common questions from our clients involve how their rights under the US and State constitutions might affect the outcome of their case. There are several sections of the United States Constitution that primarily and directly influence criminal investigations. For this reason, if you are charged with a crime, it is critical that you retain a St. Petersburg criminal defense lawyer with extensive experience litigating constitutional issues.

The sections of the Constitution that most directly affect criminal defendants are the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth amendments. Those amendments protect residents of the United States from unlawful searches and seizures by law enforcement and establish our rights to a jury trial, our rights to representation by a lawyer, and our right to be free from self incrimination. Knowledge of these rights and your assertion of them can mean the difference between your conviction on a criminal case or a dismissal.

Fourth Amendment

The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution states: 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. It is important to remember that police are not allowed to search you, your home, your car, or any of your belongings unless they have obtained a warrant to do so or they have some exception to the warrant requirement.

If a police officer asks for your consent to search your person or any of your belongings, it typically means that the officer has no other legal basis to conduct the search. You are allowed to, and under most circumstances should refuse to allow the police to search. Many people make the mistake of believing that refusing to submit to a search will make it seem like they are guilty or that they have something to hide. Police and prosecutors try to push this narrative, but the right to be free from government intrusion is a fundamental right that you can and should assert.

If a police officer violates your Fourth Amendment right and searches or arrests you without probable cause or a warrant, you may be entitled to significant legal recourse. For example, if the police conduct an illegal search and discover contraband as a result, a skilled St. Petersburg criminal defense attorney may be able to file a motion to suppress that can result in that evidence being excluded from your trial. A violation of your Fourth Amendment rights is a grave constitutional violation and you should strive to retain a lawyer who believes in the preservation of those rights.

Fifth and Sixth Amendment Miranda Rights

The Fifth Amendment states that no person “shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself.” The Sixth Amendment tells us that every defendant “shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury… and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.” The Fifth and Sixth amendments work in conjunction to form what we commonly refer to as Miranda rights. You may have seen someone arrested on a TV show followed by a police officer informing him or her that they have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.

Foolishly, people sometimes choose not to take advantage of these rights. Too often, people are convicted of crimes simply because they confess (either falsely or truthfully) under pressure from police interrogation. When being interrogated by police, if you ask for a lawyer or simply tell them that you do not want to answer their questions, the police must immediately terminate the interrogation. If you find yourself being questioned by police, the first thing you should do is contact a dedicated St. Petersburg Criminal defense lawyer.

Speak to the Lawyers at Hanlon Law Today

The lawyers at Hanlon Law have extensive experience exposing constitutional violations on the part of the government. If you believe you might be the victim of a constitutional violation, don’t hesitate to contact us today at 727.289.0222.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
As a practicing attorney, I was shocked to hear that a family member of mine was alleged to have committed a sex crime. Knowing full well the consequences this type of allegation can have on anyone and their future, I immediately reached out to William Hanlon for help. I had every confidence that Mr. Hanlon had the knowledge, expertise, and experience to handle this problem. Approximately 4 weeks from an initial conference with Mr. Hanlon, we received a call with the news that a letter of release was being issued and the case was being dropped. Now my family member can finally exhale, take a deep breath, and go on with his life. Thank you, William! Jerry
★★★★★
Was on the ball. Remembered names, events, places, situations. Never need to re explain the situation. Keeps in touch through out the entire experience and keeps you feeling safe, comforted and protected. Fights hard. Worth every single penny. Would never settle for anything less than Will. Carrie
★★★★★
I was facing a charge that if convicted would carry two years in prison minimally. Not only was he empathetic and listening to what I had to say but he arranged with the prosecutor for my charges not to be filed under terms of a pre trial investigation. Would highly recommend. Alec
★★★★★
I am very happy for what he did for me. Always there when I needed him. Explained everything well. He Fights for his clients. He got me what I needed. Hes an excellent lawyer. Mutaz
★★★★★
Mr. Hanlon did what no other lawyer could do. Not only did he turn my criminal history into a thing of the past so I could move on, he was a loyal associate. No matter how bad the situation is, he has miraculously cleared me on every charge since he became my lawyer 5 years ago. I have the best lawyer that the legal system has to offer. I have had other really good lawyers try to get my business, but I know that no one can do a better job than William Hanlon. Jesse