The U.S. Constitution – specifically, the first 8 Amendments, incorporated by the 14th (meaning that these amendments are applicable to the States) – is perhaps the most significant source of rules for procedure, rights, and privacy expectations. Between paragraphs, you can acquaint yourself with the language of the 4th, 5th, and 6th Amendments, which are some of the most applicable to modern day criminal law.
Fourth Amendment: 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. – Source, USConstitution.net
From the familiar “Miranda Warnings” to the lesser known, yet still popularized “Knock and Announce” doctrine, the Supreme Court has expressed a great deal of legal principles over the years, many of which have made their way into mainstream media, including pop-culture, the performing arts and literature. But what you see on TV is not what to expect in court. Only a professional attorney dedicated to his career can reasonably inform you what to expect in court.
Fifth Amendment: No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense 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. – Source, US Constitution.net
The Constitution was written many, many years ago and several rules that may directly have an effect on your case have been articulated and interpreted by the United States Supreme Court. Whether the Constitution is a “living” document, and as a result, changeable over the time, is a debate that will probably exist perpetually. But your Virginia Beach Criminal Lawyer isn’t concerned with political persuasions or what the rules “ought” to be – no, your Virginia Beach Criminal Lawyer is ready to exhaust every last defense available for you, the client. He is your connection to expansive wisdom on decades of Supreme Court cases; those cases which control the justice system and its many processes, subtleties, and procedures. An honest assessment of your Constitutional Rights is available in most areas via consultation.
Sixth Amendment: In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense. – Source, USConstitution.net