Basic Rights of the Criminal Defendants in the U.S.
Criminal defendants have the rights given by the U.S. Constitution at the very first moment they are arrested. It directs the government on how criminal defendants must be investigated, prosecuted, and punished during the trial. Right to Remain Silent The Fifth Amendment protects the defendant against self-incrimination. Once a defendant chooses to remain silent, the prosecutor or judge cannot force him to stand as a witness or to testify. However, this right works for criminal defendants only. Therefore, an offender with a civil case may be forced to testify. Right to a Reasonable Bail Bail bonds