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 …

The Fifth Amendment creates a number of rights relevant to both criminal and civil legal proceedings. In criminal cases, the Fifth Amendment guarantees the right to a grand jury, forbids “double jeopardy,” and protects against self-incrimination.

The Fifth Amendment’s takings clause – “… nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation” – may appear as an outlier in an amendment otherwise concerned with the rights of the accused. The guarantees of the Fifth Amendment are as relevant today as they were at the time of the founding.

Accused persons have the right to know what charges have been made against them, to be present when witnesses are testifying against them in court, and to have access to the evidence collected against them. Right to a speedy and public trial with an impartial judge or jury, in the area where the crime was committed.

The Right to Trial By Jury: If you are accused of a crime, you have the right to request a trial by jury. Essentially, this right exists to protect you from any discrimination on the part of authorities by putting the ultimate determination regarding your guilt or innocence in the hands of your fellow citizens.

If you’re under investigation but haven’t yet been charged, you don’t generally have a right to see any evidence against you. Often a federal prosecutor will say that you’re only going to see the evidence, and then only some of the evidence, if you’re talking about working out a plea.

Trespass is not of itself a criminal offence. However there are some offences in which trespass is an essential element and this guidance sets out the most commonly encountered examples of such offences.