Defendant's Rights

The Constitution of the United States guarantees to every citizen certain fundamental rights that we seek to protect. They include:

1. Right to an Attorney - Defendants have the right to an attorney throughout legal proceedings. The court will appoint an attorney for the defendant at no charge if they cannot afford to hire one. Yet, at the end of the case, they may be asked to pay all or part of the cost for that attorney, if they can afford to.

2. Right to a Jury Trial - Defendants have the right to a speedy, public jury trial. At the trial, the defendant is presumed innocent, and cannot be convicted unless 12 impartial jurors are convinced of the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

3. Right to Confront Witnesses - Defendants have the right to confront and cross-examine all witnesses testifying against them.

4. Right Against Self-Incrimination - The defendant has the right to remain silent and not incriminate themselves, and the right to testify on their own behalf.

5. Right to Produce Evidence - The defendant has the right to present evidence and to have the court issue a subpoena to bring into court all witnesses and evidence favorable to them, at no cost to them.

The Law Offices of Thomas A. Martin represents clients throughout Southeast Texas, including the cities of Houston, Galveston, Memorial, River Oaks, West University, Clear Lake, League City, Sugar Land, Pearland, Beaumont, Hempstead, Katy, Conroe, and all the communities in Brazoria County, Chambers County, Fort Bend County, Galveston County, Harris County, Jefferson County, Liberty County, Montgomery County, and Waller County.