Understanding the Right to Counsel: Comparing the Fifth and Sixth Amendments

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Both the Fifth and Sixth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution involve the right to counsel. 6th amendment grants right to counsel ensures the right to effective assistance of counsel during the critical stages of a criminal prosecution. The Fifth Amendment right to counsel was recognized as part of Miranda v. Arizona and refers to the right to counsel during a custodial interrogation; Meaning It doesn 't necessarily mean handcuffed but the police have taken the suspect his or her freedom of action in any significant way for example a traffic stop. In this case the defendant was not taken to court instead he was arrested assuming that the Miranda rights were read to him dealing with this scenario on the 5th amendment. If jack was interrogated …show more content…

Arraignment/First Appearance at the arraignment, Joe is formally advised of the charges and constitutional rights. Bail is often set during the arraignment. Bail is used by the court almost like an "insurance policy" that you will appear on future court dates. The amount of bail is determined by the judge. The judge will look to two factors in deciding bail: your risk of flight and whether you pose a danger to the community. Bail amounts can range from being released on your own recognizance, all the way up to millions of dollars. In Joes case no bail is …show more content…

Both the defense attorney and the prosecuting attorney have an opportunity to make opening statements, introduce witnesses and evidence in favor of their case, cross-examine witnesses and offer closing arguments. During the deliberation phase of the case, the jury decides whether the prosecution has met the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the jury finds joe not guilty, you are free to go and not subject to further prosecution based on the same offenses. Sentencing, If Joe is found guilty, the sentencing hearing is where the judge determines and imposes the appropriate punishment. Joe may be sentenced a term in state prison or if otherwise probation. Different crimes carry different possible penalties. Joe also entitled to a sentencing hearing to propose why you believe the judge should give you the lowest possible penalty. Appeals & Writs: If Joe is convicted, He may file an appeal to an appellate level court with the argument that the trial court made legal errors. If the defense can prove that the trial court made legal errors, or you were denied due process of law or a fair trial, it may result in the reversal of Joes

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