The American Civil Liberties Union has recently issued a statement accusing the FBI of racial profiling - the targeting of racial, ethnic and religious groups for investigation by associating criminal behaviors with specific communities. One of the areas specifically mentioned in its report was Michigan. According to the report, Michigan's Arab-American and Muslim communities have been targeted for investigation as a possible terrorist recruitment ground. The ACLU labels such practice as "racial profiling on an industrial scale" and is calling for Attorney General Eric Holder to put an end to this practice.
If you feel you have been targeted unfairly by police, or have been improperly detained for investigation into an alleged crime, it is important to obtain the help of an aggressive Michigan criminal defense attorney at once to challenge law enforcement's authority and protect your constitutional rights. Under the constitution, the 4th amendment prohibits police officers or other law enforcement from stopping a person without evidence they were involved in a crime.
The lack of a valid reason for stopping an individual may serve as a defense - including as a DUI defense or drug possession defense.
The ACLU notes, "Today the FBI is engaged in unconstitutional and crude stereotyping, attributing certain types of crimes to entire racial and ethnic communities around the country. It is then collecting racial and ethnic information to "map" those communities on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, and national origin. Sweeping away protections that have been in place since the 1970s, new, permissive regulations also allow the FBI to spy on innocent Americans and peaceful groups with little or no suspicion of wrongdoing."
The constitution protects your rights throughout much of the criminal law process - an experienced Michigan criminal defense law firm can fight to ensure your rights are not violated. The rights given to criminal defendants under the Constitution extend to all U.S citizens. In addition to the fourth amendment, the constitution ensures the right to counsel, the right to due process, the right to a jury trial and the privilege against self-incrimination. Further - the role of the criminal is specifically embedded in the U.S. Constitution. It is a right of any U.S. citizen accused of any crime - including drunk driving, theft, and homicide - to be represented by an attorney of his or her choosing. It is important to have an experienced criminal defense attorney protecting the accused from the vast resources of the government, ensuring fair representation.
As alleged by the ACLU, the FBI is further encroaching on Michigan citizens and potentially violating individual's rights through racial profiling. If you are under investigation for any Michigan crime or believe you have been stopped and searched based on your race, national origin or ethnicity, you need to fight back. Contact the experienced Michigan criminal defense lawyers at A. Scott Grabel & Associates immediately to protect your constitutional rights.
