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Criminal law is a complex system of laws and rules that define criminal acts, set punishments, and outline the rules guiding the process from investigation and arrest to sentencing and parole.
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Misdemeanor crimes include simple assault, petty theft, disorderly conduct, and first-time impaired driving. A conviction can result in jail time, payment of fines and restitution, or probation.
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Felony crimes carry the possibility of a prison sentence ranging from a year to life in prison and up to the death penalty.
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What Does It Mean to Be Indicted?
An indictment is a formal accusation of a crime decided upon and issued by a grand jury. It signals the beginning of a criminal case.
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How Does a Criminal Case Go Through the Justice System?
Here's how to criminal process works. From investigation to arrest to a criminal charge and resolution.
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What Happens When a Person Is Charged With a Crime?
Being charged with a crime is serious. Read about how charging decisions are made, by whom, and what happens next.
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The Criminal Arrest Process & Your Rights
The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects people against unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. A police officer’s arrest of an individual is a type of “seizure” that falls under this constitutional provision.
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When Do I Have a Right to a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
The Sixth Amendment to the Constitution grants defendants the right to have a lawyer when facing criminal charges that could result in imprisonment.
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When Do I Have a Right to a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
The Sixth Amendment to the Constitution grants defendants the right to have a lawyer when facing criminal charges that could result in imprisonment.
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How Plea Bargains Work in a Criminal Case
A plea bargain is an agreement between the prosecutor and defense on an appropriate resolution to a criminal action. This agreement entails both sides giving up something in order to get something in return.
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Should I Plead Guilty at Arraignment?
Many reasons exist for a defendant to plead not guilty at the arraignment. At such an early stage of the prosecution, the defendant faces many unknowns.
