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Reliable and easy-to-understand legal guidance from experts, plus connections to defense attorneys.

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Your Rights

Learn about your rights—and how to protect them—when dealing with the police and facing criminal charges.

Did You Know?

Police can–and often do–lie to people when questioning them. It’s a tactic they use to get incriminating information out of suspects.

Did You Know?

Police can–and often do–lie to people when questioning them. It’s a tactic they use to get incriminating information out of suspects.

Steps in a Criminal Case

No matter where you are in the process, we’ll break down what you can expect.

Did You Know?

Prosecutors don’t file charges in every case that comes across their desks. One study found that prosecutors rejected or dismissed nearly 30% of cases.

Did You Know?

Prosecutors don’t file charges in every case that comes across their desks. One study found that prosecutors rejected or dismissed nearly 30% of cases.

Criminal Laws and Penalties

From the least serious to the most, we cover the particulars of all kinds of criminal charges.

Did You Know?

Criminal convictions rarely result from jury verdicts. Over 90% come from guilty pleas and plea bargaining.

Did You Know?

Criminal convictions rarely result from jury verdicts. Over 90% come from guilty pleas and plea bargaining.

Working With a Defense Attorney

Get answers to key questions like how to find a lawyer and what to expect from one.

Did You Know?

One study found that defendants were 75% less likely to be convicted if they met with a lawyer within 48 hours of their arrest.

Did You Know?

One study found that defendants were 75% less likely to be convicted if they met with a lawyer within 48 hours of their arrest.

Other Criminal Defense Topics

Find answers to a variety of questions about the criminal justice system.

Recent Articles

Prostitution, Pimping, and Pandering

Pimping and pandering laws are designed to curb prostitution—and to protect people who might take part in it—by punishing those who exploit, facilitate, or knowingly benefit from the sex trade.

Upskirting Laws and Penalties

Taking photos or creating videos of a person's intimate areas without their consent can lead to criminal charges for invasion of privacy or video voyeurism. Learn how these laws interact with the practice of "upskirting."

Is It Illegal to Postdate a Check?

Understand when postdating a check can lead to criminal charges, civil liability, or both, and what alternatives may be better options to avoid legal troubles.

Runaway Teenagers

Here are common questions about legal problems for the child who runs away, the child’s parents, and any other adult who might become involved with the child by, for example, allowing the child to stay in their home.

Attempted Murder

The crime of attempted murder can be charged when a person intends to commit murder and tries to carry out the killing but, for whatever reason, is unable to accomplish it.

Homicide: Murder and Manslaughter

The term "homicide" means the killing of another person—but it's not always a crime. Some homicides are justified, such as those done in self-defense or during war. Unlawful homicides include murder, manslaughter, and vehicular homicide.

Grand Theft Auto

Grand theft auto, or stealing an automobile or other vehicle, is a felony in most states, and may be punished by imprisonment. Learn how states define and punish car theft.

Statutory Rape Laws and Charges

Statutory rape offenses are strict liability offenses that can result in a felony conviction and prison time, even if a defendant genuinely didn't know the partner was younger than the age of consent. Learn how statutory rape laws work.

Violation of a Restraining Order

Restraining order violations can carry serious repercussions, including arrest, jail holds, and a criminal conviction.

New York Laws on Petit and Grand Larceny and Shoplifting

Like many states, New York classifies its larceny offenses according to the value of the stolen property—and, in some cases, according to the type of property involved in the larceny. Learn how quickly larceny adds up to a felony.

Alabama Domestic Violence Laws

Domestic violence laws in Alabama prohibit certain acts of physical violence between an aggressor and a victim, including a parent and child, husband and wife, and couples in a dating or engagement relationship.

Is Ketamine Legal?

Learn more about the legal status of Ketamine, from anesthetic to club drug to promising treatment for depression.

Criminal Laws and Procedures

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