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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

How to Detect a Grifter

Grifters, scammers, con artists, and swindlers are thieves and fraudsters who use a common playbook. Learn to spot grifting tactics and protect yourself.

Auto Theft Laws in New York

What are the criminal penalties for car theft and other vehicle crimes in New York state?

Auto Theft Laws in Kentucky

Grand theft auto, carjacking, and related offenses carry serious felony penalties in Kentucky.

Auto Theft Laws in Pennsylvania

It's a felony to steal a car in Pennsylvania. Learn about auto theft and related crimes, such as stealing vehicle parts, joyriding, carjacking, and selling to a chop shop.

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.

Sex Trafficking Laws and Penalties

A form of human trafficking, sex trafficking exploits a victim for sex acts by using force, threats, coercion, or fraud.

Auto Theft Laws in Tennessee

Tennessee law prohibits several activities relating to stealing cars or their parts, including theft, joyriding, carjacking, and damage to property.

South Carolina Auto Theft Laws

South Carolina law criminalizes motor vehicle theft, carjacking, joyriding, breaking into a vehicle, and selling parts to chop shops.

Washington Criminal Statute of Limitations

Statutes of limitations set time limits for criminal charges to be brought in a case. In Washington, some crimes—like a capital felony for murder—have no time limit and can be prosecuted at any time.

Auto Theft Laws in Texas

A person convicted of vehicle theft, carjacking, or joyriding can face state jail or prison time. Learn about these and other theft-related crimes and penalties in Texas.

Vehicle and Auto Theft Laws in Arizona

Stealing a vehicle or its parts means felony penalties in Arizona. Learn about the penalties for vehicle theft and related crimes, like carjacking and joyriding.

Auto Theft Laws in Oklahoma

Like many states, a conviction for motor vehicle larceny or a related crime in Oklahoma can result in a serious prison sentence and substantial fines.

Auto Theft Laws in Minnesota

Minnesota law prohibits taking a car without the owner’s permission. Learn about the various conduct that constitutes theft in the state, as well as related offenses.

Auto Theft Laws in Michigan

Stealing a car or even taking it on a joyride can result in felony penalties in Michigan. Carjacking can mean up to life in prison. Learn about Michigan's laws related to motor vehicle larceny.

Auto Theft Laws in Georgia

Most vehicle theft offenses carry the possibility of felony penalties in Georgia. Learn more about Georgia's laws on stealing vehicles or vehicle parts (including catalytic converters).

Criminal Laws and Procedures

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