After Arrest: Getting In and Out of Jail
It’s two in the morning and you get a call from a friend or loved one who has been arrested. They’re upset and they need help, now! What do you d...
Overview of Search and Seizure Laws
Antoine Jones owes his court victory to the Fourth Amendment, a rule that was created in response to abuses by the British government in colonial Am...
First Offender Programs
A "first offender" program is a type of diversion, but only for those who have no previous criminal record (usually traffic tickets don’t count, but...
How to Get a Speedy Criminal Trial in Texas: Keep Asking
"Speedy Trial" is one of those rare phrases in legal talk that means exactly what it sounds like—that is, a Texas "speedy trial" means to have a...
Using a Private Criminal Defense Lawyer
This article covers private criminal defense attorneys: who they are, how to find them, and what they charge.
The Hallmarks of a Criminal Case
Be sure to understand thedifference between criminal and civil cases.
Arrests That Don’t Result in Criminal Charges
Many factors go into a prosecutor's decision not to file charges against an arrested suspect.
Using a Private Criminal Defense Lawyer: Part Three
This article covers private criminal defense attorneys: who they are, how to find them, and what they charge.
Using a Private Criminal Defense Lawyer: Part Two
This article covers private criminal defense attorneys: who they are, how to find them, and what they charge.
What To Do If Your Loved One Has Been Arrested In New York City
Having a family member, friend or other loved one arrested can be a frightening experience. You'll want to know what will happen, how long they may be...
Defenses to Federal Civil Asset Forfeiture
Property or belongings that were allegedly part of a criminal act, or the proceeds of a crime, can be seized by the state. There are defenses to such ...
Criminal Trial: Process and Steps
There are many stages in a criminal case, and the rules of procedure can vary widely, depending upon whether the trial is being held in State or Feder...
Post-Trial Motions
When a defendant has been convicted in a criminal case, their first priority is to begin the appeals process. Criminal defense attorneys are prima...
First Court Hearing in a Criminal Case
When someone has been arrested for committing a crime, the police will transport him or her to the local county jail. This type of facility will h...
Criminal Law: The Arrest
The laws regarding who can make an arrest depends on whether the police have sufficient evidence that a crime was committed. Officers responding t...
Introduction to a Criminal Defense Case
Criminal Investigations are the First Part of a Criminal Defense Case. The primary duty of law enforcement officials is to protect and serve the cit...
Verdict in a Criminal Case
Waiting for a verdict to be returned in a criminal case can be an excruciating time for the attorneys, the victims and most of all the defendant. ...
Jury Issues in a Criminal Case
Most Americans who are called to serve as a juror in a criminal case take their obligation seriously. The fate of the defendant charged in the cas...
Criminal Law: The Arrest Part II
The police are not required to obtain a warrant before placing a suspect under arrest for driving under the influence (DUI). Just the mere fact th...
Defense Options Before a Criminal Trial
The Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees all defendants in a criminal case the right to be represented by legal counsel. I...
After an Arrest for a Crime
When an individual is placed under arrest, he must be given his Miranda warning advising him of his right to remain silent and obtain legal counse...
Found Guilty: Now What? Appeal, Sentence Reduction and More
A guilty verdict, or even a plea, doesn't necessarily finish your defense. You still have options, and opportunities to improve your future...
Resolving Criminal Cases
Everyone always says "I want a bulldog for a lawyer...someone who is going to be tough as nails." While I certainly understand that sentiment, in th...
Preliminary Criminal Hearing: Process and Procedures
In the criminal process, a preliminary hearing happens after a defendant has been arrested and arranged. During an arrangement, a defendant tells th...
Raising Consitutional Issues in a DUI/Criminal Case
Once charged for a criminal offense in Michigan whether for DUI/OWI/OUIL or felony/misdemeanor, it is important for your DUI/Criminal Defense Atto...
Criminal Arraignment: What to Expect
An important part of criminal law is the arraignment process. After someone is arrested for a crime, a formal hearing called an arraignment tak...
What is a Bench Trial in a Criminal Case?
A bench trial makes the judge the person who decides what witnesses to believe. He determines what the facts are, then applies the law to those fa...
Should I Just Plead Guilty to Shoplifting?
It is almost never a good idea to plead guilty at your first court appearance without checking to see if there are alternatives to a criminal conv...
Steps in a Criminal Investigation that Lead to Arrest
While some arrests occur immediately, many arrests occur only after law enforcement authorities have thorough investigated a person and/or criminal ...
Jury Selection in Criminal Cases in Texas
One of the most important parts of a criminal trial is jury selection. Formally known as “Voir Dire”, it is the process by which jurors are selec...
How Plea Bargaining Works in a Criminal Case
A plea bargain is an agreement or a "deal" between the State and the defendant. The State offers the defendant an incentive to change his or her ...
The Entrapment Defense in a Utah Criminal Case
Entrapment is a special defense available in some cases in which special circumstances exist which merit its application. If entrapment is proved in...
What is a Directed Verdict?
A directed verdict is a verdict in a legal case brought before the court in which the judge that is presiding over the case, usually a jury trial, o...
How Your Bail Amount Is Determined
Bail allows arrested people the ability to stay out of jail while awaiting the trial. Bail can be paid for by family or friends of the accused. Some...
California Criminal Process in Seven Steps
The prosecutorial process in each California county Superior Court follows the same clear and predictable pattern. In our practice we have found tha...
Criminal Trial: Motion to Suppress Evidence
A motion to suppress evidence is a powerful defense in a criminal trial. If evidence was not obtained in the proper manner, your attorney can file a...
Steps in a Michigan Criminal Case
Whether it’s your first time being charged with a crime or you’re just curious as to how the process works, this guide will take you through ste...
Preparing For Trial: How A Jury Is Chosen
The process for how a jury is chosen is called “voir dire” which is an Anglo-French term meaning “to speak the truth”. Both ...
Michigans Preliminary Exam: A Criminal Defense Option?
Under Michigan law, a criminal defendant who is charged with a felony has the right to have a Preliminary Examination at the district court level wi...
Who is Eligible to be Legal Witness to Execution?
Currently, 34 states, as well as the U.S. military and the federal government, impose the death penalty as punishment for the most serious crimes. ...
Which States Have the Harshest DUI Laws?
DUI laws are formulated at the state level, which means the process of conviction, associated penalties, and other fallout from a DUI charge will wi...
What is Megans Law?
Megan's law is named after Megan Kanka. Megan’s law is a term used to describe the laws that require convicted sex offenders to register their nam...
