Reliable and easy-to-understand legal guidance from experts, plus connections to defense attorneys.
Learn about your rights—and how to protect them—when dealing with the police and facing criminal charges.
Police can–and often do–lie to people when questioning them. It’s a tactic they use to get incriminating information out of suspects.
Police can–and often do–lie to people when questioning them. It’s a tactic they use to get incriminating information out of suspects.
No matter where you are in the process, we’ll break down what you can expect.
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.
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.
From the least serious to the most, we cover the particulars of all kinds of criminal charges.
Criminal convictions rarely result from jury verdicts. Over 90% come from guilty pleas and plea bargaining.
Criminal convictions rarely result from jury verdicts. Over 90% come from guilty pleas and plea bargaining.
Get answers to key questions like how to find a lawyer and what to expect from one.
One study found that defendants were 75% less likely to be convicted if they met with a lawyer within 48 hours of their arrest.
One study found that defendants were 75% less likely to be convicted if they met with a lawyer within 48 hours of their arrest.
Find answers to a variety of questions about the criminal justice system.
Some people assume date rape is less serious than stranger rape—but legally, it isn't. Learn how states define consent, what penalties a conviction can bring, what rape shield laws are, and when a victim can sue in civil court.
Whether it's deleting a text message or hiding a weapon, tampering with evidence carries harsh penalties. Understand the differences between federal and state laws, what prosecutors must prove to secure a conviction, and available defenses.
Did you know breaking in and stealing are two entirely separate crimes in the eyes of the law? Find out why you can be convicted of both burglary and theft for a single incident—and whether courts can actually punish you twice.
Facing criminal charges means deciding whether to fight at trial or take a deal. Discover how guilty, no contest, and Alford pleas work, and what rights you give up.
Most criminal defendants can't afford private attorneys and rely on public defenders for their defense. But a defendant must qualify. Learn how.
Talk to a criminal defense attorney who can explain the law, investigate the facts, and protect your rights. Fill out the form to be connected with attorneys in your area.