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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

North Carolina Criminal Statute of Limitations

Statutes of limitations set time limits for prosecutors to file criminal charges in a case. North Carolina prosecutors can file felony charges at any time, but they must file most misdemeanor charges within two years of the crime.

Michigan Criminal Statute of Limitations

Statutes of limitations set time limits for the government to bring criminal charges in a case. In Michigan, the prosecution has six years to file charges in most cases.

Colorado Criminal Statute of Limitations

Colorado law sets time limits—called statutes of limitations—for bringing charges in criminal cases. Violent crimes generally have longer time limits, and some crimes (like murder) have no time limits.

Nebraska Criminal Statute of Limitations

Nebraska's criminal statutes of limitations set "deadlines" for bringing criminal cases. Violent crimes generally have longer statutes of limitations, and some crimes have no statute of limitations.

Virginia Criminal Statute of Limitations

Statutes of limitations set time limits for the government to file criminal charges in a case. If the prosecution charges someone after the applicable time period has passed, the person charged can have the case dismissed.

Wisconsin Criminal Statute of Limitations

Statutes of limitations set time limits for the government to bring criminal charges in a case. If the prosecution charges someone after the applicable time period has passed, the person charged can have the case dismissed.

Oregon Criminal Statute of Limitations

Statutes of limitations set time limits for prosecutors to file charges in a criminal case. Learn about the time limits that apply to crimes committed in Oregon.

Missouri Criminal Statute of Limitations

Statutes of limitations set time limits for the prosecution to file charges in a criminal case. Learn about time limits for filing criminal charges in Missouri.

Kentucky Criminal Statute of Limitations

Kentucky's statutes of limitations allow prosecutors to file felony charges at any time. The law only places time limits on misdemeanor charges and violations.

Georgia Criminal Statute of Limitations

Statutes of limitations set time limits for bringing criminal charges in a case. If the prosecution charges someone after the applicable time period has passed, the person charged can have the case dismissed.

Utah Criminal Statute of Limitations

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

Minor in Possession of Alcohol

Learn about the legal consequences for underage drinking, including criminal penalties, fines, and drivers license suspensions.

Indiana Criminal Statute of Limitations

Statutes of limitations set time limits for prosecutors to bring criminal charges in a case. If the prosecution charges someone after the applicable time period has passed, the person charged can have the case dismissed.

Connecticut Criminal Statute of Limitations

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

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.

Massachusetts Criminal Statute of Limitations

Statutes of limitations set time limits for the government to bring criminal charges in a case. If the prosecution charges someone after the applicable time period has passed, the person charged can have the case dismissed.

New York Criminal Statute of Limitations

Like all states, New York sets forth a "deadline" for criminal cases. If the state tries to prosecute someone after the applicable time period has passed, the person charged can have the case dismissed.

New Hampshire Criminal Statute of Limitations

Statutes of limitations set time limits for the state to file charges in a criminal case. If the state files charges after the time limit expires, the person charged can have the case dismissed.

Criminal Laws and Procedures

In Your State

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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.

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