Sentencing Alternatives to Jail and Prison
Time behind bars isn't the only sentencing option available. Learn about alternatives, such as probation, restitution, community service, house arrest, and treatment.
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.
Time behind bars isn't the only sentencing option available. Learn about alternatives, such as probation, restitution, community service, house arrest, and treatment.
An adjudicatory hearing is the juvenile court equivalent of a criminal trial. Juvenile court is less formal than adult criminal court but also comes with fewer protections.
A shove, a threat, even a menacing look can land a minor in juvenile court on simple assault charges. Find out what the charge means, what punishments are possible, and whether your child's record could follow them into adulthood.
Don't dismiss a reckless driving charge as just another traffic ticket. It’s often a criminal offense that carries severe penalties, including jail time.
Are you worried about your teen's unexcused absences from school? Understand the difference between excused and unexcused absences, the role of truancy officers, and the legal penalties parents face when attendance laws are violated.
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.