Janet Portman

Janet Portman

Attorney · Santa Clara University School of Law

More Articles by Janet Portman

Articles 11-20 out of 22

Plea Bargaining Pros and Cons
The vast majority of cases are settled by plea bargaining, which is the reason most cases don’t go to trial. Plea bargains have pros and cons for both sides.
Diversion, Mediation or Treatment Instead of Criminal Conviction
If you are charged with a crime for the first time, you may not be looking at prison, or even jail time. People who know they won't go to jail often think that a quick guilty plea is the best way...
Warrant While Incarcerated: Multiple Warrants
There are times when an individual may have one or more arrest warrants on record, even while they are already in a correctional facility for another crime.
Sealing a Federal Adult Criminal Record
If you were convicted in federal district court of a federal offense, in theory, you can request an expungement of your record. Federal judges have the power to expunge any record of conviction, but they rarely exercise it.
Misdemeanor Crimes: Classes and Penalties
Most states and the federal criminal code have classified their misdemeanors into classes or levels.
Armed Robbery: Laws and Penalties
A person commits armed robbery when he takes something from someone else by using violence or intimidation and while carrying a dangerous weapon.
Public Urination Laws and Penalties
Urinating in public is illegal in every state. Defendants may be charged under a law that specifically criminalizes the act, or the prosecutor may allege that the defendant presented a public nuisance or is guilty of disorderly conduct.
Charges Associated With Public Urination In California
Depending on the circumstances, urinating in public could land you in jail.
Falsely Accused of Assault: Steps to Protecting Yourself
Being accused of assault or any crime is a serious matter. Learn what you should do and not do if someone falsely accuses you.
Federal Mail Fraud Laws
The mail fraud statute, sometimes called the federal prosecutor's best friend, covers a range of fraudulent schemes committed using the mail systems. Learn how the law defines and penalizes acts of mail fraud—a felony under federal law.
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