Lauren Baldwin has been licensed as an attorney in New Mexico for twenty years. She has extensive experience as a litigator and appellate practitioner in criminal and family law (including adoptions). She holds a Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law and a Master of Fine Arts in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts.
Articles By Lauren Baldwin
What Is the Bench Trial Process?
A bench trial is tried to a judge only—there's no jury. Learn how bench trials work in criminal cases and why a defendant might choose to go that route over a jury trial.
Felony Assault & Battery Laws and Penalties
The crime of battery is the intentional touching of another in an angry manner, or the intentional use of force or violence against another. Assault is defined very differently from one state to another.
Pressing Charges for a Criminal Act
If you believe a person committed a crime against you, the offender will not necessarily be immediately arrested and charged. Police and prosecutors do not arrest and charge someone solely because another person claims that a crime occurred and wants the offender prosecuted.
What Is the Suspended Imposition of a Sentence?
If you are convicted at trial or plead guilty to a crime for which the judge can sentence you to jail or prison, the judge can suspend all or part of the sentence and place you on probation (supervised or unsupervised). A suspended sentence can be an excellent alternative to serving a lengthy jail or prison sentence.
Expunging or Sealing an Adult Criminal Record
Even years after a criminal conviction, a criminal record can interfere with your ability to obtain employment, housing, and professional licenses. Is it possible to clear a criminal record after an arrest or conviction?
Who Decides to Try a Juvenile as an Adult?
In most states, when children are accused of criminal acts, the case most often is addressed in a juvenile court and not in the adult criminal court system. All states, however, have provisions that allow or require the courts to treat juveniles in certain cases as adults.
Revenge Porn in Illinois
Illinois has criminalized revenge porn – posting or distributing intimate photographs, images, or videos of another person on the internet without the person’s consent and in order to harass or upset that person.
I'm Being Charged with Rape: What Should I Do?
A rape charge is a serious felony charge with severe penalties. Here's what to do if you are facing rape charges, the possible consequences if you are convicted, and how a lawyer could help.
Sex Offense Appeals
If you are convicted of a crime, including a sex crime, you may want to appeal the verdict. During the appeals process, the convicted person asks an appellate court to review and overturn the judge or jury’s decision or sentence.
Sexual Misconduct Laws, Charges, & Defenses
Sexual misconduct by a person in a position of authority or trust can result in criminal charges, jail or prison time, and even required registration as a sex offender. What are the possible penalties for someone convicted of this crime and what rights and defenses does a person have if charged with this type of crime?