Mark Theoharis is a writer and former attorney who specializes in legal writing for non-lawyers. The need to translate the Byzantine world of legal language into something an average reader can understand and use led him to create his own company, where he has provided law firms, companies, and professionals with a range of services, from creating manuals and guides to ghostwriting books and blog posts.
Articles by Mark Theoharis
Unlawful Restraint: Crime and Penalty
Unlawful restraint occurs when someone intentionally restricts another person's freedom of movement without legal authority. This overview covers the elements of the crime, potential penalties, and how it differs from false imprisonment.
Money Laundering: Crime and Penalties
Contrary to the common idiom, crime often pays. It can pay so much that people with illegally acquired funds may develop complicated plans to make the money appear to have originated from a legal source—known as money laundering.
What Is the Crime of False Imprisonment?
False imprisonment charges can stem from anything from a heated domestic dispute to a misunderstanding at a store. Explore the elements of unlawful restraint, common defenses, and the harsh penalties a conviction carries.
What Is Criminal Mischief? Definitions and Penalties
Criminal mischief occurs when someone intentionally or recklessly damages another person's property without consent. While often associated with minor vandalism, the financial cost of the damage can easily turn this charge into a felony.
Juvenile Curfew Laws
Curious about how juvenile curfew laws could affect your family? This article clarifies who sets these rules, common exceptions, what penalties look like, and practical tips for keeping your teen—and yourself—on the right side of the law.
Illegal Weapon Possession: Laws and Penalties
The Second Amendment protects gun rights, but federal and state laws still ban certain weapons and certain people from owning them. A violation can mean a felony charge and years in prison. Here's what you need to know.
Fake ID: Laws and Penalties
While getting caught with a fake ID might seems inconsequential, learn how consequential a conviction can be.
What Is an Adjudicatory Hearing?
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.
Reckless Driving Violations and Penalties
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.
Incorrigibility: Juvenile Laws
When a child habitually disobeys parents or teachers, the law calls it "incorrigibility." This status offense can pull a family into the juvenile justice system. Here's what parents need to know about the legal process and consequences.