Rebecca Pirius is a Legal Editor at Nolo with a focus on criminal law. She has worked in the area of criminal law since 2003, most recently as a senior policy specialist at the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). For 12 years, Rebecca was a legislative analyst and an attorney in the Minnesota House of Representatives, providing nonpartisan legal research and drafting services to the 134 members. Right out of law school, she clerked for a judge in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Rebecca earned her J.D. from Mitchell Hamline School of Law in Minnesota, where she graduated magna cum laude and served as a law review member. She is a member of the Minnesota State Bar.
Nolo. In 2017, Rebecca began freelancing with Nolo and writing articles on criminal law, traffic laws, and impaired driving. She started full time at Nolo in 2019 as a Legal Editor. She writes primarily for CriminalDefenseLawyer.com and Nolo.com.
Prior career. Working at the Minnesota Legislature and NCSL, Rebecca conducted extensive research and analysis of laws and legislation on criminal law, public safety, corrections, and courts. Her roles required her to break down complex legal concepts for a broad audience, including policymakers and constituents, and allowed her to work with both sides of the political aisle. At NCSL, her policy work took her around the country to work with local and state policymakers, prosecutors, defense attorneys, former offenders, young adult offenders, crime victims, and criminal justice experts.
Articles by Rebecca Pirius
Wondering if you have to testify in a domestic violence case? While you can refuse, prosecutors might still subpoena you or use other evidence. Here's what you need to know about the legal consequences and your rights as a victim.
Kidnapping laws make it a serious felony to take, confine, or move someone against their will, often with a further criminal purpose in mind. Discover how states and federal law define kidnapping, its degrees, and the possible sentences.
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.
Off-label use of amphetamines (typically Adderall) is a common drug crime. Learn the federal penalties for possession, sale, and theft of amphetamines.
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.
During election season, accusations of fraud run rampant. But what actually constitutes voter fraud versus election fraud in the eyes of the law? Find out how state and federal statutes define and penalize these serious offenses.
Shoplifting offenses are fairly common, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be taken seriously. Felony charges may apply to more expensive shoplifted items or when a shoplifter has prior theft convictions.
Claiming an alibi means asserting you were somewhere else during a crime. But how do you prove it in court? From eyewitness testimony to cell phone tracking, understand the evidence required to build a strong alibi defense.
Treatment courts focus on recovery rather than punishment, offering an alternative to jail for eligible offenders. We explain how drug, DUI, mental health, and veterans courts work, who qualifies, and the intense commitment required.
The Constitution gives the president broad power to pardon federal offenses, but state crimes are strictly off limits. Explore how the pardon process works, the controversy of preemptive pardons, and the limits of executive clemency.
