In California, the process of expunging or clearing a criminal record is usually called "dismissal." For legal purposes, if your conviction is dismissed, it is as though you never committed the crime.
It's up to the judge or jury to determine guilt. Your job is to be candid with your defense attorney, so that he or she can present the best possible defense.
Missouri takes domestic assault crimes seriously, imposing increasingly harsh penalties based on the level of harm committed or attempted. Repeat offenders face severe consequences.
Though speed limits are an ever-present limitation whenever you drive, many people are not aware that you can also violate traffic laws by engaging in exhibitions of speed or racing.
Restitution aims to restore victims to where they stood before they became victims of crime. Restitution laws allow (and sometimes require) judges to order defendants to pay victims for financial losses related to their crimes. This article discusses restitution basics like: Who qualifies as a victim?
The sentence you end up with might be higher than the average for that offense, depending on the presence of aggravating factors, such as the severity of the crime.
Probation allows convicted defendants to avoid serving their entire sentence, as long as they comply with certain conditions. How does probation work? And is it a good option for you?
The vast majority of criminal prosecutions take place in state courts. The sections below highlight some of the key differences between state and federal criminal systems: