-
Homicide: Murder and Manslaughter
We hear the word “murder” used in a lot of situations: “This job is murder!” Environmental activists sometimes refer to the “murder” of animals or even trees. But, under the law, it is not murder to kill an animal, a tree, or any living thing except a human being. A person cannot murder a kitten, no matter how cute the kitten nor how mean the human.
-
Of all the crimes punished by society, none are more serious than the crime of murder, the intentional and unlawful taking of a human life. Apart from the federal crimes of espionage and treason, murder is the only crime for which the death penalty is a potential punishment, though only in some states.
-
Felony murder is a legal rule that expands the definition of murder. It applies when someone commits a certain kind of felony and someone else dies in the course of it. It doesn’t matter whether the death was intentional or accidental—the defendant is liable for it.
-
Vehicular Manslaughter: Sentencing, Laws and Penalties
Drivers who unintentionally cause accidents that result in the deaths of passengers, occupants of other cars, or pedestrians may find themselves charged with the crime of vehicular manslaughter.
-
"Gay Panic" No Longer Supports Voluntary Manslaughter in California
California prevents "gay panic" from being used to support voluntary manslaughter.
-
The idea of personal freedom is closely related to the belief that you can travel where you choose without being restrained by someone else. When someone else restrains you or prevents you from moving, this is punishable as a crime, known as false imprisonment.
-
Kidnapping began as a crime which involved forcibly abducting someone and carrying him or her to a different country. Today, kidnapping occurs when someone forcibly abducts or confines another person against his or her will.
-
Harassment and Cyberbullying as Crimes
Harassment crimes include stalking, bullying, hate crimes and more. The penalties for a conviction can be severe.
-
The ability to go where you please, when you please, is one of the most widely cherished liberties in modern society, and one that forms the basis for what most people think of when they think of the word “freedom.”
-
Defending Against an Accusation of Stalking
Stalking is a serious crime that can be a felony or misdemeanor. All 50 states have criminal laws against stalking. The specific definition of the crime varies among jurisdictions but typically involves a pattern of following, watching, or monitoring another person with the intent to harass, frighten, intimidate, threaten, or cause the person emotional distress.
-
Even though the Constitution guarantees the right of free speech, that right is not an absolute one. The law has long recognized specific limitations when it comes to speech, such as prohibitions against slander and libel.
-
Interfering with a witness’s testimony or cooperation in a criminal case is a criminal act that can be misdemeanor or a felony. Intimidating or tampering with a witness involves trying to get a witness to lie, say certain things under oath, alter or destroy evidence, or not testify or cooperate with
-
Menacing can refer to a few different crimes, all of which share the following characteristics: the defendant has placed the victim in fear of imminent (immediate) bodily harm or unwanted physical contact, or has attempted or threatened to hurt the victim. Usually, no injury or physical contact is required.
-
Extortion: Laws, Penalties and Sentencing
Though states provide a wide range of penalties for extortion, the crime is most often punished as a felony offense.
-
The everyday use of the word mayhem has evolved pretty far from its original, legal definition. In the legal context, “mayhem” doesn’t denote a kind of rowdy disorder, but rather force causing serious and gruesome injury. Leave My Subjects Whole Mayhem is an old version of the word maim. The crime
-
What's the difference among aiding, abetting, and being an accessory to a crime?
One kind of accessory that never makes you look better is a criminal charge as an accessory to a crime. Aiding and abetting are similar and related charges to being an accessory. This article discusses the crimes of aiding, abetting, and acting as an accessory to a crime.
-
Speak to a Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you've been charged with a crime, you'll probably want to speak to a lawyer.
-
Know Your Rights, Survive the System. Learn how the criminal justice system works.
-
Browse Nolo's Criminal Lawyer Directory
Browse through lawyer profiles and find an attorney that can help you with your case.