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What Are Felonies, Misdemeanors, and Infractions?
Crimes are classified according to the seriousness of the offense, and penalties are set accordingly.
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Misdemeanor Crimes: Classes and Penalties
Most states and the federal criminal code have classified their misdemeanors into classes or levels.
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Civil Compromise for a Criminal Offense
In some states, a court can dismiss a misdemeanor charge if the defendant settles (pays money) to the victim of the crime. This is called a civil compromise of a criminal action.
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Felony Crimes: Classes and Penalties
Most states divide felony crimes into various classes or levels, while others set the penalty on a crime-by-crime basis. Learn how these classifications work and how to find the penalty for a felony charge.
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An overview on the consequences of being charged for cocaine possession or use, criminal penalties and sentencing that would apply, and how a lawyer may be able to help.
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Can You Get a DUI for Marijuana Use?
The often tragic consequences and harsh legal penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol are well publicized. What many people don’t realize is that it is also illegal and punishable in all 50 states to drive under the influence of marijuana.
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Sale of a Controlled Substance: Drug Sale Laws
Drug dealing is a crime not only in every state, but also one punished at the federal level.
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Possession of Marijuana: Alternatives to Jail
Many states have reduced penalties for possession of a small amount of marijuana—some states have decriminalized low-level possession offenses, while others impose criminal penalties but offer options to avoid jail time.
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Unpaid Speeding and Parking Tickets
Everyone hates tickets. But if you get ticketed for a driving or parking violation, you need to make sure that you take care of it. Failing to pay a ticket can result in unpleasant consequences, such as being arrested, spending time in jail, paying expensive fines, and a getting slapped with a suspended
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If you injure another person while operating a motor vehicle, in addition to being liable in civil court for the injury and damage you cause, you can be charged with a crime. In some states, the crime is known as vehicular assault. The grounds for a criminal charge of this type vary from state to state, but most commonly arise out of causing injury to another while:
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Reckless Driving Violations and Penalties
The crime of reckless driving occurs whenever someone operates a vehicle in such a way that it poses a risk to others. Unlike some other traffic laws, reckless driving is highly dependent on the circumstances of each individual case.
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Exhibition of Speed and Street Racing Violations
Ever since the automobile first made its way onto American roadways, cities and states have limited how fast cars could legally travel. 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.
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Unlicensed Driving and Presenting Proof of a Valid License
A suspended license is one that has been taken away temporarily. In some situations, the suspension period automatically expires and the license becomes valid again; in other situations, drivers must apply to the issuing agency to reinstate their licenses.
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Failure to Stop and Render Aid (Hit and Run)
Since automobiles first hit the road, states have developed a range of laws about driving. Driving a car is considered a legal privilege, not a right. As part of that privilege, state laws impose both limitations and duties on drivers whenever they get behind the wheel.
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What does it mean to "distribute" child pornography?
Distributing pornography doesn't require elaborate plans. Sending a photo through the Internet will suffice.
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What is the Crime of "Child Enticement?"
Child enticement is a crime that involves an adult persuading, or attempting to persuade, a child to accompany him or her for the purposes of sexual activity. The type of situations that can lead to child enticement charges differs from state to state.
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Statutory Rape Laws and Charges
Statutory rape offenses are strict liability offenses that can result in a felony conviction and prison time, even if a defendant genuinely didn't know the partner was younger than the age of consent. Learn how statutory rape laws work.
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An overview of DUI (driving under the influence) offense classifications and possible consequences.
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Underage DUI/DWI Laws & Penalties
Learn the basics of underage DUI/DWI laws and penalties including information in your state.
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Minor in Possession of Alcohol
Minor in possession laws (sometimes called underage drinking laws) target sales of alcohol to minors and public possession of alcohol by minors.
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Refusing a Breathalyzer or Blood Sample After a DUI Arrest
Refusing to take a test may deprive the prosecution of damning evidence, but it will also usually result in a license suspension. In some situations, a refusal post-arrest can be overcome, and a non-consensual blood test may be allowed.
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People who may legally possess and even openly carry weapons can't always place those weapons in their pockets or otherwise conceal them without breaking the law.
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Possession of a Prohibited Weapon: Laws and Penalties
While there's a constitutional right to bear arms, the law still limits a person's ability to carry or possess certain weapons.
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Unlawful Discharge of a Weapon
Unlawful discharge of a weapon crimes can be either misdemeanor or felony offenses depending on the state and the circumstances of the case.
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Homemade Guns: Are They Legal? Must They Be Registered?
Privately made guns, including ghost guns and 3D guns aren't heavily regulated by the federal government, but some federal restrictions still apply. And a growing number of states have outlawed untraceable homemade guns.