-
How a Bail Reduction Hearing Works
Can’t make bail—stay in jail. Or so it sometimes seems. However, there are constitutional and other limits on how much bail a court can impose on a defendant, which can support the defendant’s request for bail reduction. This article discusses bail reduction hearings and related issues under federal law.
-
Indeterminate vs Determinate Prison Sentences Explained
A determinate sentence is a jail or prison sentence that has a defined length and can’t be changed by a parole board or other agency.
-
If you are charged with a crime or issued a traffic ticket, you may be ordered to appear in court. Skipping that court date could result in more serious consequences than even a conviction on the underlying charge.
-
How to Handle an Outstanding Bench or Other Warrant or a Missed Court Date
If you discover that a bench warrant or arrest warrant has been issued against you or that you have missed a court hearing that you were ordered to attend, the most important thing to do is take action immediately. If you missed court, the judge may have issued a bench warrant for your arrest.
-
What is the difference between civil and criminal court?
There are several important differences between civil and criminal court. In general, civil courts are designed to resolve differences when private individuals or businesses can no longer reach an agreement on their own. Criminal courts are designed to determine whether a person has violated a criminal
-
If you have been convicted of a crime before, and become a repeat offender, you will be subject to more harsh penalties and prison time that varies state to state. Of course, you cannot be convicted of the same crime twice because that would violate....
-
What is the suspended imposition of a sentence?
If you are convicted at trial or plead guilty to a crime for which the judge can sentence you to jail or prison, the judge can suspend all or part of the sentence and place you on probation (supervised or unsupervised). A suspended sentence can be an excellent alternative to serving a lengthy jail or prison sentence.
-
The overwhelming number of prosecutions for violations of federal, state, and local laws are brought by agents of the federal or state government -- state prosecutors, district attorneys, and U.S. Attorneys. But suppose a prosecutor declines to file charges, despite the urging of a complaining victim?
-
A group of solemn people sit in rows of chairs on one side of a courtroom silently watching as the lawyers question witnesses and the judge rules on objections. A familiar sight but unless you have been a juror, the process of how that group got there may be a mystery. This article discusses how lawyers choose juries for trial.
-
Suing for Damages: Malicious Prosecution in a Criminal Case
Malicious prosecution refers to a criminal or civil case that is filed without any basis and for an improper purpose, such as harassing the defendant, ruining another person’s reputation, or to knowingly place blame on someone other than the actual wrongdoer.
-
Diversion, Mediation or Treatment Instead of Criminal Conviction
If you are charged with a crime for the first time, you may not be looking at prison, or even jail time. People who know they won't go to jail often think that a quick guilty plea is the best way...
-
“Three Strikes and You’re Out” laws are intended to keep career criminals (“habitual offenders,” as they’re often known in the legal system) locked up for life.
-
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.