What Makes a Case a "Criminal" Case?
What Makes a Case a "Criminal" Case?
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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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Pressing Charges for a Criminal Act
The prosecutor has the final say on whether to press or file criminal charges against a suspect. What role does the victim play in this decision?
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You’ve heard the term used on “CSI” or “Law and Order” but what does it mean? It’s not just decorative legalese to impress the uninitiated. It is an early and essential part of every legal action, and has particular significance in criminal cases. What is a Prima Facie Case? The term translates
How Much Time Does the Prosecutor Have?
How Much Time Does the Prosecutor Have?
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Criminal Statutes of Limitations
Statutes of limitations establish time limits for charging defendants with crimes. When a prosecutor charges a defendant with a crime after the statute of limitations has expired, the defendant can have the charges dismissed.
In-Depth Information
In-Depth Information
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The last thing anyone wants to face is being wrongly accused of a crime but, unfortunately, it can happen. Learn what to do and what not to do if you've been falsely accused of a crime.
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Legal Problems for Immigrants with Criminal Convictions
If you've never been in criminal trouble before, your first contact with the court system can be confusing and frightening. Police officers may have threatened you with jail or prison. Some official...
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Cultural and Religious Defenses to Criminal Charges
The U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and we live in a diverse society, where many different cultures are represented. However, what happens when a person’s religion or culture comes into conflict with criminal laws? For example, can people use controlled substances in religious ceremonies?
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What to Do If You're Served With a Restraining Order
Restraining orders should not be taken lightly, even temporary ones. Violating an order carries criminal consequences. Learn what to do and not to do if you are the subject of a restraining order.
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The Circumstantial Evidence Jury Instruction
There are many different ways to prove that a person is guilty of a crime. For example, for a purse snatch, the victim or witnesses could identify the robber, the robbery could be caught on tape, or the police could stop the defendant shortly after the robbery, in possession of the victim's purse.
Information for Victims of Crime
Information for Victims of Crime
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I'm the Victim of a Crime. Can I Force the Prosecutor to Press Charges?
Generally speaking, a victim cannot force an unwilling prosecutor to file charges or seek an indictment from a grand jury. The prosecutor, exercising "prosecutorial discretion," has the final say.
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Can I Press Charges for Theft or Assault?
Learn the difference between filing a police report and pressing criminal charges.
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Marsy's Law seeks to place victims’ rights on equal footing with criminal defendants’ rights in every state constitution. That sounds fair; so why isn't everyone happy?