Lawyers.com > Understand Your Legal Issue > Criminal Help

Criminal

Criminal Law is the name given to the branch of law that governs an individual's relationship to the state. It includes the definitions of criminal offenses, which are usually established by Congress or state legislatures. The term "criminal law" also encompasses the rights of an accused and the criminal process, including arrest, arraignment, grand juries, pleas, discovery, pretrial hearings, trials, jury selection, evidence, motions, and posttrial remedies. The main purpose of the criminal law is to set forth the punishment for criminal offenses. In order to prove any crime, no matter how serious, the prosecutor must prove that the accused committed a guilty act with a guilty mind beyond a reasonable doubt. Please read on to find a criminal defense attorney, criminal lawyer, criminal attorney or to learn more about criminal law.

Find a Criminal Law attorney in your area.
Select from The Following Topics
 
Legal articles focusing on Criminal Law
Speaking Up for the Right to Remain Silent
An April 2009 US Supreme Court ruling means that a person charged with a federal crime can't be held and questioned for more than six hours without being brought before a federal Magistrate Judge. The result? Local law enforcement may be cautious and bring suspects before a judge sooner.
Criminal Law: Expungement FAQ
What is expungement? What can be expunged? Are juvenile records expunged? Who can get their court records expunged? Can an expungment be denied? If my record is expunged, do I have to ever acknowledge the case again? Can previously sealed records ever be unsealed? Are records ever "automati
Restraining Orders
Do you feel like you're a victim of domestic abuse, harassment or stalking? Perhaps a restraining order would help diffuse the situation.
Crime and Criminal Law Basics
Criminal law is all about what you can't do. Find out more about the foundations of our system.
Criminal Law: Sentencing, Parole & Probation FAQ
What is a presentence report? Who sets a sentence and how is it determined? What's the point of a suspended sentence? Does community service or probation still go on your permanent record? Is there any difference between being sent to jail or prison? What's the difference between pa

Ask a Lawyer - Criminal Law questions answered by leading lawyers
What Are the Time Limits for Seeking Habeas Relief?

How much time do you have to file a habeas corpus petition after the Supreme Court has said it will not look at your case?
How Much Pot Can a Medical Marijuana Patient Grow?

I am a medical marijuana patient in Colorado Springs, CO. I need to know the guidelines so I can grow my own.cc
Does a Grant of Use Immunity Require One to Be a Cooperating Government Witness?

If a person has already been granted use immunity does that mean they are already a government witness or is it a bargaining tool?
Can I Avoid a Felony Conviction For Possessiing a Single Pill?

I am an 18 year old college student and was recently pulled over for my left headlight being out. The cops searched my car and found 1 Provigil pill which is an attention deficit disorder pill to help me study for school. I am not prescribed this pill so it is a Schedule IV narcotic charge, which is a felony. I don't want a felony because I have a strong desire to pursue a professional career. Is there any way I can get my charge lowered to a misdemeanor?
When Does an Arraignment Take Place?

I was arrested on a felony menacing charge in La Plata County Colorado on Sept 25, 2009. Why have I not yet been arraigned?

Terms & Conditions    Privacy    Copyright© 2009 LexisNexis, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.