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 FAQs |
| In some states, there are times when you can make a crinal conviction or arrest "disappear." Through "expungement" or "sealing," these criminal records may be completely destroyed, or they may be "sealed" so that only certain people can see it. Learn how it works in our Expungement FAQs.
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| Restraining Orders |
| Do you feel like you're a victim of domestic abuse, harassment or stalking? A restraining order can help diffuse the situation and give you needed protection. Learn about restraining order types, what they can do, and the steps to obtain and enforce an order, if needed. |
| Crime and Criminal Law Basics |
| Crimes are defined by state and federal laws. Crimes are divided into two main categories, felonies and misdemeanors. Felonies are more serious crimes, punished by over a year in prison. Misdemeanors are less serious, and generally punished by less than a year’s imprisonment. |
| Criminal Law: Sentencing, Parole & Probation FAQs |
| Many criminal cases end when the defendant gets punished for committing a crime. This is often called the "sentencing phase" of trial. Our Sentencing, Parole and Probation FAQs explain some of the basics of criminal sentencing. |