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.

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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 conviction or arrest "disappear." Through "expungement" or "sealing," these criminal records may be completely destroyed, or they may "sealed" so that only certain people can see it. Learn how it works in our Expungement FAQs.
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 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, such as what probation is and what happens if probation and violated, and how "suspended" sentences work.

Ask a Lawyer - Criminal Law questions answered by leading lawyers
Can I Be Forced to Testify at a State Grand Jury?

Can I use the 5th amendment if called to testify at a state grand jury?

When Can Police Search My Home Without a Warrant?

Can state police search my home without a search warrant, when there was ample time to obtain a search warrant?

There were also no exigent circumstances. The troopers were raiding the apartment next door, and I guess they decided what the heck, let's kill two birds with one stone.

Does Phone Harassment Require More Than One Call?

How many calls does it take to be considered phone harassment?

Can I Be Charged With Killing an Unborn Child?

What is the charge if you were to take the life of an unborn child?

Can I get a Public Defender If I Was Able to Post Bail?

After posting bail, do I still have the right to a public defender since I have no job or any income?


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