Criminal Defense

What is Criminal Law?

Criminal law is a type of law involved in punishing people for committing crimes against the state. Crimes against the state include many types of infractions of the law. In the US a criminal justice system is set up in order to rectify crimes and to ensure that they do not continue to happen. Criminal justice can be meted out with something as minor as a warning or fine to penalties as serious as the death penalty.read More

In the US, defendants suspected of committing some criminal act can either pay for a lawyer on their own or have a court-appointed public defender commissioned at the expense of the state.

Criminal charges may be filed against someone because of testimony given by another person or persons. Criminal charges may also be filed against someone with no testimony or accusation as well, usually initiated by some law enforcement department official.

The notion of “innocent until proven guilty” is the key component of the US Criminal Justice system. Therefore in criminal proceedings, the burden is on the prosecutor to prove the crime occurred beyond a reasonable doubt. It is important, therefore, to retain legal counsel that has years of experience in trying similar cases as yours. Criminal cases tend to be complex and highly complicated legal matters.

If you or someone you know is involved in a criminal legal matter, you must contact an experienced criminal law lawyer immediately. Through this website, you have access to the best criminal lawyers around the country. Submit your case for a free, no-obligation consultation or learn more about a particular aspect of criminal law.

Criminal Law Articles

Nevada Trespassing Laws

Trespassing in Nevada Illegal trespassing can be defined as entering or refusing to leave a place where the owner does not legally invite you in. Although not a felony, trespassing…

Prostitution Laws in Nevada

Nevada Prostitution Laws Prostitution is defined as the act of offering sexual services for some form of payment. In the entire US, however, only Nevada allows prostitution, with certain regulations…

Examples & Uses of Reasonable Suspicion

Establishing Reasonable Suspicion Reasonable suspicion is a legal standard that is used in criminal procedure. It is a lower standard than probable cause, but more than just a hunch or…

Consent in Sexual Assault Cases

Understanding Consent and Preventing Sexual Assault The topic of consent has been at the forefront of discussions surrounding sexual assault and harassment in recent years. It’s an important issue that…

Dismissed Without Prejudice – What Does It Mean?

Dismissed with Prejudice vs. without Prejudice: Understanding the Difference What does it mean to dismiss a court case because of prejudice? How about voluntary versus involuntary? Knowing the difference between…

Hays County Warrants

Arrest Warrants in Hays County Are you worried that there may be an outstanding arrest warrant against you in Hays County, Texas? It’s important to understand the legal process of…

Collin County Warrants

Arrest Warrants in Collin County Are you concerned that there may be a warrant filed against you in Collin County, Texas? If so, it’s important to understand the process of…

Ohio Romeo and Juliet Law

Romeo and Juliet Law in Ohio – When Does it Apply? Romeo and Juliet Laws is a compassionate form of legislation that provides protection for adolescents who are involved in…

Texas Criminal Lawyers

Texas Top Law Firms in Criminal Law The stakes are high, and the law can be complex, which is why it is essential to have a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney…

Top 10 Best Criminal Attorneys in Dallas

Best Dallas Criminal Lawyers Facing criminal charges in Dallas is a daunting experience, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Hiring a criminal attorney at the right time…

Top 10 Best Criminal Attorneys in Fort Worth

Best Fort Worth Criminal Lawyers When facing criminal charges, finding the right legal representation can make all the difference in the results of your case. Tarrant County has a pool…

Florida Open Container Law

Understanding the Open Container Law in Florida If you’re planning a visit to the beautiful Sunshine State,  familiarize yourself with the Open Container Law in Florida. This law, like in…

Fraud and Theft Crimes

Strategies for Fighting Fraud and Theft Crimes Charges Fraud and theft crimes are serious federal offenses that can have severe legal consequences. Understanding the nature of these crimes is crucial…

How to Keep the Police Off Your Property

Can Police be Charged with Trespassing? The police are tasked with protecting and serving the public, but what happens when they overstep their boundaries? In recent years, there have been…

Legal Age of Consent Arizona

What is the Age of Consent in Arizona? According to  A.R.S 13-1405, the Arizona age of consent is 18 years. This means that a person who is 18 years or…

Is Domestic Violence a Felony in Texas?

When is Domestic Violence a Felony? In Texas, domestic violence is generally defined as any act of violence committed against a family member, household member, or someone with whom the…

Interference with Custody vs. False Imprisonment

Custodial Interference or False Imprisonment? When it comes to the laws surrounding false imprisonment and interference with custody, many people are left feeling confused. These two concepts can be easily…

False Imprisonment in Georgia

Punishment for False Imprisonment in Georgia Anyone convicted of false imprisonment in the State of Georgia could receive a jail sentence of up to 10 years. Anyone charged with interference…

Search and Seizure Without a Warrant

Navigating the 4th Amendment: Exceptions to Search and Seizure Laws The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects citizens from illegal search and seizure by requiring a search warrant,…

OCGA Theft by Receiving

Theft by Receiving Stolen Property In Georgia You may think that buying or accepting property that was stolen absolves you from any wrongdoing. Pursuant to Georgia law, however, you could…

General Intent vs Specific Intent Crimes

Understanding General and Specific Intent Crimes Legal language can be complex and difficult to understand. This is particularly true when it comes to criminal law. One of the most significant…

Georgia First Offender Act

GA First Offender Act Sometimes people make serious mistakes that negatively affect their lives. Pleading guilty to even a minor crime could have long-lasting consequences. In Georgia, the First Offender…

Difference Between Homicide and Murders

What is the Difference between Homicide and Murders? The terms homicide and murder are often used interchangeably, but in the world of law and order, there is a significant difference…

Dispositive Motions

What is a Dispositive Motion? When it comes to winning a legal case, dispositive motions are a powerful tool in a lawyer’s arsenal. A dispositive motion is a request made…

Federal Criminal Charges: What You Need to Know

Understanding Federal Criminal Charges Due to the aggressive nature of the federal government, the enhanced training and knowledge of federal prosecutors, the complexity of proceedings, and the large number of…

Understanding Assault & Battery

A Comprehensive Guide to Assault & Battery with Real-life Examples Assault and battery are actually two different actions that may or may not be combined into one criminal or civil…

Statutory Rape in Arizona

Arizona Statutory Rape Laws: What You Need to Know. Statutory rape is one of the most controversial laws on the books. To some, it doesn’t seem fair that a person…

Is Peyote Legal in Arizona?

Arizona Peyote Laws In the state of Arizona when you are found in possession of drugs, it is a serious offense. The severity of the offense often depends on the…

What is Unlawful Restraint (M) Texas?

Understanding Unlawful Restraint (M) Charges in Texas Unlawful restraint is a serious crime that is taken very seriously in Texas. It is a crime that involves the intentional restriction of…

Third Degree Felony in Texas

What is a Texas 3rd-Degree Felony? Felony charges are serious and can have long-lasting impacts on your life. In Texas, there are three degrees of felony charges, with third-degree felonies…

Texas Class A Misdemeanors

Class A Misdemeanors in Texas In the state of Texas, Class A misdemeanors are considered some of the most serious criminal offenses. They carry penalties ranging from one year in…

Citizen’s Arrest

Are Citizens Arrests Legal? The concept of a citizen’s arrest is not new, but it’s one that’s often misunderstood. In certain situations, an individual has the right to detain someone…

Mutual Combat Laws

Mutual Combat Laws: Where Are They and What Do They Mean for MMA Fighters? Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a combat sport that has gained immense popularity. However, MMA fighters…

Class A Misdemeanor Tennessee

Consequences of Class A Misdemeanor in Tennessee Legal trouble is never something anyone wants to go through. Whether it’s a traffic violation or something more severe, it can be a…

What is a Class E Felony in Tennessee

Tennessee Class E Felony In Tennessee, Class E felonies are the lowest-level felonies defined by law. These offenses can carry a prison sentence of up to six years and/or a…

Top 10 Best Austin Criminal Lawyers

Best Criminal Lawyers in Austin If you are facing criminal charges in Austin, Texas, it is crucial that you hire a good defense attorney to represent you. No matter how…

What is Criminal Mischief?

Criminal Mischief Definition Criminal Mischief or Vandalism is a serious offense that can carry hefty consequences. It is the intentional and malicious destruction of another person’s property and can be…

New Probation Law in California

California Misdemeanor & Felony Probation Laws California passed a new law that went into effect on January 1, 2021. The new law reduces the maximum length of probation possible for…

Is Pepper Spray Legal in California

Pepper Spray Laws in California In California, pepper spray is considered an approved form of non-lethal self-defense. Under the Penal Code section 244.5, it is legal to possess and use…

Aggravated Assault in NJ

New Jersey Aggravated Assault  Charges Aggravated assault charges don’t always stem from violent or dangerous altercations. Most people think of aggravated assault as an act of violence or aggression threatening…

Are Brass Knuckles and Switchblades Illegal in NJ

Possession of Switchblades, Daggers, Stilettos, Billy Clubs, Blackjacks and Brass Knuckles -Illegal in New Jersey A New Jersey statute prohibits an individual from “knowingly” possessing certain weapons, including a gravity…

Is Supervised Release the Same as Probation?

Supervised Release vs. Probation vs. Parole Supervised release is a period during which a person is required to serve under the supervision of a probation officer after completing a prison…

Difference between Blackmail vs Extortion

Extortion vs. Blackmail – What’s the Difference? Blackmail and extortion are criminal offenses involving threats to gain something of value from another person. However, there are some critical differences between…

Online Solicitation of a Minor in Texas

Texas Online Solicitation of a Minor Online solicitation of a minor (§ 33.021) is a severe offense in Texas. It involves an offender communicating with a minor online to engage…

Advice for Male Victims of Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence Against Men The National Domestic Violence Hotline reports that nearly one-third of women and one-tenth of men have experienced stalking and domestic or sexual violence at the hands…

What is Burglary of a Habitation?

Burglary of Habitation When a person unlawfully enters another’s home with the goal of committing theft, they have committed burglary or habitation. Such a crime does not require the property…

Grand Theft Auto Charge

Grand Theft Auto Charges in Texas Grand Theft Auto, which is also known as larceny of a vehicle, felony theft, first-degree theft, auto theft, car theft, or motor vehicle theft,…

Drug-Related Crimes

Drug Crimes Lawyer for Drug-Related Offense Of all the arrests that are made nationwide every year, approximately 20 to 30 percent of those arrests are due to drug-related crimes. New…

Teen Sexting – Is It Child Pornography?

While reviewing some news articles, I stumbled across one discussing a hot topic or issue. The article was discussing teen sexting and the possible ramifications and implications of teenagers sending…

Homicide Charges

Homicide, as a word, comes from the Latin words homo, meaning man, and caedere, meaning to kill. Homicide is the term used to cover all incidents in which one person…

Second Degree Murder Charges

What is Second Degree Murder? Second Degree Murder is classified as a type of murder, which is an act that results in the premeditated, deliberate, purposeful, and premature termination of…

First Degree Murder Charges

What is First Degree Murder? First Degree Murder is classified as the premeditated, purposeful, illegal, and deliberate execution of an individual at the hands of another individual. First Degree Murder…

Criminal Law – Your Rights

Your Constitutional Rights In Criminal Law, there are certain Constitutional Rights that appear so regularly that it is important for people to understand them. Often, people assume that they understand…

California Felony-Murder Rule

Felony-Murder Rule in California The California felony-murder rule attaches criminal liability to anyone who kills another human being during the commission of an inherently dangerous felony. The rule was established…

How do you bond out of jail?

How to Bond Out of Jail When someone is arrested, their first priority is likely going to be getting out of jail as soon as possible. The best way to…

What to do if you miss a court date

I Missed My Court Date, What Should I Do? If you have missed a court date for a criminal matter, you should consult with an attorney as soon as possible…

Michigan Drug Charges

Drug charges in Michigan generally fall into one of four categories: Use, possession, delivery or manufacturing of a drug. Once the drug has been placed into one of those four…

Substance Abuse Treatment Programs Are Failing

Many approaches to alcohol and substance abuse problems today fail to work. “And chances are, it’s not your fault,” according to a well-known science and medical writer Jane Brody. Brody…

Shocking White-Collar Crime Statistics & Major Cases

White collar crime, often associated with individuals in positions of power and influence, is a growing concern today. Defined as nonviolent crimes committed for financial gain, white collar crime encompasses…

Teen Shoplifting: Causes and Consequences

What to Do if Your Teen Was Caught Shoplifting Teen shoplifting accounts for approximately fifty percent of all shoplifting cases in the United States. Though teen shoplifting accounts for the…

Search and Seizure

The fourth amendment of the United States Constitution was established to protect citizens from unreasonable search and seizure. The fourth amendment limits the police’s power to make arrests, search people…

Property Crimes

Property Crime: A Comprehensive Overview Property crimes are acts of theft or damages to another person’s property without the use of force or threat. Common property crimes include burglary, larceny,…

Probation Violations

Probation Violation Laws A conviction is difficult, especially the penalties. One of the penalties is probation. What this means is that an individual serves a suspended jail sentence, allowing them…

Types of Felony

Felony Types In the criminal justice system, felonies are the most serious type of offense, carrying heavier penalties and longer prison sentences than other types of crime.  Although there are…

Defending Entrapment Charges

What Is Entrapment? Entrapment is defined as the inducement of a person to commit a crime that they would otherwise have been unlikely to commit. It is considered a form…

Criminal Defense Process

If you’re dealing with the criminal justice system because of an arrest or investigation, it’s in your best interest to understand the criminal defense process. Of course, there are differences between the federal and state versions of the criminal defense process, and there are significant variations among the 50 states. However, the basics of the criminal defense process are similar across the U.S.

Investigation or Arrest

Before an arrest for a crime, an individual may be the target of an investigation by law enforcement officers, and may even be under surveillance. At such an early point in the criminal defense process, it’s wise to seek the counsel of an experienced criminal attorney. Law enforcement officers (whether police, sheriff, federal agents, Coast Guard, etc.) sometimes overstep their authority.

In other cases, officers make an arrest without an investigation. An alleged crime may have been observed by law enforcement, or the arrest may be done based on other information. A person’s constitutional rights must be protected throughout the criminal defense process, and at the time of arrest, a person has the right to remain silent, and the right to contact an attorney.

Charges and Bail

After the arrest, law enforcement officers put the arrested person through some type of booking process. A prosecutor makes a decision regarding what crime or crimes the individual will be charged with. At the charges stage, a person has the right to know exactly what charges are being brought against him or her.

A person who has been arrested will probably have the opportunity to make bail by posting money or a bond as a surety for his or her future appearance in court. Before any money or bond is posted as bail, the person in custody should contact an attorney who is familiar with the criminal defense process in that specific locale.

Hearings, Trial, Pleas

After a prosecutor decides on the criminal charges, a criminal defense attorney representing the accused person may be able to negotiate to get the charges reduced or dismissed. It the charges are not dismissed, the next stage may be a preliminary hearing, a probable cause hearing, or a trial. At these steps in the criminal defense process, a defense attorney will strive to minimize the negative consequences for the defendant.

Sentencing

If a trial does not result in an acquittal (a not-guilty verdict), a defendant should be aware that there are widely differing guidelines for sentencing. These differences are based on the severity of the crime, the circumstances of the crime, the defendant’s past criminal record, and other factors. A criminal defense attorney can inform a defendant of the possibilities that can be expected, but the final decision about a criminal sentence is up to the judge.

Assault Charges

Assault is commonly defined as an attempt or threat of violence with the intent of causing another person harm. Assault differs from battery , which occurs when the act of violence is carried out. Though assault and battery are separate crimes, the two often occur at the same time, and as a result, they are...

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Battery Charges

Battery is the non-consensual, harmful, or offensive touching of a person or anything attached to that person, such as a wallet or purse. Unlike assault, the battery requires actual physical contact. Proof of damage from the injury is not always required for successful battery charges, but in most jurisdictions, proof of intent to cause harm...

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Boating Under the Influence (BUI)

Dangers of Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) Every boater needs to be aware of the risks associated with boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs (BUI or BWI). In every state, it is illegal to operate a boat while intoxicated, and the Coast Guard also enforces a strict federal BUI law. This law applies to...

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Criminal Defense Attorneys

Criminal Defense Lawyers A criminal defense lawyer defends a criminal defendant against criminal charges, ranging from a simple misdemeanor such as a parking ticket to first-degree murder.  A criminal defense attorney must understand the different levels of crimes: Some are felonies, some are misdemeanors, and different degrees of crimes carry different punishment levels. Criminal law...

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Criminal Profiling

Criminal profiling, also known as psychological, personality, or offender criminal profiling, involves identifying the perpetrator of a crime by analyzing the manner in which the crime was committed and the nature of the crime itself. Criminal profiling combines information about the criminal's personality based on all actions relevant to the crime, with other details and...

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Domestic Violence Lawyers

Family Assault Defense Attorneys Domestic violence law is a subsection of family law covering injuries inflicted by family members.  A domestic violence lawyer needs basic knowledge of psychology to understand family dynamics and the motivations of both victim and defendant. Domestic violence is the injury of another person in the home, usually a spouse or...

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DUI Lawyers

DUI stands for “Driving Under the Influence,” defined as operating a motor vehicle with a blood-alcohol content above a legal limit set by State law.  In states with a distinction, this is a lesser charge than DWI or Driving While Intoxicated.  Some States use DUI as a separate charge from DWI to indicate whether the...

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DWI – DUI Laws

Driving under the influence, or DUI for short, is the term for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Though most cases of DUI deal with persons under the influence of alcohol it is also illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of marijuana, cocaine, or any other illicit drug that impairs your judgment...

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Expungement

Expungement of a record means that a criminal record is wiped from the slate. As a result, expungement makes the crime as if it never occurred. By successfully getting an expungement, each law enforcement agency will destroy their records of the crime. Expungement differs from getting a record sealed, which some people confuse the two...

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Federal Crime Defense

Federal crime is a violation of the laws passed by the US Congress. Trials of federal crimes are very different from state crimes: federal rules of evidence differ, and sentencing for federal crimes is governed by rules so complex that state attorneys are often unable to navigate them. Federal crimes are tried in federal courts,...

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Felony Charges

Felony charges are brought against a person or persons who commit a serious criminal act or omission that carries a greater punishment than a misdemeanor crime. Felony charges can be brought against a party for numerous types of serious crimes. The most common type of felony charges includes drug possession, aggravated assault (assault with a...

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Firearm Possession

Being charged with criminal possession of a firearm is fairly serious, and the possible prison sentence can be significant. A conviction of criminal possession of a firearm can lead to the individual's permanent loss of the right to possess deadly weapons, including hunting rifles. Each state has specific laws pertaining to the criminal possession of...

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Harassment Defense

Harassment occurs through words, conduct, or actions that appear to serve no legitimate purpose but to irritate, alarm, or cause emotional distress for the recipient. A large amount of focus has been placed on sexual harassment, especially in the workplace. With more awareness, harassment of all levels can hopefully be stopped. Many people that are...

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Hate Crimes

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) defines a hate crime or bias crime as a "criminal offense committed against a property or society motivated in whole or part by the offender's bias against a religion, disability, sexual orientation or ethnicity/national origin." Typical hate crime laws make illegal the use of force or the threat of...

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Hit and Run Defense

Any person who operates a motor vehicle and is involved in an accident is required by law to stop in a safe place, provide information to the owner of whatever property may have been damaged (car, property, person, etc.), and render aid to anyone who was injured if necessary. Those who cause property damage and...

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Illegal Wiretapping

Claims of illegal wiretapping charges were file recently against software vendors, phone handset manufacturers, and phone service carriers following troubling allegations that the companies have been engaging in the secret monitoring of millions of people's cell phones; that is illegal wiretapping. On Dec. 2, 2011, three separate lawsuits were filed against these various parties, accusing...

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Restraining Orders

Judges issue restraining orders when someone feels threatened that another person may do they harm. States have different laws about restraining orders, but other protection orders can be issued depending on the threat. If the individual that has been court-ordered to stay away violated the restraining order, there are penalties. A violation will generally mean...

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Sex Crimes

A sex crime is typically defined as a statutory offense of forcing, threatening, or somehow knowingly causing another person to engage in an unwanted sexual act. Sexual misconduct is another term associated with sex crimes. Certain sexual acts, though consensual in intention, are not considered consensual by the law; for example, if one of the...

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Violent Crimes

The term violent crime refers to any type of crime in which a person threatens to use violent force upon another person. Violent crimes are very serious and come with harsh consequences that can change a person's life forever. If you've been arrested and charged with a violent crime, it is important to hire an...

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White Collar Crime

Being charged with a white collar crime can have a dire impact on a person's future. If convicted, they may be subjected to huge fines, face a long prison sentence, and suffer severe embarrassment. White collar crime refers to a wide range of nonviolent crimes committed by persons of stature in corporate settings for monetary...

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Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If you're dealing with the criminal defense process, it's wise to have a legal professional on your side. Consult a qualified defense attorney today to protect your rights and explore your options.