Reliable and easy-to-understand legal guidance from experts, plus connections to defense attorneys.
Learn about your rights—and how to protect them—when dealing with the police and facing criminal charges.
Police can–and often do–lie to people when questioning them. It’s a tactic they use to get incriminating information out of suspects.
Police can–and often do–lie to people when questioning them. It’s a tactic they use to get incriminating information out of suspects.
No matter where you are in the process, we’ll break down what you can expect.
Prosecutors don’t file charges in every case that comes across their desks. One study found that prosecutors rejected or dismissed nearly 30% of cases.
Prosecutors don’t file charges in every case that comes across their desks. One study found that prosecutors rejected or dismissed nearly 30% of cases.
From the least serious to the most, we cover the particulars of all kinds of criminal charges.
Criminal convictions rarely result from jury verdicts. Over 90% come from guilty pleas and plea bargaining.
Criminal convictions rarely result from jury verdicts. Over 90% come from guilty pleas and plea bargaining.
Get answers to key questions like how to find a lawyer and what to expect from one.
One study found that defendants were 75% less likely to be convicted if they met with a lawyer within 48 hours of their arrest.
One study found that defendants were 75% less likely to be convicted if they met with a lawyer within 48 hours of their arrest.
Find answers to a variety of questions about the criminal justice system.
Learn about states' criminal laws on hazing, the types of conduct punished, and the possible penalties.
Learn what happens at an arraignment, how quickly you'll get before a judge, and what to expect at this first court appearance.
A bench trial is tried to a judge only—there's no jury. Learn how bench trials work in criminal cases and why a defendant might choose to go that route over a jury trial.
While often confused and referenced interchangeably, theft, robbery, and burglary share some similarities but are very different crimes. Learn how they differ in terms of acts and penalties.
If you've been charged with a felony, a preliminary hearing is your first major chance to challenge the prosecutor's case. Learn how probable cause works, when hearings occur, and why waiving this right is rarely a good idea.
Talk to a criminal defense attorney who can explain the law, investigate the facts, and protect your rights. Fill out the form to be connected with attorneys in your area.