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Reliable and easy-to-understand legal guidance from experts, plus connections to defense attorneys.

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Your Rights

Learn about your rights—and how to protect them—when dealing with the police and facing criminal charges.

Did You Know?

Police can–and often do–lie to people when questioning them. It’s a tactic they use to get incriminating information out of suspects.

Did You Know?

Police can–and often do–lie to people when questioning them. It’s a tactic they use to get incriminating information out of suspects.

Steps in a Criminal Case

No matter where you are in the process, we’ll break down what you can expect.

Did You Know?

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.

Did You Know?

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.

Criminal Laws and Penalties

From the least serious to the most, we cover the particulars of all kinds of criminal charges.

Did You Know?

Criminal convictions rarely result from jury verdicts. Over 90% come from guilty pleas and plea bargaining.

Did You Know?

Criminal convictions rarely result from jury verdicts. Over 90% come from guilty pleas and plea bargaining.

Working With a Defense Attorney

Get answers to key questions like how to find a lawyer and what to expect from one.

Did You Know?

One study found that defendants were 75% less likely to be convicted if they met with a lawyer within 48 hours of their arrest.

Did You Know?

One study found that defendants were 75% less likely to be convicted if they met with a lawyer within 48 hours of their arrest.

Other Criminal Defense Topics

Find answers to a variety of questions about the criminal justice system.

Recent Articles

Weapons Charges in New Mexico

Learn about New Mexico’s gun regulations, including restrictions on the possession, carrying, and use of deadly weapons.

Can I Press Charges for Theft or Assault?

Victims play an important role in the criminal justice system by reporting crimes, filing police reports, and assisting with investigations, but the decision to press charges rests with the prosecutor.

Pretrial Diversion or Treatment Instead of Criminal Conviction

If you're facing criminal charges, a quick guilty plea isn't your only option. Pretrial diversion programs allow eligible defendants to complete rehabilitation, pay restitution, and avoid a conviction on their criminal record.

States That Allow Conjugal Visits

Prison visitation policies vary dramatically among states, but when it comes to conjugal visits, most states agree they are a thing of the past.

Violation of a Restraining Order

What counts as a restraining order violation? Any unauthorized contact can trigger arrest and prosecution. First offenses bring misdemeanor charges; repeat violations often result in felonies.

Runaway Teenagers: Laws and Legal Options

If a teen runs away from home, state law determines what happens next. Learn about status offenses, harboring laws, legal options, and getting help.

Can a Victim Press Charges? How the Process Works

"Press charges" is a phrase everyone knows, but few people understand. Find out who actually files criminal charges, what evidence it takes, and how much say victims really have in the process

What Is Date Rape? Laws and Penalties

Some people assume date rape is less serious than stranger rape—but legally, it isn't. Learn how states define consent, what penalties a conviction can bring, what rape shield laws are, and when a victim can sue in civil court.

Tampering With Evidence

Whether it's deleting a text message or hiding a weapon, tampering with evidence carries harsh penalties. Understand the differences between federal and state laws, what prosecutors must prove to secure a conviction, and available defenses.

Can I Be Convicted of Both Burglary and Theft?

Did you know breaking in and stealing are two entirely separate crimes in the eyes of the law? Find out why you can be convicted of both burglary and theft for a single incident—and whether courts can actually punish you twice.

Should I Plead Guilty?

Facing criminal charges means deciding whether to fight at trial or take a deal. Discover how guilty, no contest, and Alford pleas work, and what rights you give up.

Criminal Laws and Procedures

In Your State

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