Criminal Defense Legal Questions, Answered

Under arrest-and-arraignment time pressure: hire local, hire criminal-focused, verify who handles the case, and get scope and fees in writing — the fast vett…

Criminal defense bills flat by stage: misdemeanors low-to-mid four figures, felonies five figures, trials multiplying everything. What drives the quote and w…

Over 90% of criminal convictions come from plea deals. How charge, sentence, and fact bargaining work, what you give up by pleading, and how to evaluate an o…

The line is punishment: misdemeanors max out around a year in local jail; felonies carry longer prison exposure — and lifelong collateral consequences. What…

Expungement and sealing can clear or hide criminal records — but eligibility varies sharply by state, offense, and time. How the process works and what "clea…

Entrapment occurs when law enforcement induces a person to commit a crime they would not otherwise have committed. Here is how the defense works.

An Alford plea allows a defendant to plead guilty while maintaining innocence. Here is how it works and when it makes sense.

Asset forfeiture allows the government to seize property connected to criminal activity. Here is how it works, what your rights are, and how to challenge it.

A criminal appeal challenges errors that occurred at trial. Here is how the appeals process works, what can be appealed, and what the standards are.

Cybercrime includes hacking, fraud, and identity theft using computers. Here is how federal cybercrime cases are investigated and prosecuted.

Obstruction of justice involves interfering with investigations, judicial proceedings, or law enforcement. Here is what constitutes obstruction and what the…

Criminal fraud involves intentional misrepresentation for financial gain. Here is what constitutes fraud, how it is prosecuted, and what defenses apply.

A grand jury decides whether there is enough evidence to indict someone on criminal charges. Here is how the grand jury process works and what rights you have.

Healthcare fraud involves submitting false claims to Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurers. Here is how it is prosecuted and what the consequences are.

Identity theft involves using another person's identifying information without authorization. Here is how federal and state prosecutions work.

Securities fraud involves misrepresenting information that investors rely on. Here is what constitutes securities fraud and how criminal cases are prosecuted.

The Federal Sentencing Guidelines create a structured system for determining federal sentences. Here is how the guidelines work and what factors affect sente…

Money laundering disguises the proceeds of criminal activity as legitimate income. Here is what it involves, how it is prosecuted, and what defenses apply.

Drug trafficking charges carry mandatory minimum sentences. Here is what constitutes trafficking, how federal cases differ, and what defenses exist.

A habeas corpus petition challenges the legality of a person's imprisonment. Here is when it can be used and what it can accomplish.

Sentencing is the court's imposition of punishment after conviction. Here is how sentences are determined, what factors courts consider, and what alternative…

DUI charges carry license suspension, fines, and potential jail time. Here is how DUI cases work and what defense options exist.

The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches. Here is when police need a warrant and when evidence obtained illegally can be suppressed.

Domestic violence charges carry serious consequences. Here is what they mean, how cases proceed, and what defense options exist.

Probation allows convicted defendants to serve their sentence in the community under supervision. Here is how it works and what violations can mean.

Federal and state courts have different jurisdictions, procedures, and sentencing guidelines. Here is what you need to know if you face charges in either.

An arraignment is your first court appearance after arrest where you enter a plea. Here is what to expect and why it matters.

White collar crime refers to financially motivated, non-violent crimes by business professionals. Here is what it includes and what the consequences are.

Expungement seals or destroys a criminal record so it does not appear on most background checks. Here is who qualifies and how the process works.

Bail allows a defendant to remain free while awaiting trial. Here is how bail is set and what happens if you cannot afford it.

A plea bargain is an agreement to plead guilty in exchange for reduced charges or sentencing. Here is how they work and how to evaluate one.

Felonies and misdemeanors are distinguished by severity of punishment and long-term consequences. Here is what separates them and why it matters.

Talking to police without an attorney present is almost never in your interest. Here is why — and what to say instead.

If you are arrested, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Understanding these rights — and exercising them — is critical.

If arrested: state clearly that you're invoking your right to remain silent and want a lawyer — then stop talking. Your rights in the first 24 hours, explained.