Janet Portman
Attorney · Santa Clara University School of Law
How Long Is a Voluntary or Involuntary Manslaughter Sentence?
How can the same act be murder in one state and manslaughter in another? ... READ MORE
Incomplete Crimes: Conspiracy, Attempt, and Solicitation
Can you be convicted of a crime when your intentions were never carried out? When you simply suggest criminal activity to another person? ... READ MORE
Consequences of Violating Bail: Revocation and Bond Forfeiture
When defendants violate bail conditions or fail to show up in court, they can lose their freedom and, possibly, a lot of money. ... READ MORE
Motion for Mistrial in a Criminal Case
Halting a criminal trial before its completion is a drastic but sometimes necessary call. Learn what circumstances may necessitate a mistrial. ... READ MORE
Why Appeals in Death Penalty Cases Take So Long
Appealing any criminal conviction can take years. Add to that a publicly paid (but underpaid) lawyer and the inability to correct matters if a defendant is executed by mistake, and you’ve got a long, long road ahead. ... READ MORE
Expungement and Sealing of Criminal Records
Get information on criminal record sealing and expungement, including how states define expungement, what crimes are eligible, and how to apply for expungement. ... READ MORE
Legal Consequences of Making and Taking Meth
Meth is a highly dangerous and toxic drug. Federal and state laws carry severe penalties for illegally possessing, selling, and making meth and operating meth labs. ... READ MORE
Retrials in Criminal Cases
Retrials in criminal cases are rare and not always to the defendant’s advantage, sentencing-wise. ... READ MORE
The Prosecutor’s Job
The prosecutor has wide discretion when it comes to charging and prosecuting crimes. There aren’t many constraints on the prosecutor’s decisions. ... READ MORE
Autopsies: When Are They Done, Can You Object?
Autopsies may be legally required in cases involving a suspicious, violent, or sudden death. In some cases, a family member can object to an autopsy or exhumation of a loved one. Learn about state laws that cover autopsies and exhumations. ... READ MORE