Rebecca Pirius
Attorney · Mitchell Hamline School of Law
What Happens at a Felony Arraignment Hearing?
The felony arraignment often marks the start of the criminal case and provides defendants with crucial information on their constitutional rights and the criminal charges against them. ... READ MORE
Animal Cruelty Laws in Ohio
It’s a crime in Ohio to abuse or neglect pets, and the state allows Good Samaritans to rescue neglected pets or animals locked in hot cars. ... READ MORE
Police Jurisdiction: Where Can Officers Make Arrests?
Learn how territorial jurisdiction works, where police officers can make arrests, whether officers can pursue offenders across boundary lines, and more. ... READ MORE
How Are Crimes Punished?
Judges have several tools, besides incarceration, to punish convicted criminal defendants, including probation, fines, restitution, community service, and mandatory attendance at counseling sessions. ... READ MORE
Robbery, Theft, and Burglary: How Are These Crimes Different?
Learn how the law defines and penalizes the crimes of theft, larceny, robbery, and burglary. ... READ MORE
Aiding and Abetting a Crime
Obviously, someone who commits a crime, the “perpetrator,” is legally responsible for doing so. But can a person who merely assists the perpetrator also get in trouble? ... READ MORE
Polling Jurors to Make Sure They Agree With the Verdict
After a jury has announced its verdict in a criminal trial, the defendant or prosecutor might be able to demand that the jurors confirm their votes in the courtroom, out loud and one by one. ... READ MORE
Witness Testimony at Criminal Trials
Learn about the different types of witnesses and witness testimony in criminal cases and what happens if a witness refuses to testify or lies under oath. ... READ MORE
Paying Criminal Fines: What If I Cannot Afford to Pay My Fine?
Criminal fines and fees add up quickly if you can't afford to pay them immediately. What can you do to avoid a mountain of debt or, worse, jail time? ... READ MORE
What Is the Felony Murder Rule?
The felony murder rule elevates killings that occur during the commission of a felony to murders. ... READ MORE