Rebecca Pirius
Attorney · Mitchell Hamline School of Law
What Is Blackmail?
Blackmail involves unlawful demands for money or other compensation under threats of accusation or exposure. Learn how states define and penalize blackmail. ... READ MORE
Working With Your Public Defender or Court-Appointed Attorney
Public defenders and court-appointed lawyers are experienced and committed criminal defense attorneys. ... READ MORE
Criminal Complaints
A criminal complaint is a document that charges a defendant with a crime. Learn who files the complaint, what's in the complaint, and what it means for the defendant in the case. ... READ MORE
When Can I Plead the Fifth?
The Fifth Amendment offers criminal suspects and defendants key protections. Learn what these rights mean and how they protect you. ... READ MORE
Pretrial Motion to Dismiss: Ending a Criminal Case
Some criminal cases end before they really get going. A successful pretrial motion to dismiss spares a defendant from the embarrassment expense and possible punishment of a criminal trial. ... READ MORE
Criminal Law Defenses: Self-Defense
Self-defense laws justify one's use of necessary and reasonable force to defend against an imminent threat of harm. A person facing charges for harming or killing their attacker can claim self-defense to avoid criminal liability. ... READ MORE
House Arrest and Ankle Monitors: How Home Detention Works and When It’s Used
If you’re charged with a crime or have already been convicted, you may be able to avoid jail or shorten your sentence with home detention. But the fees for ankle monitors can be steep, and you could wind up behind bars for violating the rules—even for letting the batteries run down. ... READ MORE
Petty Theft and Shoplifting
Petty theft and shoplifting can quickly increase from minor misdemeanors to felony-level offenses. Learn how these penalties can add up. ... READ MORE
Is a Nolo Contendere Plea the Same as a Guilty Plea?
A no contest or nolo contendere plea means you won’t officially admit guilt but you accept the punishment. Learn why this distinction matters. ... READ MORE
Delaying or Getting a Continuance in a Criminal Case
If you're the defendant in a criminal case, how do you ask the judge for extra time to find an attorney, hire a witness, or prepare for a hearing or trial? Learn what reasons may justify getting the judge to push back a court date and how a defendant makes this request. ... READ MORE