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Steps in a Criminal Case
Topics
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Appeals
Learn about the processes by which defendants challenge their convictions.
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Criminal Charges
?After arrest often comes the filing of criminal charges. Look here for information on how prosecutors bring cases against defendants.
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Criminal Pleas
The two pleas at the center of the criminal justice system are "not guilty" and "guilty." But there are other pleas, too.
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Criminal Trials
Here we cover the rules around trials, where prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Investigation and Discovery
The evidence that the government and defense gather is fundamental to a criminal case, as are the rules for what must be shared with the other side.
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Jail and Bail
Here we have information on why suspects go into and how they get out of jail.
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Motions in Criminal Cases
Motions--like ones to reduce bail and ones to suppress evidence--lay the groundwork for criminal cases.
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Plea Bargains
A whopping majority ?of criminal cases don't go to trial. Learn the ways in which most cases are resolved.
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Sentencing
Statutes set out the possible punishment for crimes, but they often don't paint the whole picture.
Recent Articles
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West Virginia Criminal Statutes of Limitations
by Jessica Gillespie, MSLIS · Long Island University
How much time does the prosecution have to charge you in West Virginia? ... Read more
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Waiving the Right to Counsel in a Criminal Case
by Thomas Seigel, Attorney and Former Federal Prosecutor
In criminal proceedings, the right to an attorney is so important the government must provide an attorney to any defendant who cannot afford one. While defendants can waive this right, the r ... Read more
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What Happens at a Felony Arraignment Hearing?
by Kat McClain, Attorney · University of Houston Law Center
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
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What Is a Writ of Habeas Corpus?
by John McCurley, Attorney · University of San Francisco School of Law
A petition for writ of habeas corpus is an important tool for prisoners who need help from a court. Habeas petitions can be used to inform a judge about deplorable prison conditions, present ... Read more
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How Are Crimes Punished?
by Rebecca Pirius, Attorney · Mitchell Hamline School of Law
Judges have several tools, besides incarceration, to punish convicted criminal defendants, including probation, fines, restitution, community service, and mandatory attendance at counseling ... Read more
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Polling Jurors to Make Sure They Agree With the Verdict
by E.A. Gjelten, Legal Editor
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
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Witness Testimony at Criminal Trials
by Rebecca Pirius, Attorney · Mitchell Hamline School of Law
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
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Paying Criminal Fines: What If I Cannot Afford to Pay My Fine?
by Stacy Barrett, Attorney · UC Law San Francisco
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
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Consequences of Violating Bail: Revocation and Bond Forfeiture
by Janet Portman, Attorney · Santa Clara University School of Law
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