×
Go back to Martindale-Avvo ➔

The Criminal Law Process

Talk to a Local Criminal Law Attorney

Excluding Witnesses from the Courtroom
Judges have the power to keep some witnesses out of the courtroom before they testify, so they can’t hear what other witnesses say. ... READ MORE
Criminal Sentencing Enhancements
Sentence enhancements (also called “aggravating factors”) allow—and sometimes require—judges to increase a defendant’s sentence beyond the normal range. Typically, enhancements relate to the defendant’s criminal history or specific details about how the current offense was accomplished that increase its gravity. ... READ MORE
Are Criminal Trials Open to the Public?
The right to a public trial is protected by the First and Sixth Amendments to the United States Constitution. However, the right isn’t absolute and there are some circumstances justifying the closure of criminal proceedings. ... READ MORE
Entering a Plea to Criminal Charges
Learn about five different types of pleas in criminal cases and what they mean. ... READ MORE
Getting Ready for a Criminal Trial: Pretrial Motions
Motions filed prior to the start of a criminal trial can impact how and if the case goes forward. Learn more about pretrial motions. ... 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
The Right to Counsel in Criminal Cases
Understanding the right to have an attorney, when that right begins, and how to invoke that right. ... READ MORE
Can Defendants Waive the Right to a Jury Trial?
Why would a criminal defendant waive the Sixth Amendment right to a jury trial? Learn more about the pros and cons of waiving a jury trial. ... READ MORE
Criminal Charges: What Do They Mean?
Criminal charges are just the start of what could be a lengthy and complex process. Learn what criminal charges mean, how to understand them, who files them, and what happens after charges are filed in a criminal case. ... READ MORE
 

More The Criminal Law Process Topics

Steps in a Criminal Case

Get a Free Evaluation For Your Criminal Law Case From a Local Attorney

Get Professional Help

Find a Criminal Law lawyer
Practice Area:
Zip Code:
How It Works
  1. Briefly tell us about your case
  2. Provide your contact information
  3. Connect with local attorneys
NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP?

Talk to an attorney

How It Works

  1. Briefly tell us about your case
  2. Provide your contact information
  3. Choose attorneys to contact you