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The Criminal Law Process

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What Happens at an Initial Appearance?
When people are arrested for allegedly committing crimes, the police can't let them languish in jail indefinitely. They must take jailed suspects before a judge relatively quickly to learn about the charges, their constitutional rights, and bail options. Just how quickly can an arrestee get from jail to a judge? ... READ MORE
Skipping Bail? A Bounty Hunter Might Follow
Most states still allow bounty hunting—the tracking down and arresting of fugitives who jump or skip bail. Regulation of bounty hunters varies widely among states. Are bounty hunters required to be licensed? Are they regulated? Learn more. ... READ MORE
Entrapment: How Far Is Too Far for the Police?
Some but not all undercover cop operations result in entrapment. ... READ MORE
Steps in the Criminal Justice Process
The criminal justice process varies from state to state, and the federal criminal justice system has its own rules, procedures, and terms to describe the stages of the proceedings. Generally speaking, however, the criminal justice process follows the same playbook. ... READ MORE
What Is a Criminal Offense?
Criminal defendants can be incarcerated if they lose, but not civil defendants. Why not? ... READ MORE
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
 

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