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What Happens When You Accept a Plea Deal?

After an arrest comes your arraignment. The criminal court judge will read out the criminal charges. You can plead guilty and face sentencing. If you want to fight the charges, you can plead not guilty, and your case will go to trial. If you accept a plea agreement, a judge will sentence you without a […]

What Are Some Examples of Victimless Crimes?

The government creates laws to restrict unwanted behavior and actions. Part of the rationale of laws and indeed the entire criminal justice system is to keep order. Many of these criminal laws are meant to protect others, such as laws against assault or abuse. However, several laws criminalize consensual behavior or actions where there are […]

What Is a Suspended Sentence?

Time in prison may be the worst part of a criminal sentence. However, many criminal charges do not require incarceration after a conviction. There are non-jail alternatives that allow people to return to their families and jobs, limiting the long-term damage caused by prison terms. A suspended sentence, for example, could allow you to delay […]

How To Prepare for a Parole Board Hearing

If you are preparing for a parole board hearing, you already know how much is at stake. If you receive parole, it means release from prison. If they say no, it may mean spending more time behind bars. Here is some information to help you or a loved one prepare for your hearing. One of […]

What Is a Sentence Departure?

Courts established sentencing guidelines for two main reasons: to provide more consistent criminal sentencing and to provide sentences that fit the crime. Before sentencing guidelines, judges had more discretion in handing down their sentences, leading to unequal prison sentences for people convicted of similar crimes and long sentences for non-violent and low-level offenders. Federal sentencing […]

Your Constitutional Rights in Sentencing

While the sentencing process differs by state and in federal courts, fairness in the criminal justice system must be the ultimate goal. Every criminal defendant in the U.S. has certain fundamental rights regarding sentencing afforded by the U.S. Constitution. Just because they are fundamental rights does not mean they are simple to understand, however. And […]

Can I Appeal My Sentence?

Judges issue a sentence at the end of a criminal case if the criminal defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty. The sentence is the punishment for a criminal offense. If the defendant disagrees with the finding or thinks the sentence was too harsh, they can file an appeal. You have the right to file […]

Criminal Battery

Criminal battery is the unlawful touching of another person. A common example of battery would be hitting someone after getting into an argument. Even the lightest touch could be battery if done with the intent to harm, injure, annoy, or offend. Battery cases are generally based on state law, which can be different depending on […]

Prostitution

Prostitution involves performing any sexual act in exchange for money or anything of value. Prostitution is illegal in every state except for a few counties in Nevada that allow for limited legal brothels. Street prostitution still exists, but a lot of modern prostitution has moved online. Prostitution is a serious offense which can carry severe […]

How To Challenge Paternity

Identifying the father of a child is vital for many reasons. Paternity establishes certain legal rights for the child and specific responsibilities for the person determined to be the biological father. After all, paternity determines who is responsible for supporting the child and who may have a hand in the child’s upbringing. Laws regarding paternity challenges vary significantly from […]