Theft by Deception Charges
When most people think of a “theft” offense, they picture someone taking another person's property without their knowledge or consent. However, many states have statutes that expand the offense of...
Criminal Law
What is a no-contest plea?
A no contest plea is a plea used in criminal proceedings as an alternative to a guilty or not guilty plea, where the defendant neither disputes nor admits to doing the crime. This type of plea, also k...
When is it Libel to Call Someone a Liar?
Defamation in writing is called libel, and spoken defamation is called slander....
What is clemency?
Clemency under the criminal justice system is the act by an executive member of government of extending mercy to a convicted individual....
My Legal Rights as a Subpoenaed Witness
A subpoena compels the person served to comply with whatever is requested in the subpoena. If a person is compelled to appear and testify in court or other legal proceeding, they are under a legal obl...
What is litigation?
Litigation is a controversy between two parties brought before a court. Litigation is most commonly settled by the parties before reaching trial. Read on for more information about litigation. ...
Does a police officer have to tell you he’s a cop if you ask?
I went to the corner to buy some coke and I asked the guy if he was a cop and he said no. After I bought the stuff he arrested me. Can I beat the charge for him lying?...
Is filing a false police report a crime?
Filing a false police report can result in severe penalties such as fines and jail time. The consequences of a false police report charge can last for many years and may effect educational, licensing ...
What is an indictment?
An indictment is a formal accusation against an individual suspected of committing a crime. Indictments are generally only obtained for felony charges....
Can a Lawyer Ignore a Client’s Wishes to Save His Life?
The US Supreme Court is considering whether it's unconstitutional for a lawyer to ignore a client's wishes in order to save his client's life....
Can the police enter a home with search warrant for someone else?
A warrant allows the police to search whatever location is identified in the warrant for the contraband or persons identified in the warrant–even if that......
If a cop smells weed or sees drugs in a car on a traffic stop, can he search my car, my person, my belongings?
Yes, if police officer smells drugs (or sees them) during an otherwise legal stop, the officer can then search your car and you for the......
Is it illegal to install phone spy software on someone’s cell phone?
It is HIGHLY illegal to install spy software that in any way records, tracks, forwards, etc. phone calls or text messages on someone’s phone without......
Can I shoot someone invading my home?
If they are threatening you or others with violence and you (and the other threatened persons) cannot reasonably get away, you can always shoot. If......
Can you be blamed for someone’s suicide?
The short answer to the question of whether you might be liable (legally “blamed”) for someone’s suicide is “no,” because there are only special, limited......
PostCan I get charged with shoplifting before leaving the store? (2026 Laws & Penalties)
You might wonder, “Can I get charged with shoplifting before leaving the store?” The answer is yes; individuals can face charges even if they haven’t......
What legally can I do against someone who gives me a bad check?
Against the person who gave you a bad check: (1) contact the individual, if you can, and ask for a replacement check; (2) sue for......
Can I get arrested for unknowingly cashing a bad check?
Yes, even though you say it was “unknowingly,” if there is evidence you knew, or at least reasonably suspected, that the check would bounce. But......
What is an arrest?
An arrest occurs when a person reasonably believes he is not free to leave due to the actions of law enforcement officers. The circumstances that courts will look at to determine whether someone is ...
What are the typical steps in a criminal proceeding?
What are the typical steps in a criminal proceeding?...
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