Robbery Charges
Robbery is the act of taking something from another person against his or her will, with force, fear, or threat. Force or threat of force is the element that separates a robbery charge from a theft or...
Criminal Law
What are exigent circumstances?
Exigent circumstances exist when the need of a police officer to enter or search a home overrides the Constitutional right to be free from a warrantless search. Police typically can't just enter witho...
Must a document have legal significance in order to be considered ‘forged’?
Must a document have legal significance in order to be forged?...
What is armed robbery?
Armed robbery is a theft that is combined with use of force and the presence, pretense, or use of a weapon. It is considered a higher category of offenses relating to thefts and the use of force. Even...
Possession of Marijuana
Possession of marijuana involves the intentional or knowing possession of marijuana. Every state regulates marijuana to some degree with some being more lenient than others. Read more to understand th...
Stalking Charges
Stalking is a criminal offense that involves following, harassment, and intimidation of another person. Stalking can be committed by a group or individual. An act of stalking may involve the commissio...
Terroristic Threats
A terroristic threat is when a person threatens to commit any crime of violence against another person with the intent to terrorize. ...
What Is An Insanity Defense?
The insanity defense operates from the idea that people who are not mentally capable of knowing right from wrong, or who are unable to control their acts by reason of mental illness should not be held...
Child Endangerment Charges
Child endangerment charges are brought when a person engages in conduct that places a child in imminent danger of death, bodily injury, or physical or mental impairment. Child endangerment is usually ...
Elder Abuse
Elder abuse charges may involve not only direct physical abuse, but also neglect that results in the deterioration of the health of an elderly individual. Read on for more information about elder abus...
Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Information about the nature of felon in possession of a firearm charges, including defenses, penalties, and consequences of felon firearm possession. ...
What is the Castle Doctrine?
The Castle Doctrine is a self-defense theory which gives a homeowner the right to protect his home with the use of deadly force. The Castle Doctrine originally emerged as a common law theory. Since th...
Grounds for Criminal Appeal
Grounds for a criminal appeal must be based on the law and procedure followed during the trial, and an appeals court rarely questions the factual determinations of a jury. Read on for comprehensive in...
Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Assault with a deadly weapon is a broader use of the term assault and includes a conduct which places another in fear of imminent injury or actually causes an injury through the use of a deadly weapon...
Weapons Charges
Weapons charges include offenses that address the possession or use of weapons. Even though many people envision a defendant actually pulling a gun on a store clerk, weapons charges are broadly used a...
When should I opt out of a class action case?
Joining or opting out of a class action lawsuit can be a costly decision. The benefits and risks of one option over the other depend heavily on the type of lawsuit and a person's situation. Therefore,...
Bail Hearings
The purpose of a bail hearing is to set the amount of bail. Bail hearings are often combined with arraignment. Read on for specific information about setting bail, including what happens at a bail hea...
What is a split sentence?
A split sentence occurs when the defendant is placed on probation for a period of time after serving a portion of the time in jail or prison. The ratio of how much time will be served on probation and...
Sexual Abuse Charges
Sexual abuse charges carry a wide range of penalties and consequences. Find information about the crime of sexual abuse including defenses and possible punishments here. ...
Can the police conduct an automobile search at a traffic stop or sobriety checkpoint?
A valid automobile search should be founded on several factors, including a basis for the traffic stop, a basis for continuing a detention beyond the traffic stop, and finally, probable cause for the ...
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