How Does It Differ From Other Types of Homicide? What Are the Potential Penalties? In the vast majority of states, there is no criminal offense identified as "third-degree murder." Only three states—Florida, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota—have laws on ... [Read more...]
Criminal Law
The Constitutional Prohibition Against Double Jeopardy
What Is the Source of the Rule? What Are the Basic Protections It Provides? The United States Constitution provides extensive protections to citizens involved in criminal proceedings. The Bill of Rights, drafted by former British subjects who knew ... [Read more...]
What Is False Imprisonment?
What Must You Prove to Establish False Imprisonment? What Are the Potential Penalties for False Imprisonment? We all value our personal freedom, the ability to move about freely on our own property or on public land. When another person or entity ... [Read more...]
What Is Involuntary Manslaughter?
What Must a Prosecutor Prove? How Does It Differ from Other Types of Homicide? Under the criminal laws of every state, homicide can take a number of different forms, based on what the law considers to be the state of mind of the defendant at the ... [Read more...]
What Is Embezzlement?
What Must Be Shown to Prove Embezzlement? How Is It Different from Other Theft Crimes? We've all heard the term "Ponzi scheme," and most of us have read or heard about the billions of dollars that former stockbroker Bernie Madoff bilked from ... [Read more...]
What Is a Deposition?
How Is It Used in the Legal Process? Are There Different Types of Depositions? At the basic level, the American legal system comprises criminal law and procedure and civil law and procedure. Criminal courts address and resolve what are considered to ... [Read more...]
Arraignment: Meaning, Common Charges, & Process
Arraignment is a pivotal moment within the criminal justice system, marking the formal initiation of criminal proceedings against an individual. During this proceeding, the defendant is informed of the charges against them and asked to plea in ... [Read more...]
What Is Racketeering? Meaning, Examples, RICO & Charges
We hear the word a lot, but what is racketeering? In dealing with the complex realm of criminal enterprises, racketeering charges are an important tool for law enforcement and justice. This blog explores the meaning of racketeering and the legal ... [Read more...]
What Is an Indictment: A Comprehensive Guide
An indictment is a crucial step in the criminal justice process, serving as a formal charge against an individual for committing a serious crime. This guide gives you a clear understanding of what an indictment is, shedding light on its purpose, ... [Read more...]
Defending Your Rights: Best Criminal Defense Attorney Strategies
What is a criminal defense strategy? A criminal defense strategy is an argument, based on the law and relevant facts, adopted by an attorney to defend an individual facing criminal charges. The goal of a criminal defense strategy is to have the ... [Read more...]