Welcome to the GetLegal Criminal Law Center! Here, we introduce you to the fundamental concepts of criminal law. In this field, not knowing the law or not knowing your rights can have a serious impact, so we offer accurate and up-to-date content on a broad range of topics, from the ways that crimes are defined and classified to specific defenses. An attorney can help you to protect yourself if you become involved in the criminal justice system. But working with an attorney will be easier if you first understand some of the basics. Watch the video on the left for a quick tour of what you’ll find here.
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor? When can a police officer search your car? When can a criminal record be sealed or expunged? Our overview of the basics provides answers to all of these questions and more. Learn about the law by clicking on one of the topics below.
Arraignment is a pivotal moment within the criminal justice system, marking the formal initiation of criminal proceeding... Read More
We hear the word a lot, but what is racketeering? In dealing with the complex realm of criminal enterprises, racketeerin... Read More
An indictment is a crucial step in the criminal justice process, serving as a formal charge against an individual for co... Read More
If you want to learn more about criminal law, the internet offers a wealth of resources, but it can be hard to find the best and most accurate sources. To help you find the information that you need, we’ve compiled and organized a selection of the most notable online resources relating to criminal law.
Links to criminal code for all 50 states. Also links to international resources, articles, and other information.
Excellent essay from the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Criminal law web resources including articles, laws, and glossary.
Guide to white collar crime from HierosGamos.
Links to DUI/DWI laws for all 50 states. Also links to information on breath testing, field sobriety tests, car accidents, alcoholism, and more.
Links to drug laws of all 50 states.
Links to gun laws for all 50 states. Also links to gun advocacy groups.
Referrals to local shelters, news, research, and more.
Comprehensive site for law enforcement information. Links to Police Products (articles and reviews of law enforcement equipment) as well as Research Topics (e.g., terrorism, SWAT, gangs, and evidence collection).
News, features, forums, and more. The law center links to statutes, regulations, and more (e.g., office of the attorney general) for all 50 states.
Comprehensive directory of information on corrections, courts, crime prevention, drugs, juvenile justice, and more.
Gateway for statistics and analysis of U.S. crime and punishment.
Links to innocence project reports, legislation, case profiles, bibliographies, and more.
Dedicated to improving knowledge and understanding of crime and justice issues.
Links to general and state-specific criminal defense resources.
Huge collection of links for legal research, forensics, experts, investigations, public policy, and more.
Hundreds of links for the defense practitioner, organized by topic.
Encourages, at all levels of federal, state, and local governments, a rational and humane criminal justice policy for America.
Comprehensive resource for death penalty facts and discussion, including state-by-state information.
Article that lists and discusses over 15 death penalty-related web sites.
Annotated links ranging from the general (Public Opinion) to the specific (Karla Faye Tucker) to the bizarre (Death Penalty Humor and Curiosity).
General criminal law blog.
Written by professor of criminal law.
Blog about criminal law, violent crimes, and the judiciary.
Links to U.S. and state sentencing commissions, as well as justice and death penalty sites.
Blogs related to White Collar Crime compiled by the ABA Journal.
Blogs that keep readers up to date with criminal appeal news and updates.
Blog dedicated to addressing wrongful conviction and actual innocence issues.
Links to federal drug statutes and penalties, as well as the schedules used in determining charges. Other links include legislative resources, publications, and an encyclopedia of drug information.
Regulations, publications, documents, and more from the USDOJ.
Links to information about all 50 state attorneys general.
Publications and resources about criminal justice.
Civil resources, defender resources, advocacy information, and more.
Serves as a resource on issues in the forefront of change in the criminal justice arena.
Georgetown University's oft-cited law review. Lists articles published in each issue, though they are not in full text.
Journal of criminal justice education and research. Full text archives back to 1978.
Legal and crime-related news from CNN.
Links to high-quality blogs and news sources pertaining to criminal law.
Peer-reviewed, practical tool that provides detailed analysis of what is happening in the courts at every level.
Provides a vital forum for the discussion of regional, national, and international criminal law issues.
Texts, organizations, and research guides to keep you up-to-date with criminal law and news.
Basic criminal law guide.
Guide to international criminal law.
Guide to resources on war crimes.
Books and articles that explain and summarize the basics of criminal law.
If you are facing an arrest or investigation, a criminal defense lawyer can help you to understand and assert your rights. To have the best chance of accomplishing your goals, you need an experienced and knowledgeable attorney. The GetLegal Attorney Directory can help you find the right local attorney for you.
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