Criminal Law
Learn all about criminal charges and penalties and what your options are when being convicted.
In the states that have effectively legalized the medicinal use of marijuana, there are a growing number of marijuana patients that are choosing to grow their own medical marijuana rather then purchasing it from their local dispensary.
The 250,000 physician based American Medical Association (AMA) has formally changed its position relative to the use and safety of medical marijuana in the United States. Previously, the largest medical association in the country had taken the position similar to the federal government that marijuana be classified as a schedule two drug – like cocaine, heroine and LSD. Schedule two drugs are currently considered by the DEA to be highly addictive and lacking any medical value. However, over the past thirty years there has been mounting evidence that marijuana possesses a variety of medicinal properties that can no longer be ignored by the medical community.
The U.S. government with a wink and a nod has significantly shifted their position relative to the use, sale and legality of medical marijuana.
The crime of domestic violence occurs in every state and affects both men and women from all social, educational and economic backgrounds. Domestic violence can be at the hands of a spouse, someone you are dating or living with.
If you or someone you know has been charged with a marijuana offence, there are a number of benefits to having your case legally evaluated by an experienced criminal defense attorney. Obtaining an unbiased and objective legal opinion of the case can be very helpful in determining the types of defense strategies that might apply to the facts and circumstances of the case.
Over the past fifty years, pharmaceutical companies have spent hundreds of billions of dollars trying to develop a “non-addictive” pain medication that could also provide relief from acute and chronic pain, but without the risk of serious side effects.
In the past thirty years, no drug has moved faster through inner cities then crack cocaine, and similarly, no drug has been prosecuted with more vigor by law enforcement and the courts.
The crime of domestic violence occurs in every state and affects both men and women from all social, educational and economic backgrounds. Domestic violence can be at the hands of a spouse, someone you are dating or living with.
In most states, drunk driving cases start out with a contact between the driver of a motor vehicle and a police officer.
Assault and battery can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony - depending upon the nature and seriousness of the injuries. Assault is the threat of violence upon another person. A person need not be injured to be the victim of an assault. Words alone do not constitute an assault. Not even fighting words.
Medical marijuana provides major relief for many people suffering from severe headaches known as migraines. People that suffer from migraines have reported that they experience significant benefit from the use of medical marijuana.
Prostitution has been referred to as the world’s oldest profession. Perhaps this is why no other crime creates as much social controversy as criminal prostitution. While a large segment of the American population believes prostitution should be legal, or at the very least, brought down to just an infraction, the vast majority believe that prostitution should remain illegal.
If you or someone you know has been charged with a marijuana offence, there are a number of benefits to having your case legally evaluated by an experienced criminal defense attorney. Obtaining an unbiased and objective legal opinion of the case can be very helpful in determining the types of defense strategies that might apply to the facts and circumstances of the case.
State and local law traffic enforcement write out literally hundreds of thousands of traffic citations every year. The department of motor vehicles (DMV) records and tracks these citations and matches them against individual driving records which determines the states respective point system based on driver safety.
Your local DMV office collects and provides detailed information on individual driving suspensions and license revocations to law enforcement and car insurance companies nationwide. A driver can have their driver’s license suspended or revoked for a number of reasons.
Driving under the influence, or DUI, means driving or operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated. It is usually a misdemeanor.
Drug charges include drug possession, drug possession with intent to distribute, drug possession with intent to sell, drug transportation, drug manufacturing, and drug cultivation.
Drunk driving defense attorney fees vary depending on the experience and qualifications of the lawyer. It also depends on how much legal work your case will require.
When an officer pulls a driver over in the nighttime, he or she is on the alert to see if the driver is under the influence. He or she begins observations when approaching the car.
Drunk driving & car insurance companies check the driving records for every potential client to determine what rate to charge them.
DUI testing - Once the officer determines there is probable cause to conclude the driver is under the influence, he or she will arrest the driver and transport him or her to the jail for a chemical test.
Drunk driving is a serious criminal charge. You will most definitely need a qualified DUI lawyer to help you reduce potential damage. Depending on the circumstances and lawyer your case will either be dismissed, there will be a jury trial or you will offer a guilty plea. Sometimes drunk driving plea bargains are preferred because the state will give you an exchange for the time and money saved from not having a jury trial. A good lawyer will be able to give you the best advice.
Obtaining employment today is difficult enough. Obtaining employment with a criminal record is next to impossible.
The U.S. government with a wink and a nod has significantly shifted their position relative to the use, sale and legality of medical marijuana.
In every state in the union it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana. In driving under the influence of marijuana cases, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the driver was so impaired at the time of driving, that the driver could not operate a motor vehicle safely.
Violent crimes are being committed everyday. It’s important to be aware and take precautions that ensure safety. Be alert of your surroundings and walk with authority. Don’t tolerate domestic violence. Below you’ll find a glossary of assault and rape terms. Read on and understand the meaning of aggravated assault, assault and battery, assault, battery, domestic violence, fornication, rape, negligence, sex offender, sodomy and statutory rape. Stay safe and out of trouble. Help is available for people who have issues. There is no excuse for violence.
There are different types of specialized attorneys that can help you with the legal matters you need to resolve. Here you will find a useful glossary of attorney associated terms. Get the true definitions for attorney of record, attorney-client privilege, attorney’s work product, closing product, contingency fee, criminal attorney, power of attorney, prima facie, priors, prosecution, special appearance, status conference, withdrawal of counsel, D.A. and defense. Read on and get knowledgeable.
Sometimes judges allow the use bail money as a guarantee the suspect being released will return to court at the appointed time. Here you will find a useful glossary of bail terms that may come in handy should you ever have to post bail. Read on and discover the legal meaning of bail, bail bond, bail bondsman, commitment, excessive bail, executive clemency, O.R., own recognizance, pardon, suspended sentence, time served and admission to bail.
The Bill of Rights are the first ten amendments of the U.S. Constitution. Here you will find glossary terms that are associated with the Bill of Rights. Learn what the definitions are for incriminate, cruel and unusual punishment, equal protection of the law, search and seizure, search warrant and privilege against self-incrimination. Read on and knowledge up.
History is fun. We have hard-earned rights protecting us. Lets honor our heritage and take the time to learn what these constitutional terms really mean. Read on and understand what constitutional law, beyond a reasonable doubt, federal preemption, indigent, jurisdiction, justice, Supreme Court and unconstitutional all stand for.
The American justice system was set up to protect its citizens from injustices. Here you will find a glossary of terms for courts and evidence that you may find useful one day. Part of our civic duty as Americans should include the desire to know more about how our justice system works. Discover the meaning of admission of evidence, district court, gag order, hearsay, judgment, moral certainty, municipal court, offender, pain and suffering, perjury, reasonable doubt, small claims court, Small Claims Court, Superior Court, remand, venue and in forma pauperis. Read on and knowledge up.
Here you will find the meaning of court order associated terms. Read on and get knowledgeable. Knowing these terms may come in handy one day. Learn definitions for bench warrant, commutation, execution, interim order, non-modifiable order, order, relief from judgment, reversal, stay, stay of execution, stipulation, summons, judicial verdict, warrant, writ of possession and writ of restitution.
Life is unexpected. Even if you have no interest in law it will affect you. Maybe you will be called in to jury duty or get a subpoena to testify in court for a case that’s loosely related to you. Either way it’s smart to get familiar with witness and testimony terms that may come in handy one day. Below is a glossary for court terms. Read on and get knowledgeable.
A criminal defense lawyer’s job is to protect his client against any injustice. In the United States you are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The burden of proof falls on the prosecutor and the jury must make its final verdict beyond a reasonable doubt. Here you will learn terms associated with criminal defense such as criminal immunity, confession, competent, defendant, confrontation, confession and avoidance, diminished capacity, incompetent, innocent, insanity defense, mitigating circumstances and sequester. Read on and knowledge up.
You don’t have to be a criminal lawyer to understand criminal defense terms. All you need to do is read the criminal defense glossary terms below. Learn what criminal justice, presumption, prosecute, clear and convincing evidence, citation, charge, burden of proof, brief, allege, appeal and certiorari mean. This info may come in handy one day. Read on and get knowledgeable.
CSI sitcoms have made criminal evidence fascinating. Here you will find criminal evidence terms that will help you understand the evidence process. Read on and knowledge up on the impact forensic experts have on all types of evidense including direct, incomplete and insufficient. Discover what exculpatory, probable cause, proof, relevancy, fruit of the poisonous tree, DNA and direct examination all mean in a court of law.
The American justice system has safeguards that are put in place to protect its citizen’s rights. Even when you commit crimes you still have certain rights available to you. Here you will get access to a criminal hearing glossary that is quite interesting. Read on and learn more about admission, admission against interest, arraign, arraignment, character witness, circumstantial evidence, confirmation hearing, finder of fact, indictment, judgment notwithstanding the verdict, judicial discretion, preliminary hearing, question of fact, question of law, trial and ultimate fact. Knowledge up and find an experienced criminal lawyer if you need one.
Criminal intent is the basis of judgments on crimes. Here you will find a glossary that defines criminal intent and related terms you should get familiar with. It’s smart to understand what aid and abet, duress, solicitation, alias, admission of guilt and more mean. Understanding these terms may inspire you to stay away from unnecessary trouble.
Here you will find a very useful glossary of criminal law terms. Learn the meaning of accessory, accomplice, abscond, accused, crime, criminal, malice, MNaughten rule, offense, quasi-criminal, Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization (R.I.C.O.), scienter and situs. It’s always smart to get familiar with law terms. Read on and get knowledgeable.
It’s not impossible to believe that one day you may have to face a judge, even if it’s just for defense of a traffic citation. Hopefully you never do but just in case, get familiar with the plea terms glossary below. Learn the definitions for criminal plea, DUI plea, criminal plea, no contest, nolo contendere, not guilty, not guilty by reason of insanity, plea and plea bargain. Be smart. It’s not too hard to stay out of trouble.
One of the most amazing things about the American justice system is that it is continuously evolving. Here you will learn what kinds of rights are afforded to criminals and perceived criminals. Get definitions for what criminal rights, constitutional rights, exclusionary rule, fugitive, jeopardy, Miranda warning, privileges and immunities and self-incrimination mean. Read on and get knowledgeable.
Acapulco Gold: Marijuana strain from Mexico, which is sold at medical marijuana dispensaries and clinics. Acapulco Red: Marijuana strain sold in medical marijuana dispensaries and clinics. Ace: Type of joint sold at medical marijuana dispensaries and clinics.
Drunk driving is an unnecessary risk. You don’t need a DUI on your record. Here you will find a glossary for DUI terms that hopefully encourages you to be responsible. Read on to understand meaning of deuce, intoxication, hit and run, no fault insurance, reckless driving, total loss, uninsured motorist, vehicular manslaughter and wet reckless. If it’s too late and you need help contact an experienced DUI lawyer.
Learn which crimes are federal crimes and what terms are associated with them. Here you will a glossary that will give you definitions for breach, bribery, default, express contract, forgery, goodwill, guarantor, implied contract, unconscionable and white-collar crime. Read on and get knowledgeable.
Being convicted of a felony carries serious consequences. Here you will find a felony glossary and it’s associated terms. Discover the meaning of felony, arson, compounding a felony, felonious, subornation of perjury, conspiracy, concealed weapon, felon and misprision of a felony. Do your best to stay out of trouble. There are always alternatives and better choices one can make to avoid the harsh consequences of being labeled a felon. Consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer right away if you need one.
The right to a jury trial is a valuable aspect of our judicial system. Here you will find a glossary associated with jury trial terms. Get the true definitions for acquit, back-to-back life sentences, challenge, cross examination, criminal calendar, grand jury, guilty, finding, hung jury, jury, jury panel, jury selection, jury tampering, jury trial, vacate and voir dire. Read on and knowledge up.
Here you will learn all the definitions that are associated with legal motions. This is very useful information you might find valuable one day. Read on and get familiar with the following terms: contempt of court, exemplary damages, restraining order, conviction, in limine, motion, motion for a new trial, motion for dismissal, motion for summary judgment, motion to quash service of summons, motion to suppress, quash, service of process, sue and waiver.
Murder is the intentional and unlawful killing of another human being. Below you will find a glossary of murder and it’s associated terms. There are different types of murder and here you will learn what they are and how their intent is judged. Discover the true meaning of capital offense, crime of passion, felony murder doctrine, first degree murder, heat of passion, homicide, justifiable homicide, manslaughter, mayhem, second degree murder, self-defense and wrongful death. Read on and get knowledgeable.
Here you will learn glossary terms for police arrest. Soak up knowledge that protects your rights. Understand the definitions for entrapment, false arrest, fresh pursuit, ordinance, polygraph, protective custody, public benefits, resisting arrest, statute, statute of limitations, stop and frisk, surrender, three strikes and arrest.
It’s unfortunate that sex crimes occur so often. Below you will find a sex crimes glossary that defines the most common sex crime terms. Learn the meaning of harassment, indecent exposure, obscene, overt act, panderer, pedophilia, peeping tom, pimp, child pornography, prostitute, rape and dangerous weapon. Protect yourself by always staying alert.
Don’t put yourself at risk with theft. The possible consequences are not worth it. Below you will find a legal glossary of theft terms. Read on and learn the definition for breaking and entering, forcible entry, grand larceny, larceny, possession of stolen goods, robbery, theft and concealment. Mistakes are for learning not repeating. Life is all about making the best choices. Read on and get knowledgeable.
White-collar crime happens everyday. Here you will learn what criminal charges may be brought upon white-collar criminals. Discover what churning, embezzlement, fraud, insider trading, tax evasion and extortion really mean.
If you have been arrested or accused of a crime, your chances of success depend not only on the skills of your criminal defense lawyer, but also on your lawyer's ability to navigate the criminal justice system effectively.
In the states that have effectively legalized the medicinal use of marijuana, there are a growing number of marijuana patients that are choosing to grow their own medical marijuana rather then purchasing it from their local dispensary.
Marijuana is the most commonly used recreational drug in the United States. As of 2008, over 25 million Americans admit to regularly using marijuana. More than 94 million Americans age 14 and older have admitted to using marijuana at least once, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
Drunk driving is a criminal charge and the consequences for a DUI vary depending on what your DUI lawyer can negotiate as a jail alternative. You may have to deal with probation, community service, home monitoring or work crew. Read on and find a good lawyer.
The 250,000 physician based American Medical Association (AMA) has formally changed its position relative to the use and safety of medical marijuana in the United States. Previously, the largest medical association in the country had taken the position similar to the federal government that marijuana be classified as a schedule two drug – like cocaine, heroine and LSD. Schedule two drugs are currently considered by the DEA to be highly addictive and lacking any medical value. However, over the past thirty years there has been mounting evidence that marijuana possesses a variety of medicinal properties that can no longer be ignored by the medical community.
What is the special significance of possession of one ounce verses some other weight measurement of marijuana? Most criminal defense marijuana lawyers agree that exceeding the one-ounce threshold can often pose significant legal consequences depending on your states marijuana and paraphernalia laws.
Medical Marijuana is reported to provide major relief for AIDS patients from the pain and nausea caused by the onset of an AIDS induced infection. Patients suffering from AIDS/HIV often speak of the substantial medical benefits realized from their use of marijuana.
Over the past few years there has been mounting medical evidence that the use of marijuana might play a significant role in reducing the spread and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The primary ingredient in marijuana, THC, has been suspected in preventing damaging neural deposits from forming deep within the brain, which has been associated with the overall degenerative neural condition known as Alzheimer’s disease
The federal marijuana enforcement policy declares federal authorities will no longer be raiding state licensed medical marijuana dispensaries and clinics that are in compliance with their own state laws and regulations concerning the medical use and safe access to marijuana. Under current federal law however, the use, sale or possession of marijuana, whether medically prescribed or not, is still unlawful and carries significant criminal penalties.
Glaucoma is caused by a gradual buildup of excess fluid within the body of the eye, and when excess fluid causes an increase in pressure to the eye, the optic nerve can become seriously compromised leading to blindness. Research findings from as far back as 1970 revealed that marijuana contains active ingredients, which can both reduce intraocular pressure inside the eye as well as the pain caused by the actual condition.
Almost all courts now apply special penalty enhancement against drivers who have caused a traffic accident while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. While most driving under the influence cases are charged as simple misdemeanors, when the offense is coupled by injuries caused by an accident, prosecutors will likely file the offence as a felony.
Each state has their own laws and penalties regarding the unlawful possession of firearms. There are also federal laws governing unlawful possession of a firearm on federal property, such as a military base and most domestic and international airports.
Researchers have learned a great deal about THC, the main active chemical in marijuana (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), and how it interacts with the brain to produce its many effects. Upon smoking marijuana, THC rapidly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream, which carries the chemical to the brain and other organs throughout the body.
If you are arrested for shoplifting, it can be a serious crime depending on whether you are being charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. This will, more often then not, depend on the value of the item stolen. For example, petty larceny, which is stealing an item worth less than a certain dollar amount, is a misdemeanor. Over that amount, the offense is grand theft, which is a felony. The dollar amounts that determine petty larceny or grand theft vary from state to state.
The crime of theft is usually defined as the unlawful taking of another person’s property without their consent and with the intent to permanently deprive the victim of the property. The legal term of larceny will also refer to other theft crimes such as robbery, fraud and embezzlement.