The Sixth and Seventh Amendments of the United States Constitution guarantee criminal defendants the right to a lawyer and a speedy public trial of impartial jurors. The right to a trial by a jury of one’s peers is crucial to democracy and the individual’s protection against government tyranny. When a person accused of crimes is Read more…
Can A Convicted Felon Run For President?
You may be curious about whether a convicted felon can run for President. Perhaps you’re wondering, “can someone with a criminal record contest for the highest position in the country?” The simple answer to the question is yes. No part of the Constitution prevents a convicted felon from running for President. However, such a candidate Read more…
What Is A Preliminary Hearing?
Maybe you’ve seen it on TV or even experienced it yourself. The lawyers and judge are in the courtroom. Witnesses are being called up to the witness stand and are being questioned. The court reporter is typing away, and everyone is quiet. The attorneys make objections, and the judge makes a ruling. It sounds just Read more…
How Long Is A Life Sentence In Prison?
A life sentence is not what you think — imprisonment for a defendant’s life. Depending on the sentence and the state you are in, a life sentence may be shorter or longer than a lifetime. Judges issue sentences based on state law and the circumstances of each case, but parole boards decide when prisoners are Read more…
How Long Does A Felony Stay On Your Record?
A felony conviction on your record can prevent you from opportunities, goals, and dreams. Since a criminal record is public, employers, housing authorities, educational institutions, and prospective romantic partners may have access to your criminal past when they run background checks. Fortunately, you do have options to seal, set aside or expunge your record after Read more…
Misdemeanor vs. Felony: What’s The Difference?
If you commit a misdemeanor or felony, then what’s the difference? Telling apart a misdemeanor from felony charges is challenging. In a nutshell, a felony is more serious and severe. The goal is to try and find out why a felony conviction can carry more criminal charges than felony charges. Many people may wonder why Read more…
Assault vs. Battery: What’s The Difference?
Assault and battery — These two terms have often been used together throughout our history, but the truth is, not many people know the difference. Is there a difference? The short answer is: Yes. Most jurisdictions define assault as intentionally putting someone in reasonable apprehension of an imminent harmful or offensive contact. Or, put another Read more…
Slander vs. Libel vs. Defamation
The terms slander, libel, and defamation are often confused with one another because they all fall into the same area of law. All of these terms refer to a situation where someone knowingly communicates a false statement about another person’s reputation, and that person suffers damages in some form because of it. But these terms Read more…
Burglary vs. Robbery: What’s The Difference?
“Help, help, I’ve been robbed!” This is a very common phrase we’re all familiar with, and it is often spoken when someone’s house has been broken into. In reality what the person actually means is, “Help, help, I’ve been burglarized!” People often assume robbery and burglary to mean the same thing, but in actuality, they Read more…
Is Prank Calling Illegal?
Have you made prank calls? You may think that prank calls are harmless, but they can actually get you arrested. Many people do not know this, but prank calling, in some cases, can be illegal. Thousands of people make prank calls every year without understanding the consequences and risks of their actions. It can be Read more…