Photo: Tingey Injury Law Firm / UnsplashAfter an arrest
- Courts and claims
Arrested: What Happens Next, Step by Step
The usual steps after an arrest, from booking to first court appearance, and what to do and not do.
5 min read - Courts and claims
Your Rights During a Police Stop or Arrest
What the Constitution generally protects during a stop, questioning, searches and arrest, and how to protect yourself.
5 min read - Courts and claims
Search Warrants and Your Rights if Police Want to Search
When police need a warrant, what a warrant must contain, exceptions and how to respond to a search at your home or car.
2 min read - Courts and claims
Bail and Bond Explained: How Pretrial Release Works
What bail is, how cash and surety bonds differ, how judges set bail and what happens if you miss court.
2 min read - Courts and claims
Arraignment: What Happens at Your First Court Appearance
What an arraignment is, what the judge does, how to plead and what to prepare for.
2 min read - Courts and claims
Filming Police and Recording in Public: Your Rights
When you can legally record police and others in public, limits on interference and tips for staying safe.
2 min read
Hiring a lawyer
- Courts and claims
How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer: Questions, Costs and Red Flags
How to find and choose a criminal defense attorney, what to ask at a consultation, how fees work, public defender options and warning signs to avoid.
4 min read - Courts and claims
Public Defenders: Your Right to a Free Lawyer in Criminal Cases
When you have a right to a court-appointed lawyer, how to qualify and what to expect from a public defender.
2 min read - Courts and claims
How to Afford a Criminal Defense Lawyer: Options When Money Is Tight
Public defenders, payment plans, limited-scope help and low-cost options for people charged with a crime.
2 min read - Courts and claims
Attorney-Client Privilege: What Is Protected
How attorney-client privilege works, what communications are covered, exceptions and how to avoid losing protection.
2 min read
How the case works
- Courts and claims
The Criminal Case Process Step by Step: From Charges to Trial and Sentencing
A plain-English walkthrough of criminal cases: charging, arraignment, discovery, motions, plea bargaining, trial, verdict, sentencing and appeal.
4 min read - Courts and claims
Motion to Suppress Evidence: How Unlawful Searches and Statements Can Be Challenged
What a motion to suppress is, when evidence can be excluded, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Amendment issues, how hearings work and what happens if the motion succeeds.
4 min read - Courts and claims
Plea Bargains Explained: Should You Accept a Plea Deal?
How plea agreements work in criminal cases, what rights you give up, common types of deals and why you should talk to a lawyer first.
4 min read - Courts and claims
Misdemeanor vs. Felony: Differences and Consequences
How states classify crimes, typical penalties and long-term effects of misdemeanor and felony convictions.
4 min read - Courts and claims
Sentencing in Criminal Cases: Factors Judges Consider and Alternatives to Jail
How judges decide sentences, aggravating and mitigating factors, sentencing guidelines, probation, diversion, treatment courts and how to prepare for sentencing.
3 min read - Courts and claims
Diversion Programs and Deferred Adjudication: How Charges Can Be Dismissed After Conditions
What diversion and deferred adjudication are, who qualifies, typical conditions, benefits and risks, differences from probation and why to talk to a lawyer first.
3 min read - Courts and claims
Probation vs. Parole: What Is the Difference?
How probation and parole work, typical conditions, what happens if you violate them and how they differ from jail or prison.
2 min read
Specific charges
- Courts and claims
Drug Possession Charges: Basics and Common Defenses
How drug possession charges work, factors that affect severity, treatment alternatives and defenses based on searches and knowledge.
2 min read - Courts and claims
Domestic Violence Charges: What to Expect
How domestic violence cases work, mandatory arrest policies, protective orders and where victims and accused people can find help.
2 min read - Courts and claims
Shoplifting Charges and Civil Demand Letters
What happens after a shoplifting accusation, possible criminal and civil consequences and how to respond to retail demand letters.
2 min read - Courts and claims
Self-Defense Laws: Duty to Retreat, Stand Your Ground and the Castle Doctrine
How self-defense works as a legal defense, how states differ on the duty to retreat and what limits apply.
2 min read - Courts and claims
Trespassing Laws: What Counts and Penalties
What constitutes criminal trespass, how posted signs and notices work and what property owners can do.
2 min read - Traffic and DUI
What Happens After a DUI Arrest: License and Court Steps
A DUI arrest sets off two separate processes: a criminal case and a driver's license action. Here is how each one works.
5 min read - Courts and claims
Juvenile Court Basics: How Cases Involving Minors Work
How juvenile courts differ from adult courts, rights of minors, possible outcomes and when a case may move to adult court.
2 min read
After the case
- Courts and claims
Expungement and Record Sealing: How Clearing a Record Works
The difference between expungement and sealing, who is typically eligible and the usual steps to apply.
4 min read - Courts and claims
Criminal Records, Background Checks and Getting a Job: Your Rights and Options
How background checks work, what employers can consider, ban-the-box and fair chance laws, how to dispute errors and strategies for job seekers with records.
4 min read - Courts and claims
Pardons, Commutations and Other Ways to Clear a Criminal Record
How pardons and commutations work, how they differ from expungement and sealing and where to apply.
2 min read - Courts and claims
Immigration Consequences of a Criminal Charge: Why Non-Citizens Need Special Advice
How arrests, pleas and convictions can affect green cards, visas and citizenship, including aggravated felonies, moral turpitude and why to talk to an immigration lawyer before pleading.
4 min read
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I am arrested?
Stay calm, do not resist, say you wish to remain silent and want a lawyer, and do not discuss the case with police.
Can I get a free lawyer for a criminal case?
If you qualify, the court will appoint a public defender when you ask.
Should I accept a plea deal?
Only after understanding the evidence, the penalties and collateral consequences, ideally with your lawyer's advice.
Can a criminal record be cleared?
Some states allow expungement or sealing of certain records after waiting periods.
Will an arrest affect my job?
It can, depending on the outcome and your state's rules on using arrest records.