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What does “criminal procedure” mean and why is it important?

When a judge refers to the rules of criminal procedure, s/he is referring the rules which control how a criminal case will be handled. Rules of criminal procedure do not generally define what a violation of the law is, but rather will set out how any given criminal case will be treated as it progresses through the crminal court system. Most criminal cases will begin with an arrest. Before the police can arrest you, they must have probable cause to arrest you. Once you are arrested, you must be arraigned and informed of the charges against you. You have the right to request an attorney at arraignment. The same criminal procedure will apply for all criminal cases.

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What happens when you leave the scene of an accident?

Leaving the scene of an accident without providing your contact and insurance information can have serious consequences, including fines and jail time. If you have been charged with leaving the scene of an accident, you should contact a criminal defense lawyer or other attorney who is well-versed in the traffic laws.

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Steps to Expunge a Felony Conviction

The steps to expunging a felony conviction requiring filing a petition at the right time. The costs to expunge a felony typically include court costs, application fees, and attorney’s fees. Find out about limitations on expungement, alternatives, and rationales by clicking here.

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Consequences of Driving Without a License

What are the consequences of driving without a license? Depending on the circumstances, they can be severe. A simple traffic ticket if you just forgot your license up to misdemeanor or even felony charges. Learn the differences and the penalties here.

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Pretrial Release

Do you know what factors a judge looks at to determine whether bail is appropriate? Want to know what the penalties are when you don’t show up at court? Find the answers to all your questions about pre-trial release here.

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New York Assault Can Be A Misdemeanor Or A Felony

Assaulting someone is a criminal matter, but what many New Yorkers don’t realize is that an assault can be a misdemeanor or a felony. Our New York legal expert explains the differences between the two and provides information on the penalties which accompany each

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Prior Convictions: How Can They Be Used in My Criminal Case?

Whether a defendant’s prior conviction is admissible in a new criminal case depends on a number of factors. These are the crime of which the defendant is now accused, whether the defendant in the current case testified in a previous case, and the purpose for which the conviction is asked to be admitted. The rules regarding the admissibility of prior convictions are evidence rules. They vary from state to state.

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