Post

What is pre-trial release?

Pretrial release is where a defendant is released from jail while the criminal case is pending. The release usually begins with a bond. Learn more....

Post

Federal v. State Criminal Procedure

The first difference between the State and Federal Courts' criminal procedure is that of uniformity: state court systems, laws procedure differ from state to state. Federal criminal procedure govern b...

Post

Released on Your Own Recognizance

A defendant released on his own recognizance is allowed to leave jail with the promise that he will show up later on his court date....

Post

What is an indictment?

An indictment is a formal accusation against an individual suspected of committing a crime. Indictments are generally only obtained for felony charges....

Post

How private are my conversations?

Some states have laws that differ from the federal approach. For example, in the State of California it is a crime to secretly record a conversation (unless all parties to the conversation consent to ...

Post

State Felony Trials

Felonies are more serious than misdemeanors and consist of serious crimes such as murder, espionage, treason, rape, racketeering, fraud, battery or aggravated assault, and some cases of drug possessio...

Post

What is criminal contempt?

Criminal contempt is generally regarded as a disobedient or open disrespect for the court. Even though it may arise out of a criminal or civil case, it punishes conduct that violates a court's rule, r...