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Lawyers.com Criminal Topics
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Public Defenders
If you have been accused of a crime and cannot afford an attorney, you may need a public defender. Get the facts about getting a public defender appointed and how he or she can help you.
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Defending a Speeding Ticket
If you decide to defend your speeding ticket, you should prepare for trial by requesting copies of the prosecutor's evidence and by gathering your own evidence. Although speeding is a strict liability offense, there are several defenses which you can pursue.
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Punishment of Crime
How does a judge determine how a crime will be punished? Find out about sentencing theories and guidelines as well as what factors are considered when a sentence is decided.
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Castigo de Delitos Penales
El castigo por un delito penal puede incluir una multa, encarcelamiento, libertad condicional, restitución o la pena de muerte. En el sistema federal, el castigo puede ser basado en pautas de sentencia. Acuerdos de reducción de pena son importantes en un sistema estatal de justicia penal.
- 10.09.2008
Ask a Lawyer: What If I Don't Show Up On Time to Start My Jail Sentence?
What would happen if I don't present myself to do jail time because I need to leave the state for an emergency?
- 10.02.2008
Ask a Lawyer: How Do I Get a Bench Warrant Vacated?
How can I get a bench warrant vacated?
- 09.25.2008
Ask a Lawyer: Does A Misdemeanor Domestic Violence Conviction Affect My Hunting Privileges?
Is it true that if convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence you lose your hunting privileges for life?
- 09.18.2008
Ask a Lawyer: What Will an Expungement of My Record Mean?
I was charged with a misdemeanor a year ago, it was recently expunged. I will soon be applying to medical school. Will they be able to see the record of expungement? Does it matter that the incident occurred in a different state?
Lawyers.com Criminal Topics
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Suspected Puppy Mill Shut Down; 600 Animals Rescued
Almost 600 dogs and cats were rescued from a suspected puppy mills. The owner denied mistreatment of the animals and wants them returned to her. Federal and state law may apply when someone raises animals and sells them. Read more about this case and the regulation of animal breeding businesses.
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The Debate over the Legalization of Drugs
Some states, including California, continue to consider legalization of controlled substances. Some drugs have medicinal uses, such as marijuana. Patients could benefit from legal use of such drugs, and legalization could mean tax revenue for state governments. Read about the legal issues involved.
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Michael Jackson's Death Ruled a Homicide
The Los Angeles County Coroner has ruled that Michael Jackson's death was a homicide, caused by a lethal combination of prescription drugs. Find out what this ruling means for Jackson's doctor.
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Internet Threats to Kill
In the recent shooting at a Pennsylvania gym, the shooter blogged about his plans. Usually, there's no duty to report plotted crimes if you see something posted on the Internet. However, morals still apply, and you can report your concerns to the police to help avoid a crime from being committed.
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Getting Property Back after an Arrest
If your property is seized as a part of a criminal investigation, don't expect it to be returned quickly, or intact. Property can be kept for an indefinite time as evidence in a case. Do keep records, including pictures, of any seized items. Legal action may not ensure return of your items.
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08.12.2010
Ask a Lawyer: Can I Get an Appointed Attorney for a Non-Jailable Offense?
Can a defendant, who qualifies financially, be denied an appointed attorney based on whether the sentence will involve jail time or not?
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08.05.2010
Ask a Lawyer: Can I Refuse To Testify Against My Father?
If I am subpoenaed to court, do I have to testify against my father in a criminal case or can I refuse?
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07.29.2010
Ask a Lawyer: Is Prison Likely for Possession of Under One Gram of Cocaine?
Do you think a person will go to prison on a first time drug offense for possession of less than one gram of cocaine?
