Criminal Defense

Legal Guides

• Arrest Warrants: How to Find Out If You Have One Outstanding

  Written by Avvo Staff. STAFF PICK

  

  An arrest warrant is an official order issued by a court that authorizes the arrest or detention of a person accused of a crime. In order for an arrest warrant to be issued, there must be a sworn... more

• Ten Things NOT to Do When Arrested

  Written by attorney Brian Dinday. STAFF PICK

  

  Save Your Breath. Don't try to convince the officer of your innocence. It's useless. He or she only needs "probable cause" to believe you have committed a crime in order to arrest you. He does not... more

• What is an arraignment?

  Written by attorney Steven Topazio.

  

  Arraignment. An arraignment is the process by which the defendant is read specific charges against him and to which he enters his plea, usually "not guilty". It is the first step in the criminal... more

• Bail in Criminal Cases

  Written by attorney Michael Ross. STAFF PICK

  

  What is bail and how is it set?. The right to reasonable bail in a criminal case is a constitutional right that everyone in this country enjoys. When a person is arrested, the police use a "Bail... more

• Let's Make a Deal: the Art of Plea Bargaining

  Written by attorney Howard Bailey. STAFF PICK

  

  When you are charged with a crime, an offense, or a violation of the criminal code, the prosecution will typically make you an offer, to lower the potential sentence, the grade of the charge, or both,... more

• A Brief Overview of the Criminal Trial Process

  Written by attorney Edward Dowling.

  

  After Pre Trial Motions have been decided by the Judge, whether with or without a hearing on the motion, the next step generally may be renewed discussions between Defense Counsel and the... more

• Types of Criminal Sentences

  Written by Avvo Staff. STAFF PICK

  

  For those convicted of a crime, the next immediate step is sentencing. That's where the judge comes in. It's a common thought that the jury often influences sentencing, but this is not the case. The... more

• What Happens in a Criminal Appeal?

  Written by attorney Rose Arfa.

  

  File a Notice of Appeal. Either the defendant or his or her attorney files a notice of appeal in the court where the conviction occurred. The filing of the notice of appeal starts the appeal... more

• How to Expunge a Criminal Record

  Written by attorney Piotr Reysner. STAFF PICK

  

  Time has passed since your conviction of a crime and now you want your record cleared so that nobody can see your prior bad deeds. So how exactly do your clear your criminal record? Do You Qualify... more