Criminal Law

The arrival of 3D printing technology has led to some amazing new possibilities for things like replicating broken parts, creating amazing works of 3D art, and manufacturing entire items from patters found online. But, as is usually the case with any new technology, someone finds a way to use it for something sinister. Several creators invented 3D printed plastic guns and made plans available online. But, are these 3D printed plastic guns legal?

Generally, one can get out of jail by posting bail. Bail is usually cash or a piece of property pledged to the court as part of a promise that the defendant (the person who has been arrested) will return to court when ordered to do so.

First, a word of warning: doing anything to aggravate a police officer is a really bad idea. Not only are these hard working men and women who likely want to make the world a better place through their work, but they are trained bad asses with guns, handcuffs, and nightsticks and they can really make your life unpleasant.

Expungement refers to the process of sealing arrest and conviction records. Virtually every state has enacted laws that allow people to expunge arrests and convictions from their records, but the details will vary from state to state.

Have you ever wondered why, in a system of justice that relies so heavily upon people telling the truth, every witness is not strapped to a polygraph machine (i.e., a lie detector)? It is a logical question that leads to others about how interrogations and investigations are conducted when polygraphs are used. So, is a polygraph test admissible as evidence?

Police are trained to believe in their authority and trained to perform their interactions with private citizens with confidence and strength.

For example, we have all heard the stories about the burglar who breaks into a home and injures himself then suing the homeowner.

While many believe that if they are not “read their rights” they will escape punishment for criminal acts, it is not quite so clear cut. Instead, if one is not read their rights, then any evidence obtained from the suspect prior to being advised of their Miranda Rights may be inadmissible as evidence at trial.

In simplest terms, an alibi is merely evidence that demonstrates a defendant in a criminal case was somewhere other than the scene of a crime at the time that the crime occurred.

At the most basic level, the fundamental difference between jail and prison is the length of stay for inmates.

All people accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty, either in a trial or as a result of pleading guilty.

Under that kind of stress, it can be very tempting to accept the first plea offer made to you by the prosecutor.

The American Bar Association is a national organization of attorneys dedicated to improving the legal system. The Criminal Justice Section contains news and events for anyone interested in the penal system.

BJS collects facts and figures relating to crime in the United States. Here you can learn about the prevalence of crimes involving violence, property damage, drugs, human trafficking, identity theft, and more.

The USC consists of all federal laws in the United States. Title 18 deals with crimes, punishments, and criminal procedure. This searchable online version is presented by Cornell Law School in Ithaca, NY.

Individuals who are charged with a criminal offense in Florida should have a strong understanding of the criminal justice system and the possible defenses that they may be able to raise.

When defendants are charged with the violation of a criminal law in Minnesota, it is important that they understand the nature of the charges against them, the possible penalties and the criminal procedures that may affect them.

This concise essay by Dr. Ronald B. Standler describes how criminal prosecutions and private civil lawsuits differ in terms of protections and potential liabilities for defendants.

The FBI website is a great resource for information about the investigation of terrorism and other federal crimes. The “Most Wanted” section allows visitors to provide tips about victims and fugitives in high profile cases.

Cornell Law School sponsors this indexed version of the court rules governing the presentation of evidence in federal court. These rules apply in criminal and civil cases.

The sentencing guidelines are rules meant to create a uniform system for imposing punishment in federal criminal court. Check back regularly for the latest updates to the manuals.

With so much focus on the accused, the victims of crimes sometimes feel neglected by the system. The National Center for Victims of Crime is designed for victims and advocates looking to engage one another, find support, and spread awareness.

National Criminal Justice Reference Service offers extensive reference and referral services information to support research, policy, and program development to anyone interested in crime, victim assistance, and public safety including policymakers, researchers, and the general public.

The OVC administers the Crime Victims Fund, providing substantial funding to state victim assistance compensation programs and services that help victims heal. For those looking to pursue a career as a victim’s advocate, the site offers online training and education.

The Justice Department, led by the Attorney General, is the federal agency in charge of enforcing federal laws. Their website is constantly updated with news articles, blog posts, and other criminal justice resources.