Criminal Law
In-depth discussion of common crimes and possible defenses, an explanation of defendants' constitutional rights, the juvenile justice system, the process from arrest through arraignment and trial and more.
All about criminal cases, from arrest all the way through appeal.
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Getting Out of Jail After Arrest
If you've ever been arrested, you know the first thing to do is get out of jail. Here's how. -
Should You Accept a Plea Bargain?
In many criminal cases, a plea bargain for a reduced sentence may make sense.
If you've been arrested and charged with a crime, you'll need a lawyer. Learn about free legal representation and private criminal defense lawyers here.
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Do I Need a Lawyer When I'm Charged with a Crime?
Defendants charged with crimes are almost always best served by obtaining a lawyer. Find out why. -
Using a Private Criminal Defense Attorney
Learn about hiring and managing your own defense attorney.
All about proving and disproving guilt in a criminal trial.
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Defenses to a Criminal Charge: An Overview
Here are some of the common defenses that criminal defendants can raise to defend against criminal charges. -
What is an Alibi?
An alibi can be an effective defense to a criminal charge, but how do alibis work?
Police questioning, search & seizure, street frisks, car searches.
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Search Warrants
Learn when police officers must obtain a warrant before they search your home or other property. -
Miranda Warning & Miranda Rights
Do the police have to "read you your rights?" What happens if they don't?
Learn about your rights when you're not in custody and the police ask something of you.
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Stopping and Questioning People on the Street
Must I answer questions? Can I walk away? -
When and How to Invoke Your Right to Silence
When talking to the police is simply remaining silent enough to invoke the 5th Amendment privilege against self-incrimination?
When your record is sealed, or expunged, most of the time it's as if it never happened. The rules are different for every state.
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Expungement of Criminal Records
You may be able to have your past criminal or arrest record(s) sealed. Learn how it's done. -
Sealing Juvenile Records
It's not always automatic. Learn how to "erase" a juvenile criminal record.
Updates & More from Nolo
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Criminal Law & Crimes
See Nolo's site, CriminalDefenseLawyer.com, to get free legal information on many different crimes, their penalties, and possible defenses. -
Uncuffed: A Candid Take on Crime and Society
Dealing with the police? Trying to figure out the crazy world of criminal law? In Nolo's newest blog, Micah Schwartzbach discusses all things criminal law, from individual rights to fair punishment to current events. -
Nolo's Criminal Law Blog: The Rap Sheet
Nolo's blog on criminal law topics and trending issues by Paul Bergman, a professor at the UCLA School of Law. -
Legal Updates
Check out recent legal updates that affect our criminal law products and content.
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