Your Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial is among the most important protections that you have if you have been charged with a crime. The right to a speedy trial not only prevents the government from dragging its feet after charging you with a crime, but also eliminates the possibility of them charging you… Read More
State Trials
When Does Your Right to a Speedy Trial Come into Play?
One of the rights that the Sixth Amendment provides is your right to a speedy trial. While this right has been tempered – any delay has to have been caused by the government, has to prejudice your case, has to be uncommonly long, and you have to exercise your right to a speedy trial –… Read More
The Definition of “Beyond a Reasonable Doubt”
The legal world is full of complicated phrases, and even simple phrases that nevertheless hide numerous levels of complexities. From Latin phrases like “res ipsa loquitur” to word pairings that seem to repeat themselves, like “null and void” or “due process,” the law can seem like a needlessly confusing field. When it comes to criminal… Read More
Federal or State Court: Which One Will Try Your Case?
If you’re under suspicion or being charged with a crime, you might be wondering where your trial might take place. Federal and state court jurisdictions usually have some overlap, so which one will try your case? Knowing whether you’ll be charged and tried at the state level or federal level is important because the procedures… Read More
Key Differences Between State and Federal Criminal Charges
While being charged with a crime can be frightening enough on its own, understanding whether you’re being charged under state or federal law (and the ramifications of each) can be equally confusing. There are some key differences between state and federal criminal charges as to how (and where) they are tried, and an experienced criminal… Read More
Can My Charges Be Reduced?
A common question we receive from clients who are facing criminal charges is, “Can my charges be reduced?” The short answer is yes, it is possible for charges to be reduced or even dropped. However, it bears some further explanation. When criminal charges are brought against you, they are brought by the prosecuting attorney, who… Read More
What Are My Plea Options?
“How do you plead?” It’s not just a phrase we hear on popular court television programs. The defendant’s plea to the charges is a pivotal moment in any criminal court case, and can have a profound effect on the outcome. From the moment you are charged, you should be asking an experienced attorney, “What are… Read More