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- Child Custody and VisitationKidnapping is taking someone against their will or without proper authorization. Kidnapping is usually associated with threats and visible violence, but not necessarily. There are some cases where a parent takes a child without the permission of the other parent, but without any violent or criminal intent. In divorce cases, a bitter spouse may lie about giving permission and falsely accuse the other parent of kidnapping. If the child was taken across a state line, the FBI could become involved and your case could become much more serious. Whether you have been accused of kidnapping for the purpose of monetary gain, or if it was a child custody issue, you need an advocate who is on your side fighting for your rights.
- Child AbuseViolence between spouses, ex-spouses, people in a relationship, family members or cohabitants may be classified as domestic violence, domestic abuse or domestic battery, depending on the jurisdiction. This may involve physical, sexual or emotional abuse, as well as child endangerment, child abuse and child molestation. Spousal rape is also a form of domestic violence.
- Criminal DefenseWelcome to our Criminal Defense Information Center. Whether you are facing criminal charges, know someone who has been arrested or simply want to learn more about criminal charges throughout the United States, the information on this website is meant to help you. Although specific information about criminal offenses will vary depending upon the state in which you reside, you can use the information here as a general guide to learn more about criminal law as a whole. You can also use our directory to find a local lawyer to assist you with your case.
- DUI/DWIExpungement is a term which refers to the process of sealing or destroying legal records (such as an individual's criminal record). While the specific meaning and effects of an expungement will vary from state to state, in most cases the record will not actually be physically destroyed but will simply be removed from public record. The record may be viewed in certain circumstances and by certain government agencies. For example, if a person had a DUI (driving under the influence) case expunged from his or her record, this information may still be available if and when that person was facing a second DUI/DWI charge.
- Traffic ViolationsSome traffic offenses are minor (such as speeding tickets) and the maximum penalty will only be a fine and possibly traffic school to avoid points on one's driving record. Other traffic offenses, however, are serious crimes and may result in years in state prison, depending upon the specific circumstances.
- Sex CrimesSex crimes are a broad category of crimes involving illegal or forced sexual conduct. Being convicted of a sex crime can have serious consequences and could affect the rest of your life. Not only could you be facing time in jail or prison, but you could be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of your life. Knowing this, it is extremely important that you seek counsel from a legal professional who has experience in defending sex crimes.
- FraudCertain acts are prohibited by federal law. These and crimes committed against the federal government or on federal property may be considered federal crimes. Some examples include: bank fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud and kidnapping. Because federal agencies and prosecutors typically have more resources than those on a local or state level, and due to the extremely harsh penalties that may be imposed for these offenses, it is important to work with a lawyer who can handle cases in federal court. Read more about federal crimes...
- RobberyAnother violent theft crime, robbery is a type of theft committed by force, violence or threats of injury to another person. It is typically charged as a felony, with enhanced penalties if the defendant is accused of carrying or using a deadly weapon. Click here to read more about robbery...
- BurglaryAnother type of theft crime is burglary. Burglary is defined as the unlawful breaking and entering of a property with the intention of stealing. It is charged as a felony and will have harsher penalties than a simple theft. Breaking and entering falls into two different categories. Actual breaking involves force, for example damaging a window or door or breaking a lock. Constructive breaking does not involve physical force, but force through threats, blackmail, or deception.
- White Collar CrimesWhite collar crimes are a category of crimes that typically relate to business or financial matters. Due to the nature of white collar crimes, they usually carry harsh penalties and can even be tried as a felony. If you or a family member has been accused of a white collar crime, it is highly recommended that you seek legal representation as soon as possible.
- Theft
- MisdemeanorsCriminal offenses may be classified as infractions, felonies or misdemeanors. All three charges are separated by the penalties which may be imposed. Let's take a brief look at these types of offenses and their differences...
- EmbezzlementCrimes that involve financial transactions, politicians and businessmen and women may be considered white collar crimes. These are typically non-violent theft crimes, such as fraud, embezzlement and tax evasion. Click here to read more about white collar crimes.
- Drug CrimesWhile state laws are clear about what it takes to expunge a conviction (and which convictions are eligible to be expunged), federal courts do not have such clear guidelines. If someone was convicted of certain drug possession offenses, they can expunge the conviction in federal court, according to... Continue Reading
- AssaultBy definition, assault is the threat of physical violence towards an individual, while battery is the actual carrying out of the threats. In many states, authorities have ceased to differentiate between the two charges and they have come to mean the same thing. Simple assault refers to physically striking another person. Aggravated assault occurs when serious bodily injury is threatened or takes place. If a deadly weapon is used during the assault, it will also be charged as aggravated assault. Assault and battery could refer to an attack on a victim, but it can also refer to a fight between two individuals where one person is not more to blame than the other.
- MurderViolent crimes are generally some of the most serious criminal offenses a person may be accused of committing. These involve criminal acts committed against another person, involving the attempt, threat or infliction of bodily harm. The penalties for violent crimes are typically harsh and may threaten one's freedom or very life. In some states, for example, first degree murder is punishable by the death penalty. Many violent crimes also will count as "strikes" under a state's three strikes law, meaning a second "strike" will result in enhanced penalties and a third may result in a life prison sentence.
- Juvenile CrimesIf your child has been accused of a crime they did not commit or made a lapse in judgment, you need a juvenile crime attorney to defend their rights. In most states, any person who is eighteen or younger is considered a minor. However, in some states this age is sixteen or less. Not only do juvenile crimes have maximum age limits, but they also have minimum age limits. In most states, if a child under the age of seven commits a crime, it is usually not considered to possess criminal intent.
- Identity TheftIdentity theft is a crime that has become more and more common in the United States. Because of its growing popularity, authorities have taken extreme means to stop this from happening. They are putting more resources and manpower into convicting those who have allegedly been guilty of stealing a victim's identity. Bribery is the act of attempting to influence public officials through financial gain or another form of gain. Punishment will be based on who the bribe was targeting, the intent of the bribe, the criminal record of the defendant, and the extent of the operation.
- HomicideHomicide by misadventure refers to a homicide that resulted from an accident that was without malicious intent. Justifiable homicide refers to a killing that occurred because the one individual was acting in self-defense. It can also refer to a situation where someone was acting in the defense of another. Negligent homicide results from a person's negligent acts and reckless homicide results from a person's reckless acts. If someone was killed through the use of a boat or vehicle, they could be guilty of vehicular homicide.
- ArsonWhatever the motive behind this crime, it is always treated very seriously by the authorities. Sometimes an individual will set fire to their own property in order to claim insurance for the damages, but will blame the arson on someone else. Unfortunately, it is not unusual for someone to be falsely accused of arson. There are times when insurance companies will not want to pay for the fire, so they will attempt to blame the incidents on the owner.
- ShopliftingLess serious than a felony, a misdemeanor is typically punishable by time in county jail, though the specific term of incarceration may vary depending on the state. In some states, misdemeanors have a 12-month maximum term of jail time, while in others it is 6 months or another length of time. Some examples of crimes typically classified as misdemeanors include: possession of small amounts of marijuana, first DUI/DWI offenses and shoplifting.
- Restraining OrderTypical penalties for a domestic violence conviction include: county jail or state prison sentence, fines, anger management and counseling. Most often, an individual facing domestic violence charges will face enhanced penalties if a child was the victim. Enhanced penalties will also apply for offenders who have one or more prior domestic violence conviction on their record. Restraining orders and orders of protection are also usually involved in the case of domestic violence, and a defendant may be at risk of losing custody or visitation rights.
- ForgeryEmbezzlement is committed by an employee or a person in a place of trust. It involves that person taking funds or information that they had been entrusted with and using it for their own monetary gain. Forgery usually involves creating false documents or altering genuine documents. They documents are usually checks, receipts, contracts, or identification material. Forgery could be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony based on the amount of money that was involved in the crime.
- Money LaunderingAccording to the United Nations, about 2-5 percent of the global GP comes from money laundered from illicit activities. This amounts to approximately $800 billion - $2 trillion laundered each year. Money laundering is the process of obtaining illegal compensation and then hiding its source through... Continue Reading
- KidnappingAccording to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, crimes against children can include kidnapping, violent attacks, and sexual abuse. Crimes against children are taken very seriously and it is important to have an aggressive legal representative to defend you if you have been accused of any of these crimes.
- ManslaughterMurder is defined as the unlawful killing of another human being, with premeditation (planning). Murder is distinct from manslaughter in that it involves a degree of planning, premeditation and malicious intent. In these cases, the planning may have only taken several minutes or may have been conducted over a series of months. Depending upon the charge and the state, an individual facing murder charges may face the death penalty, life in prison or other severe penalties.
- Internet CrimesThe different types of computer and internet fraud are: inputting incorrect data into a computer system, changing or stealing data, bank fraud, loan fraud, extortion, or identity theft. Cyber bulling or harassment is also illegal. This usually takes place on social networking site or chat rooms. Cyber stalking and online predators also use the internet in order to find and pursue victims. Online sex crimes will be treated the same way as a sex crime in that you could have to register as a sex offender. Some of these acts could have been innocent mistakes and a computer crime attorney will do their utmost to get your charges reduced or dropped.
- ProstitutionA crime that involves a deviant sex act, forced intercourse or the exchange of sexual activity for money may be considered a sex crime. These are often particularly serious due to their sensitive nature and the harsh penalties that may be imposed if a defendant is convicted, including lifetime registration as a sex offender. Some sex crimes include: rape, sexual abuse, sexual battery and prostitution. Click here to read more about sex crimes.
- Extortion
- Corporate LawYou may be looking for a boutique firm that can provide you with personal attention that your case needs. You may be working within a limited budget and looking for the most cost effective legal representation you can find. Or, you may be looking to work with a large corporate law firm to handle your case.