Criminal Charges & Court Process
Charged with a crime — or trying to understand a loved one’s case? Plain-English guides to how a criminal case works: arrest, arraignment, bail, plea deals, common charges, sentencing, probation, and your right to a lawyer. Charges and penalties vary by state.
All Criminal Charges & Court Process guides
- What Is a Restraining Order? Types and How They Work
A restraining order is a civil court order telling someone to stop contact or harassment. Learn the types, how to get one, and what to do if it's violated.
- Domestic Violence Charges: What to Expect
What happens after a domestic violence charge, from no-contact orders to collateral consequences, and how to protect your rights from day one.
- What Is a Preliminary Hearing?
A preliminary hearing is an early court proceeding where a judge decides whether there is probable cause to send a criminal case to trial.
- Hit-and-Run: Charges and What to Do
Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in every state. Learn what hit-and-run charges mean, how serious they are, and what to do if you're involved.
- What Is a Criminal Summons or Citation?
A criminal summons orders you to appear in court without an arrest. Learn what it means, what your rights are, and what happens if you ignore it.
- What Is a No-Contest Plea (Nolo Contendere)?
A no-contest plea accepts criminal punishment without admitting guilt. Learn how it differs from a guilty plea and when it may matter.
- What Happens After an Arrest?
Step-by-step guide to what happens after an arrest in the U.S.—booking, arraignment, bail, trial, and sentencing—and your rights at each stage.
- Misdemeanor vs. Felony: What's the Difference?
Misdemeanors and felonies differ in seriousness and consequences. Learn how crimes are graded, what each category means, and why the difference matters.
- What to Expect at a Criminal Trial
A step-by-step guide to criminal trial stages — from jury selection through verdict — and what defendants can expect throughout the process.
- How Bail and Bond Work
Bail is money or conditions a court sets to ensure you return for hearings. Learn how judges set bail, your Eighth Amendment rights, and release options.
- Your Right to a Public Defender
Learn when you have the right to a court-appointed public defender, how to request one, and what public defenders do in your criminal case.
- Driver's License Suspension and How to Get It Back
How license suspensions happen through criminal court and the DMV, what the differences mean, and the concrete steps to get your driving privileges back.
- What Is a Plea Bargain?
A plea bargain is a negotiated deal: you plead guilty in exchange for reduced charges or a lighter sentence. Learn how they work and your rights.
- Probation vs. Parole: What's the Difference?
Probation and parole both involve supervised release, but they come at different points in the process. Here's how they work and what sets them apart.
- Reckless Driving Charges Explained
Reckless driving is a criminal offense in most states. Learn what the charge means, when it becomes a felony, and what rights you have if you're charged.
- Sex Offender Registration Explained
Sex offender registration rules vary widely by state. Learn how SORNA works, who must register, what restrictions apply, and whether removal is possible.
- Disorderly Conduct Charges Explained
Disorderly conduct is one of the most commonly charged offenses. Learn what behavior qualifies, how serious the charge is, and what rights you have.
- What Is an Arraignment?
An arraignment is a court hearing where criminal charges are formally read and you enter a plea. Learn what to expect and how to protect your rights.
- What Is Pretrial Diversion or a Deferred Sentence?
Pretrial diversion and deferred sentencing let qualifying defendants avoid a permanent conviction by completing a supervised program. Here is how both work.
- Assault and Battery Charges Explained
Assault and battery charges vary from misdemeanor to felony. Learn how these charges work, what self-defense means, and what rights you have if charged.
- Vandalism and Criminal Mischief Charges
Vandalism and criminal mischief charges range from misdemeanor to felony based on damage value. Learn how the charge works, penalties, and what you can do.
- What Is Restitution in a Criminal Case?
Restitution is a court-ordered payment to crime victims — not a fine. Learn what it covers, how courts set the amount, and what happens if you can't pay.
- Public Intoxication Charges Explained
Public intoxication charges vary widely by state. Learn what the charge involves, possible consequences, your rights, and what to do after an arrest.
- Do You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Understand when hiring a criminal defense lawyer matters most, what they actually do for your case, and how to get one if you cannot afford it.
- Facing a First Offense: What to Expect
Facing criminal charges for the first time? Learn how the process works from arrest to sentencing, what your rights are, and the most important next steps.
- Collateral Consequences of a Criminal Conviction
Beyond a sentence, a conviction can affect your job, housing, firearms, and immigration status. Learn what collateral consequences are and how they work.
- What Is a Grand Jury?
Learn how grand juries work, when they are used, and what your rights are if you receive a grand jury subpoena or are indicted.
- Resisting Arrest Charges Explained
Resisting arrest can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. Learn what the law covers, why physical resistance usually backfires, and what your rights are.
- Drug Possession Charges Explained
Drug possession charges range from minor infractions to serious felonies. Learn how charges are classified, your rights, and what options may exist.
- How to Get Off the Sex Offender Registry
What sex offender registry removal actually involves, why the rules vary by state and offense, and the steps to petition a court for relief.
- Restraining Order vs. No-Contact Order: What's the Difference?
Restraining orders and no-contact orders come from different courts, start differently, and end differently. Here is how to tell them apart.
- How Criminal Sentencing Works
Sentencing decides the consequences of a criminal conviction, from fines and probation to prison. Here is how the process works and what affects it.
- How Juvenile Criminal Cases Work
How the juvenile justice system works, what constitutional rights young people have, and what parents and minors should know when facing delinquency charges.
- Court Fines, Fees, and Costs Explained
Criminal cases can leave you owing fines, fees, and costs beyond the sentence. Learn what each is, how amounts are set, and what to do if you can't pay.
- Shoplifting Charges Explained
A shoplifting charge can be a misdemeanor or felony depending on the value taken and your state. Learn how charges work, your rights, and what to do next.
- Probation Violation: What Happens Next?
Accused of violating probation? Learn what the process looks like, your rights at a hearing, and what outcomes — including revocation — a judge can impose.
- Petty Theft vs. Grand Theft
The difference between petty and grand theft comes down to value. Learn how states draw the line, what makes grand theft a felony, and what to do if charged.
- What Happens If You Miss a Court Date?
Missing a court date triggers a bench warrant, potential new charges, and bail forfeiture. Learn what happens next and what you can do.
- What Is a No-Contact Order?
A no-contact order is a criminal court order prohibiting a defendant from contacting victims or witnesses — the protected person does not file for it.