Criminal & Traffic Offences

Criminal law is the body of law that relates to crime. It defines conduct that is prohibited by the government because it threatens and harms public safety and welfare, and it establishes punishment to be imposed for the commission of such acts.

Criminal offenses are generally categorized into felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. Felonies are serious crimes like murder or robbery, misdemeanors are less serious offenses like petty theft or vandalism, and infractions are minor violations like traffic tickets.

If you are arrested, you should remain calm, exercise your right to remain silent, and request an attorney. Avoid answering any questions without your lawyer present.

An arraignment is the first court appearance in a criminal case where the defendant is formally charged and asked to enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).

You have the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, the right to a fair and public trial, the right to confront witnesses, and the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

While you have the right to represent yourself (pro se), it is generally advisable to have an attorney due to the complexities of criminal law and the potential consequences of a conviction.

Bail is a set amount of money that acts as insurance between the court and the defendant. It allows the defendant to be released from jail while awaiting trial, ensuring that they return for their court dates.

A plea bargain is an agreement between the prosecutor and the defendant where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge or to one of multiple charges in exchange for a more lenient sentence or the dismissal of other charges.

If you are found guilty, the court will impose a sentence, which could include fines, probation, community service, imprisonment, or other penalties. You may also have the option to appeal the verdict.

Consequences can include imprisonment, fines, probation, community service, a permanent criminal record, loss of certain civil rights, and difficulties in finding employment or housing.

Probation is a court-ordered period of supervision in the community, typically instead of serving time in prison. Parole is the conditional release of a prisoner before the full prison sentence is served, under supervision in the community.

In some cases, a criminal record can be expunged or sealed, meaning it is not accessible to the public. The eligibility for expungement depends on the nature of the crime, state laws, and whether all terms of the sentence have been completed.

The statute of limitations is the time period within which the prosecution must file charges against a suspect. This period varies depending on the type of crime and jurisdiction.