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eHow's legal experts discuss criminal law, from restraining orders and capital punishment to sex crimes and domestic violence. Understand the process from the arrest through the trial, as well as the aftermath, including incarceration, parole and probation. Crimes committed by minors falling under juvenile law are also explained in detail. Other legal topics covered via step-by-step instructions in this criminal law section include drug crimes, theft and the basics of criminal law.

Categories in Criminal Law

Articles in Criminal Law

How to Prepare for Your Restraining Order Hearing

By eHow Legal Editor

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Presenting your evidence in an effective manner and making a good appearance in court are necessary when filing a restraining order against an individual who may be harassing or abusing you. Prepare in advance for your hearing to ensure that your ... more »

How to Report Suspected Pedophile Activity

By eHow Legal Editor

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A pedophile is someone who takes a sexual interest in children. Illegal pedophile activities include possessing or viewing any sexually explicit material featuring minors, improper sexual contact with minors even if the contact isn't physical or ... more »

How to Request a Prison Transfer While Incarcerated

By eHow Legal Editor

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When a person is incarcerated, there is an evaluation process used to determine the type of prison and custody level appropriate for the inmate. Once the destination prison is assigned, this is generally where the inmate serves out his or her ... more »

How to Search Sex Offender Registries

By eHow Legal Editor

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Courts apply the term "sex offender" to anyone who has been convicted of sexual crimes. Sex offender registries now exist for each state, and offenders are required to register with the police wherever they reside after conviction. Follow these ... more »

How to Visit a Family Member Who Is Incarcerated

By eHow Legal Editor

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Visiting a family member who is incarcerated can be difficult, but open communication and support is important for both the inmate and the family at home. Maintaining relationships is critical not only to the inmate facing jail time, but to the ... more »

How to Find Information on the Penalty for Dealing Cocaine in Florida

By eHow Legal Editor

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Dealing cocaine is as serious a felony offense in Florida as it is almost everywhere else in the United States. Offenders face a range of stiff penalties, including heavy fines and lengthy prison sentences. The larger the amount of cocaine being ... more »

How to get a lawyer appointed for your child in a child custody case

By capeside

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get a lawyer appinted for your child.. more »

How to Locate Someone Who Is Incarcerated

By eHow Legal Editor

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If you're trying to locate someone and suspect they may be incarcerated in a federal or state penitentiary, there are resources to aid you in your search. Follow these steps to find them... more »

How to Preserve Evidence After a Sexual Assault

By eHow Health Editor

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After a sexual assault, it's imperative that victims preserve evidence to aid prosecution of the offender. Evidence can be anything from traces of bodily fluid to fingerprints on objects to hair or clothing fibers. Here's how to avoid losing ... more »

How to Repair Identity Theft Credit Damage

By w1z111

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Identity Theft is a serious problem today, and needs to be understood. There are things to know and do if this happens to you... more »

How to Report a Business You Suspect Is Committing Tax Fraud

By eHow Legal Editor

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If you suspect a business is committing tax fraud, you should report it. Follow these steps... more »

How to Sign Up for Community Service After a DUI

By eHow Legal Editor

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Community service as partial retribution for committing a crime has long been used in most states in the U.S. since the early part of the 20th century. In the case of a DUI, performing a certain number of hours of community service may sometimes ... more »

How to Appeal a Capital Punishment Verdict

By eHow Legal Editor

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According to federal records, 37 percent of appeals of a capital punishment verdict are successful. This means that many people can actually be saved if lawyers act within a reasonable amount of time and file the appropriate papers. An appeal can ... more »

How to Appeal a Criminal Trial Conviction

By eHow Legal Editor

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If you have been found guilty of a crime and you feel that your criminal trial was not conducted according to the letter of the law, you can appeal your conviction. An appeal is not a retrial; rather, it is an official examination of the court ... more »

How to Apply for a Governor's Pardon

By eHow Legal Editor

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A lapse in judgment or an adolescent indiscretion can create a criminal for life. Outstanding achievements and stellar performances for good causes may lead to a governor's pardon. Pardons wipe away crimes, reinstating persons civil rights, as if ... more »

How to Arrange for Bail While in Jail

By eHow Legal Editor

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Getting arrested means that you will, more than likely, have to stand in front of a judge to have your charges formally recorded. During this court appearance, you will probably have a bail amount set by the judge. She takes into consideration ... more »

How to Be at Peace With Receiving a Capital Punishment Verdict

By eHow Legal Editor

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If you have received a capital punishment sentence, the immediate emotional jolt can be crushing. But you don't have to give up. Follow these steps to plan your next move... more »

How to file a criminal complaint

By capeside

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How to file a criminal complaint when the police were not initially involved.. more »

How to Find a Victim Support Group After a Sex Crime

By eHow Health Editor

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If you or someone you know has been the victim of a sex crime, you may benefit by attending a victims support group. Hospitals and nonprofit organizations throughout the country have created safe and confidential settings where victims of sexual ... more »

How to Find Information on First Time Offenders of Petty Theft

By eHow Legal Editor

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Under the law, petty theft (or "petty larceny") refers to the act of the intentional theft of goods or services worth a small amount of money (as determined by local laws). First time offenders generally do not face prison, though in many places ... more »

How to Find Information on Jury Selection for a Criminal Trial

By eHow Legal Editor

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According to the U.S. Constitution, every person charged with a criminal offense and facing a criminal trial has the right to be tried by an impartial jury. The jury selection process can vary slightly from state to state and region to region, so ... more »

How to Find Information on Parole Law

By eHow Legal Editor

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Parole is granted to prisoners by a parole commission that reviews the specifics of each application and judges its merits. You must serve at least a third of your sentence before applying for parole, and, if the board grants it, you will live ... more »

How to Find Information on Petty Theft Fines

By eHow Legal Editor

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Crimes involving the larceny of goods or services valued below a certain legally defined threshold are considered petty theft. Court sentences for petty theft commonly include a fine, and the schedules and amounts of these penalties vary ... more »

How to Find Information on the Penalties for Assault

By eHow Legal Editor

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Assault is defined as a crime of violence against another person, though details differ from state to state. Assault can also include any uninvited physical contact that a second party inflicts upon you. Depending on the nature of the assault, ... more »

How to Find Information on the Penalty for Auto Theft in Washington

By eHow Legal Editor

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The Seattle area of Washington is one of the top 10 metropolitan areas for auto theft in the nation. However, auto theft is a crime that can happen anywhere in Washington. If you live in Washington and your car gets stolen, finding information on ... more »