An acquittal is a not-guilty verdict, meaning the prosecution failed to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. In most cases, an acquittal ends the...
Sentencing is the court’s process of deciding the punishment after a defendant is convicted or pleads guilty, ranging from fines and probation to jail or...
Expungement is the legal process of sealing or erasing eligible criminal records so they’re not visible in most background checks. Eligibility and results vary by...
Criminal record sealing is a court process that restricts public access to certain arrests or convictions, with eligibility and timelines varying by state. Sealed records...
A preliminary hearing is a court proceeding where a judge decides whether prosecutors have enough probable cause to keep a felony case moving forward. It...
Voir dire is the jury-selection process where judges and attorneys question potential jurors to identify bias and ensure an impartial jury. It occurs before trial...
Criminal restitution is court-ordered payment a defendant must make to a victim to cover specific, provable losses caused by the crime. It’s part of a...
Parole is the supervised early release of a person from prison before they complete their full sentence, contingent on compliance with specific conditions. It’s granted...
A suspended sentence is a court-imposed sentence that doesn’t take effect unless you violate specified conditions, typically during a set probation period. Instead of serving...
A subpoena is a legally binding court order requiring you to testify, provide documents, or both—ignoring it can lead to penalties such as contempt of...
