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What is voir dire?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

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 in both criminal and civil cases and can lead to jurors being removed for cause or through limited peremptory challenges. This article explains what voir dire means, how it works […]

Judge's Gavel and Legal Documents on Desk

Criminal Defense Criminal Procedure

What is a preliminary hearing?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

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 typically occurs early after arrest or charging and may include witness testimony and limited cross-examination. This article explains how preliminary hearings work, what evidence is presented, possible outcomes, and how […]

Criminal Record Sealing Process Illustration

Criminal Defense Criminal Record Sealing

What is criminal record sealing?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

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 may still be visible to law enforcement, some courts, and select employers, but are generally hidden from most background checks. This article explains how sealing works, who may qualify, how […]

Legal Documents Being Erased with an Eraser

Criminal Defense Criminal Record Expungement

What is expungement?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

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 state and by factors like the offense, time since completion of the sentence, and any new charges. This article explains what expungement means, how it differs from record sealing, who […]

Judge's Gavel with Scales of Justice in Courtroom

Criminal Appeals Criminal Defense

What is a suspended sentence?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

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 time immediately, you remain in the community under court-ordered rules, and a breach can trigger the original jail or prison term. This article explains how suspended sentences work, common conditions, […]

Prisoner Being Released from Jail with Paperwork

Criminal Defense Juvenile Defense

What is parole?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

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 by a parole board or similar authority and can be revoked if the person violates rules like reporting requirements, curfews, or new criminal conduct. This article explains how parole works, […]

Judge's Gavel with Dollar Bills and Handcuffs

Criminal Defense Victims’ Rights Law

What is criminal restitution?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

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 criminal sentence in many cases and is separate from fines or civil damages. This article explains how restitution is calculated, what losses qualify, how payment is enforced, and what options […]

Judge's Gavel on Wooden Desk in Courtroom

Appellate Law Civil Litigation

What is a mistrial?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A mistrial is when a judge ends a trial early without a verdict, usually because a serious legal error, juror problem, or prejudicial event makes a fair decision impossible. It can be declared on a party’s motion or by the court, often meaning the case may be retried. This article explains what triggers a mistrial, […]

Jury Deliberation Room with Diverse Jurors Discussing

Criminal Defense Criminal Litigation

What is a hung jury?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A hung jury occurs when jurors can’t reach the required unanimous verdict in a criminal case, resulting in a mistrial. It typically happens after extended deliberations when the judge concludes further discussion won’t break the deadlock, allowing prosecutors to retry the case or dismiss it. This article explains how a hung jury is determined, what […]

Immune System Cells Attacking Pathogens in Bloodstream

Administrative Law Civil Rights Defense

What is immunity?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

Immunity is a legal protection that can prevent a person or government entity from being sued or held liable, and in some cases can bar criminal prosecution. It exists to limit certain lawsuits and encourage public functions, but it applies differently depending on the type of immunity and the situation. This article explains the main […]

Subpoena Document with Gavel on Wooden Desk

Civil Litigation Criminal Defense

What is a subpoena?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

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 court. Subpoenas are commonly issued in criminal and civil cases and may come from a court, attorney, or government agency depending on the jurisdiction. This article explains what a subpoena […]

Judge's Gavel with Law Books and Scales of Justice

Civil Rights Litigation Constitutional Law

What is the exclusionary rule?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

The exclusionary rule generally bars evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment from being used in a criminal prosecution. It’s designed to deter unlawful searches and seizures by law enforcement, though several exceptions can still allow the evidence in. This article explains what the exclusionary rule is, when it applies, key exceptions, and how […]

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