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What is a conviction?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A conviction is a formal finding that you’re guilty of a crime—typically after a judge or jury verdict, or after you plead guilty or no contest. It creates a criminal record and can trigger penalties and long-term consequences like probation, fines, jail time, or limits on jobs and housing. This article explains what counts as […]

Judge's Gavel with "not Guilty" Verdict Document

Appeals & Post-Conviction Relief Criminal Defense

What is an acquittal?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

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 criminal case and bars the government from retrying you for the same offense under double jeopardy rules. This article explains what an acquittal means, how it differs from a dismissal […]

Jury Seated in Courtroom During Trial Proceedings

Civil Litigation Criminal Defense

What is a jury trial?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A jury trial is a court proceeding where a panel of typically 6–12 citizens decides the facts of a case and, in criminal cases, delivers a verdict of guilty or not guilty. The judge oversees the trial, rules on legal issues, and may determine sentencing or other remedies depending on the case. This article explains […]

Judge Presiding over Empty Courtroom Bench

Civil Litigation Criminal Defense

What is a bench trial?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A bench trial is a court trial decided by a judge rather than a jury. It’s common in many civil cases and can also occur in criminal cases when a defendant waives the right to a jury trial, typically subject to court approval. This article explains how bench trials work, key differences from jury trials, […]

Appellate Law Civil Litigation

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, […]

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