Federal and state authorities have waged a war on illegal narcotics and other substances for several decades. While it is hard to say which side is winning, the consequences for federal drug convictions are harsher than ever before. Prison sentences for convictions at...
Reasonable suspicion is a legal standard of proof used in criminal cases. It is the justification that a police officer needs to make an investigative search, seizure, or stop. For instance, a police officer will need more than just a hunch or guess to stop you. ...
Your right to a fair trial by jury depends on having impartial jurors consider your case. A big part of the pretrial process for those facing criminal charges will involve selecting a jury. Your lawyer and the prosecutor can ask prospective jury members questions...
You were charged with a serious criminal offense and the matter went before a jury trial. After both the prosecution and defense presented their arguments, the jury started their deliberations. It is up to the jury to decide upon the factual aspects of the case, while...
Most people wrongly equate an appeal to a fresh trial, given the possibility of a different verdict. However, appealing a verdict is nothing like a retrial. First, an appeal comes after a trial court or jury has already made its decision. Therefore, the legal...
The official meaning of exculpatory evidence is “to exonerate someone of a crime or clear them of wrongdoing or blame.” If you plan to appeal a conviction, exculpatory evidence may be beneficial and help with your defense. It is often referred to as “Brady material”...
If you have been convicted of securities fraud, you may feel a sense of dread and uncertainty about your future. You may wonder what this conviction means for your job, finances, and reputation. You aren't alone. Many people find themselves in this situation after...
While your attorney will do their best to fight the charges you face, there is no guarantee they will succeed. You might be angry at them if you did not win, but that alone is not sufficient grounds to appeal. You may, however, be able to appeal your case if you can...
Going to court is often a scary and overwhelming process. While you hope for the best, this may not be the outcome achieved. While an unfavorable verdict may be disappointing, it doesn’t mean you don’t have options. At this point, you can appeal the decision....
After a felony conviction on charges involving racketeering or drug trafficking, most defendants begin planning to appeal immediately. You have the right to appeal a court decision if your trial involved legal errors, jury misconduct or ineffective defense...