The phrase “pleading the 5th” often comes up in reference to courtroom dramas. What does it actually mean? Should you plead the 5th, and if so why? What is the Fifth Amendment? The fifth amendment contains the right to remain silent. This means that you cannot be compelled to provide information that would incriminate you. […]
Articles Tagged: criminal law
The Basics of Plea Deals
If you’re facing criminal charges, it’s likely that the prosecutor in your case will offer you a plea deal before your case reaches trial. A plea deal (also known as a plea bargain), is an agreement in which you accept criminal culpability and forfeit your right to a trial in exchange for a set punishment. […]
How to Look Up an Arrest Record
If you have ever had a run-in with the police, then you may have an arrest record to your name. Even if you have never been convicted of a crime, an arrest record can still be a major hurdle that you have to carry around with you. Just like with having a criminal record, an […]
Can a Police Officer Lie to Me?
In order to obtain a confession or any other evidence that might lead to one, a police officer who has detained or arrested a person in connection with a crime is allowed to lie. Those lies don’t just consist of little white lies either. Courts across the United States have consistently held that any lies […]
Bench Warrants 101
In all 50 states, bench warrants are the most widespread form of warrant issued by today’s courts. The most common source of an outstanding bench warrant is failing to appear before a judge on the day and time of a scheduled court hearing. There are, however, a wide variety of additional reasons why bench warrants […]