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Crime Definations
MURDER
Homicide is the killing of one human being by another either
lawfully or unlawfully. Homicide includes murder and manslaughter,
which are unlawful, and the acts of excusable and justifiable
homicides, which are lawful.
Consequences
for the conviction of Murder may potentially include:
- Up
to life imprisonment
- Life
in prison with or without parole
- Death
penalty
- Significant
fines
- Other
Likelihood
of any of the above consequences depends upon the following
factors:
- Prior
similar convictions
- Any
other prior convictions
- Currently
on probation or parole
- Attitude
of community and court toward this type of crime
- Degree
of media attention on case
- Mitigating/aggravating
circumstances
- Other
Defenses
for Murder may potentially include:
- Defense
of others (loved ones)
- Insufficient
evidence
- Factual
innocence
- Self
defense
- Insanity/Battered
woman
- Other
What can
you do to improve the outcome of your case?
- Gather
documentation of your good character (reference letters,
employment history, community service, etc.)
- Exercise
your right to remain silent
- Retain
qualified counsel as soon as possible
- Keep
a diary of all significant events and potential witnesses
(this information will help your attorney prepare the best
possible defense)
- DO
NOT investigate your own case
What can
we do to help?
- Early
preparation, including legal research and defense identification
- Early
investigation and identification of all facts helpful to
your defense
- Interview
police to minimize or eliminate the case
- Interview
the prosecutor to minimize or eliminate the case
- Interview
all witnesses
- Reduce
or eliminate bail requirements
- Provide
emotional support to loved ones and ensure that they are
continually updated as to the status of your case
- In
appropriate cases, negotiate alternatives to jail
- Obtain
an evaluation report from court approved psychologist (to
show counseling may be a better alternative to jail)
- Coordinate
a private lie detector test
- Develop
appropriate motions to dismiss the case
- Develop
appropriate motions to suppress evidence
RAPE
Two persons engaged in the act of sexual intercourse; the
act of intercourse was against the goodwill of the alleged
victim; the two persons were not married to each other at
the time of the act of sexual intercourse; and the act was
accomplished by means of force, violence, duress, menace,
or fear of immediate and unlawful injury to the alleged victim
or another person.
Consequences
for the conviction of Rape may potentially include:
- Imprisonment
- Sex
offender registration
- Loss
of the right to vote
- Loss
of the right to own a deadly weapon
- Probation
or parole
- Mandatory
AIDS testing
- Court
ordered rehabilitation
- Significant
fines
- Other
Likelihood
of any of the above consequences depends upon the following
factors:
- Prior
similar convictions
- Any
other prior convictions
- Currently
on probation or parole
- Attitude
of community and court toward this type of crime
- Degree
of media attention on case
- Mitigating/aggravating
circumstances
- Other
Defenses
of Rape may potentially include:
- Consent
- Insufficient
evidence
- Factual
innocence/mistaken identity
- Other
What can
you do to improve the outcome of your case?
- Gather
documentation of your good character (reference letters,
employment history, community service, etc.)
- Exercise
your right to remain silent
- Retain
qualified counsel as soon as possible
- Keep
a diary of all significant events and potential witnesses
(this information will help your attorney prepare the best
possible defense)
- DO
NOT investigate your own case
What can
we do to help?
- Early
preparation, including legal research and defense identification
- Early
investigation and identification of all facts helpful to
your defense
- Interview
police to minimize or eliminate the case
- Interview
the prosecutor to minimize or eliminate the case
- Interview
all witnesses
- Reduce
or eliminate bail requirements
- Provide
emotional support to loved ones and ensure that they are
continually updated as to the status of your case
- In
appropriate cases, negotiate jail alternatives
- Obtain
an evaluation report from a court approved psychologist
(to show counseling may be a better alternative to jail)
- Coordinate
a private lie detector test
- Develop
appropriate motions to dismiss the case
- Develop
appropriate motions to suppress evidence
MOLESTATION
A person who commits any lewd or lascivious act upon or with
the body of a child, with the specific intent of arousing,
appealing to, or gratifying the lust or passions or sexual
desires of that person or child.
Consequences
for the conviction of Molestation may potentially include:
- Imprisonment
- Sex
offender registration
- Loss
of the right to vote
- Loss
of the right to own a deadly weapon
- Probation
or parole
- Mandatory
AIDS testing
- Prohibition
from being alone with minors
- Court
ordered rehabilitation
- Significant
fines
- Other
Likelihood
of any of the above consequences depends upon the following
factors:
- Prior
similar convictions
- Any
other prior convictions
- Currently
on probation or parole
- Attitude
of community and court toward this type of crime
- Degree
of media attention on case
- Mitigating/aggravating
circumstances
- Other
Defenses
of Molestation may potentially include:
- Insufficient
evidence
- Factual
innocence/mistaken identity
- Other
What can
you do to improve the outcome of your case?
- Gather
documentation of your good character (reference letters,
employment history, community service, etc.)
- Exercise
your right to remain silent
- Retain
qualified counsel as soon as possible
- Keep
a diary of all significant events and potential witnesses
(this information will help your attorney prepare the best
possible defense)
- DO
NOT investigate your own case
What can
we do to help?
- Early
preparation, including legal research and defense identification
- Early
investigation and identification of all facts helpful to
your defense
- Interview
police to minimize or eliminate the case
- Interview
the prosecutor to minimize or eliminate the case
- Interview
all witnesses
- Reduce
or eliminate bail requirements
- Provide
emotional support to loved ones and ensure that they are
continually updated as to the status of your case
- In
appropriate cases, negotiate jail alternatives
- Obtain
an evaluation report from a court approved psychologist
(to show counseling may be a better alternative to jail)
- Coordinate
a private lie detector test
- Develop
appropriate motions to dismiss the case
- Develop
appropriate motions to suppress evidence
THEFT/ARMED
ROBBERY
A person took the personal property of some value belonging
to another; when the person took the property that person
had the specific intent to deprive the alleged victim permanently
of that property; and that person carried the property away
by obtaining physical possession and control for some period
of time and by some movement of the property.
Consequences
for the conviction of Theft may potentially include:
- Imprisonment
- Probation
or parole
- Loss
of the right to be bonded
- Restitution
(paid to the victims to compensate for any losses)
- Court
ordered counseling
- Significant
fines
- Other
Likelihood
of any of the above consequences depends upon the following
factors:
- Prior
similar convictions
- Any
other prior convictions
- Currently
on probation or parole
- Attitude
of community and court toward this type of crime
- Degree
of media attention on case
- Mitigating/aggravating
circumstances
- Other
Defenses
of Theft may potentially include:
- Insufficient
evidence
- Factual
innocence
- True
owner
- Other
What can
you do to improve the outcome of your case?
- Gather
documentation of your good character (reference letters,
employment history, community service, etc.)
- Exercise
your right to remain silent
- Retain
qualified counsel as soon as possible
- Keep
a diary of all significant events and potential witnesses
(this information will help your attorney prepare the best
possible defense)
- DO
NOT investigate your own case
What can
we do to help?
- Early
preparation, including legal research and defense identification
- Early
investigation and identification of all facts helpful to
your defense
- Interview
police to minimize or eliminate the case
- Interview
the prosecutor to minimize or eliminate the case
- Interview
all witnesses
- Reduce
or eliminate bail requirements
- Provide
emotional support to loved ones and ensure that they are
continually updated as to the status of your case
- Provide
vigorous and aggressive defense
- In
appropriate cases, negotiate jail alternatives
- Obtain
an evaluation report from a court approved psychologist
(to show counseling may be a better alternative to jail)
- Coordinate
a private lie detector test
- Develop
appropriate motions to dismiss the case
- Develop
appropriate motions to suppress evidence
FRAUD
A person made or caused to be made either directly, or indirectly,
or through agency, a false statement; that person made or
caused to be made with the specific intent that it be relied
upon; that person knew this statement was false; the false
statement was made with the specific intent to procure in
any form whatsoever, either the delivery of personal property,
the payment of cash, the making of a loan, credit, the extension
of credit, the execution of a contract of guaranty or suretyship,
the discount of an account receivable, or the making, acceptance,
discount, sale or endorsement of a bill of exchange or promissory
note before the benefit of either that person or another person.
Consequences
for the conviction of Fraud may potentially include:
- Imprisonment
- Probation
or parole
- Loss
of the right to be bonded
- Restitution
(paid to the victims to compensate for any losses)
- Court
ordered counseling
- Significant
fines
- Other
Likelihood
of any of the above consequences depends upon the following
factors:
- Prior
similar convictions
- Any
other prior convictions
- Currently
on probation or parole
- Attitude
of community and court toward this type of crime
- Degree
of media attention on case
- Mitigating/aggravating
circumstance
- Other
Defenses
of Fraud may potentially include:
- Insufficient
evidence
- Factual
innocence
- True
owner
- Other
What can
you do to improve the outcome of your case?
- Gather
documentation of your good character (reference letters,
employment history, community service, etc.)
- Exercise
your right to remain silent
- Retain
qualified counsel as soon as possible
- Keep
a diary of all significant events and potential witnesses
(this information will help your attorney prepare the best
possible defense)
- DO
NOT investigate your own case
What can
we do to help?
- Early
preparation, including legal research and defense identification
- Early
investigation and identification of all facts helpful to
your defense
- Interview
police to minimize or eliminate the case
- Interview
the prosecutor to minimize or eliminate the case
- Interview
all witnesses
- Reduce
or eliminate bail requirements
- Provide
emotional support to loved ones and ensure that they are
continually updated as to the status of your case.
- In
appropriate cases, negotiate jail alternatives
- Obtain
an evaluation report from a court approved psychologist
(to show counseling may be a better alternative to jail)
- Coordinate
a private lie detector test
- Develop
appropriate motions to dismiss the case
- Develop
appropriate motions to suppress evidence
EMBEZZLEMENT
A relation of trust and confidence existed between two persons;
and pursuant to that relationship one of those persons accepted
property entrusted to them by the other person; and with the
specific intent to deprive the other person of their property,
the person appropriated or converted it to their own use.
Consequences
for the conviction of Embezzlement may potentially include:
- Imprisonment
- Probation
or parole
- Loss
of the right to be bonded
- Restitution
(paid to the victims to compensate for any losses)
- Court
ordered counseling
- Significant
fines
- Other
Likelihood
of any of the above consequences depends upon the following
factors:
- Prior
similar convictions
- Any
other prior convictions
- Currently
on probation or parole
- Attitude
of community and court toward this type of crime
- Degree
of media attention on case
- Mitigating/aggravating
circumstances
- Other
Defenses
of Embezzlement may potentially include:
- Insufficient
evidence
- Factual
innocence
- True
owner
- Other
What can
you do to improve the outcome of your case?
- Gather
documentation of your good character (reference letters,
employment history, community service, etc.)
- Exercise
your right to remain silent
- Retain
qualified counsel as soon as possible
- Keep
a diary of all significant events and potential witnesses
(this information will help your attorney prepare the best
possible defense)
- DO
NOT investigate your own case
What can
we do to help?
- Early
preparation, including legal research and defense identification
- Early
investigation and identification of all facts helpful to
your defense
- Interview
police to minimize or eliminate the case
- Interview
the prosecutor to minimize or eliminate the case
- Interview
all witnesses
- Reduce
or eliminate bail requirements
- Provide
emotional support to loved ones and ensure that they are
continually upated as to the status of your case.
- In
appropriate cases, negotiate alternatives to jail
- Obtain
an evaluation report from court approved psychologist (to
show counseling may be a betteralternative to jail)
- Coordinate
a private lie detector test
- Develop
appropriate motions to dismiss the case
- Develop
appropriate motions to suppress evidence
ILLEGAL
POSSESSION OF WEAPONS
A person has actual or constructive possession of a deadly
weapon such as a gun, knife, etc.
Consequences
for the conviction of Illegal Possession of Weapons may potentially
include:
- Imprisonment
- Probation
or parole
- Loss
of the right to own a deadly weapon
- Significant
fines
Other
Likelihood
of any of the above consequences depends upon the following
factors:
- Prior
similar convictions
- Any
other prior convictions
- Currently
on probation or parole
- Attitude
of community and court toward this type of crime
- Degree
of media attention on case
- Mitigating/aggravating
circumstances
- Other
Defenses
of Illegal Possession of Weapons may potentially include:
- Insufficient
evidence
- Factual
innocence
- Other
What can
you do to improve the outcome of your case?
- Gather
documentation of your good character (reference letters,
employment history, community service, etc.)
- Exercise
your right to remain silent
- Retain
qualified counsel as soon as possible
- Keep
a diary of all significant events and potential witnesses
(this information will help your attorney prepare the best
possible defense)
- DO
NOT investigate your own case
What can
we do to help?
- Early
preparation, including legal research and defense identification
- Early
investigation and identification of all facts helpful to
your defense
- Interview
police to minimize or eliminate the case
- Interview
the prosecutor to minimize or eliminate the case
- Interview
all witnesses
- Reduce
or eliminate bail requirements
- Provide
emotional support to loved ones and ensure that they are
continually updated as to the status of your case
- In
appropriate cases, negotiate jail alternatives
- Obtain
an evaluation report from a court approved psychologist
(to show counseling may be a better alternative to jail)
- Coordinate
a private lie detector test
- Develop
appropriate motions to dismiss the case
- Develop
appropriate motions to suppress evidence
PROBATION
VIOLATION
A violation of probation can lead to revocation of probation
and the imposition of a custodial (Jail or Prison) sentence.
Consequences
for the conviction of Probation Violation may potentially
include:
- Probation
revoked and sentence imposed
- Jail
or imprisonment (depends upon original conviction)
- Significant
fines
Probation
reinstatement with additional terms including:
- Jail/Prison
- Longer
term
- Additional
fines
- Community
service
- Rehabilitation
program
- Other
Likelihood
of any of the above consequences depends upon the following
factors:
- Prior
similar convictions
- Any
other prior convictions
- Currently
on probation or parole
- Attitude
of community and court toward this type of crime
- Degree
of media attention on case
- Mitigating/aggravating
circumstances
- Other
Defenses
for Probation Violation may potentially include:
- Insufficient
evidence
- Factual
innocence
- Probation
terms complied with
- Other
What can
you do to improve the outcome of your case?
- Gather
documentation of your good character (reference letters,
employment history, community service, etc.)
- Exercise
your right to remain silent
- Retain
qualified counsel as soon as possible
- Keep
a diary of all significant events and potential witnesses
(this information will help your attorney prepare the best
possible defense)
- DO
NOT investigate your own case
What can
we do to help?
- Early
preparation, including legal research and defense identification
- Early
investigation and identification of all facts helpful to
your defense
- Interview
police to minimize or eliminate the case
- Interview
the prosecutor to minimize or eliminate the case
- Interview
all witnesses
- Reduce
or eliminate bail requirements
- Provide
emotional support to loved ones and ensure that they are
continually informed as to the status of your case
- In
appropriate cases, negotiate jail alternatives
- Obtain
an evaluation report from a court approved psychologist
(to show counseling may be a better alternative to jail)
- Coordinate
a private lie detector test
- Develop
appropriate motions to dismiss the case
- Develop
appropriate motions to suppress evidence
VEHICULAR
MANSLAUGHTER
Any person who drives a vehicle and unintentionally but unlawfully
kills another human being.
Consequences
for the conviction of Vehicular Manslaughter may potentially
include:
- Imprisonment
- Probation
or Parole
- Loss
of driving privilege
- Significant
fines
Other
Likelihood
of any of the above consequences depends upon the following
factors:
- Prior
similar convictions
- Any
other prior convictions
- Currently
on probation or parole
- Attitude
of community and court toward this type of crime
- Degree
of media attention on case
- Mitigating/aggravating
circumstances
- Alcohol/drug
related
- Other
Defenses
for Vehicular Manslaughter may potentially include:
- Not
at fault/lack of negligence
- Insufficient
evidence
- Factual
innocence
- Other
What can
you do to improve the outcome of your case?
- Gather
documentation of your good character (reference letters,
employment history, community service, etc.)
- Exercise
your right to remain silent
- Retain
qualified counsel as soon as possible
- Keep
a diary of all significant events and potential witnesses
(this information will help your attorney prepare the best
possible defense)
- DO
NOT investigate your own case
What can
we do to help?
- Early
preparation, including legal research and defense identification
- Early
investigation and identification of all facts helpful to
your defense
- Interview
police to minimize or eliminate the case
- Interview
the prosecutor to minimize or eliminate the case
- Interview
all witnesses
- Reduce
or eliminate bail requirements
- Provide
emotional support to loved ones and ensure that they are
continually updated as to the status of your case
- In
appropriate cases, negotiate jail alternatives
- Obtain
an evaluation report from a court approved psychologist
(to show counseling may be a better lternative to jail)
- Coordinate
a private lie detector test
- Develop
appropriate motions to dismiss the case
- Develop
appropriate motions to suppress evidence
DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE
A person has willfully inflicted bodily injury upon his/her
spouse, or the person they are co-habiting with, and the bodily
injury resulted in a traumatic condition.
Consequences
for the conviction of Domestic Violence may potentially include:
- Domestic
counseling
- Probation
or parole
- Imprisonment
- Anger
management class
- Significant
fines
- Loss
of the right to own a deadly weapon
- Other
Likelihood
of any of the above consequences depends upon the following
factors:
- Prior
similar convictions
- Any
other prior convictions
- Currently
on probation or parole
- Attitude
of community and court toward this type of crime
- Degree
of media attention on case
- Mitigating/aggravating
circumstance
- Other
Defenses
for Domestic Violence may potentially include:
- Self
defense
- Insufficient
evidence
- Factual
innocence
- Other
What can
you do to improve the outcome of your case?
- Gather
documentation of your good character (reference letters,
employment history, community service, etc.)
- Exercise
your right to remain silent
- Retain
qualified counsel as soon as possible
- Keep
a diary of all significant events and potential witnesses
(this information will help your attorney prepare the best
possible defense)
- DO
NOT investigate your own case
What can
we do to help?
- Early
preparation, including legal research and defense identification
- Early
investigation and identification of all facts helpful to
your defense
- Interview
police to minimize or eliminate the case
- Interview
the prosecutor to minimize or eliminate the case
- Interview
all witnesses
- Reduce
or eliminate bail requirements
- Provide
emotional support to loved ones and ensure that they are
continually updated as to the status of your case
- In
appropriate cases, negotiate jail alternatives
- Obtain
an evaluation report from a court approved psychologist
(to show counseling may be a better alternative to jail)
- Coordinate
a private lie detector test
- Develop
appropriate motions to dismiss the case
- Develop
appropriate motions to suppress evidence
DRUNK
DRIVING
Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, controlled
substance, medication, or prescription that impairs the driver's
ability to operate the vehicle.
Consequences
for the conviction of Driving Under the Influence may potentially
include:
- Loss
of driver's license
- Probation
or parole
- Loss
of auto insurance
- Court
ordered driving school
- Impound
of vehicle
- Court
ordered ignition device
- Significant
fines
- Other
Likelihood
of any of the above consequences depends on the following
factors:
- Prior
similar convictions
- Any
other prior convictions
- Currently
on probation or parole
- Attitude
of the community and court toward this type of crime
- Degree
of media attention on case
- Mitigating/aggravating
circumstances
- Accident
involved
- Blood
alcohol content
- Other
Defenses
for Driving Under the Influence may potentially include:
- Insufficient
evidence
- Factual
innocence
- Illegal
traffic stop
- Improper
testing
- Other
What can
you do to improve the outcome of your case?
- Gather
documentation of your good character (reference letters,
employment history, community service, etc.)
- Exercise
your right to remain silent
- Retain
qualified counsel as soon as possible
- Keep
a diary of all significant events and potential witnesses
(this information will help your attorney prepare the best
possible defense)
- DO
NOT investigate your own case
What can
we do to help?
- Early
preparation, including legal research and defense identification
- Early
investigation and identification of all facts helpful to
your defense
- Interview
police to minimize or eliminate the case
- Interview
the prosecutor to minimize or eliminate the case
- Interview
all witnesses
- Reduce
or eliminate bail requirements
- Provide
emotional support to loved ones and ensure that they are
continually updated as to the status of your case
- In
appropriate cases, negotiate jail alternatives
- Obtain
an evaluation report from a court approved psychologist
(to show counseling may be a better alternative to jail)
- Coordinate
a private lie detector test
- Develop
appropriate motions to dismiss the case
- Develop
appropriate motions to suppress evidence
ASSAULT
& BATTERY
A threat that commands the immediate performance of some act
which the threatening party has no legal right to demand;
a threat that is made with the intention of compelling performance
of the act by the application of physical force; the person
making the threat has placed his/herself physically into a
position to inflict physical force; and that person has proceeded
as far as it is necessary to go in order to carry out this
intention.
Consequences
for the conviction of Assault and Battery may potentially
include:
- Imprisonment
- Probation
or parole
- Anger
management class
- Significant
fines
- Loss
of the right to own a deadly weapon
- Other
Likelihood
of any of the above consequences depends upon the following
factors:
- Prior
similar convictions
- Any
other prior convictions
- Currently
on probation or parole
- Attitude
of community and court toward this type of crime
- Degree
of media attention on case
- Mitigating/aggravating
circumstances
- Other
Defenses
for Assault and Battery may potentially include:
- Defense
of others (loved ones)
- Insufficient
evidence
- Factual
innocence
- Self
defense
- Defense
of property
- Other
What can
you do to improve the outcome of your case?
- Gather
documentation of your good character (reference letters,
employment history, community service, etc.)
- Exercise
your right to remain silent
- Retain
qualified counsel as soon as possible
- Keep
a diary of all significant events and potential witnesses
(this information will help your attorney prepare the best
possible defense)
- DO
NOT investigate your own case
What can
we do to help?
- Early
preparation, including legal research and defense identification
- Early
investigation and identification of all facts helpful to
your defense
- Interview
police to minimize or eliminate the case
- Interview
the prosecutor to minimize or eliminate the case
- Interview
all witnesses
- Reduce
or eliminate bail requirements
- Provide
emotional support to loved ones and ensure that they are
continually updated as to the status of your case
- In
appropriate cases, negotiate jail alternatives
- Obtain
an evaluation report from a court approved psychologist
(to show counseling may be a better alternative to jail)
- Coordinate
a private lie detector test
- Develop
appropriate motions to dismiss the case
- Develop
appropriate motions to suppress evidence
SEX
CRIMES
A person who commits any lewd or lascivious act upon or with
the body of a child, with the specific intent of arousing,
appealing to, or gratifying the lust or passions or sexual
desires of that person or child.
Consequences
for the conviction of Sex Crimes may potentially include:
- Imprisonment
- Registration
as a sex offender
- Loss
of the right to vote
- Loss
of the right to own a deadly weapon
- Probation
or parole
- Mandatory
AIDS testing
- Prohibition
against from being alone with minors
- Court
ordered rehabilitation
- Significant
fines
- Other
Likelihood
of any of the above consequences depends upon the following
factors:
- Prior
similar convictions
- Any
other prior convictions
- Currently
on probation or parole
- Attitude
of community and court toward this type of crime
- Degree
of media attention on case
- Mitigating/aggravating
circumstances
- Other
Defenses
of Sex Crimes may potentially include:
- Insufficient
evidence
- Factual
innocence/mistaken identity
- Other
What can
you do to improve the outcome of your case?
- Gather
documentation of your good character (reference letters,
employment history, community service, etc.)
- Exercise
your right to remain silent
- Retain
qualified counsel as soon as possible
- Keep
a diary of all significant events and potential witnesses
(this information will help your attorney prepare the best
possible defense)
- DO
NOT investigate your own case
What can
we do to help?
- Early
preparation, including legal research and defense identification
- Early
investigation and identification of all facts helpful to
your defense
- Interview
police to minimize or eliminate the case
- Interview
the prosecutor to minimize or eliminate the case
- Interview
all witnesses
- Reduce
or eliminate bail requirements
- Provide
emotional support to loved ones and ensure that they are
continually updated as to the status of your case
- In
appropriate cases, negotiate jail alternatives
- Obtain
an evaluation report from a court approved psychologist
(to show counseling may be a better alternative to jail)
- Coordinate
a private lie detector test
- Develop
appropriate motions to dismiss the case
- Develop
appropriate motions to suppress evidence
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