The terms assault and battery are often used interchangeably on television shows and by individuals to describe those who either threaten to or actually inflict physical harm on another person. To law enforcement and prosecutors in some states, though, they're two distinct criminal offenses.
Pros and cons of plea bargaining
You were arrested, bonded out and now face going to trial on criminal charges. At some point in the court proceedings, you may be approached by your criminal defense attorney to "cop a plea." Is it in your best interests to do so?
The 3 different aspects of plea negotiation
While almost everyone is familiar with a plea deal, many don't realize that there are actually three aspects of one that can be negotiated. This includes the facts, charge and sentence.
Why do courts offer plea bargains?
Typically, a plea bargain means you have to plead guilty. If you do so, you are offered a sentence that is not as harsh as the one you may have received otherwise. You may be able to plead your way into lesser charges.
A conviction for domestic assault can affect child custody
Parents who may have been charged with domestic assault may struggle to retain custody of their children if they're convicted of such a crime.
Understanding what domestic violence is
Domestic violence, abuse or assault are crimes that you often hear talked about in public service announcements or in the media as a crime that's committed by an individual against his or her love interest. What you may be surprised to know though is that violence committed against a love interest is not the only reason that you can be charged with domestic assault though.
Can you force your spouse not to testify against you?
You get arrested, and the authorities say that your spouse was a witness to the crime. They want him or her to testify against you. Naturally, you would rather not have your spouse involved in any way. Can you force your spouse not to testify?
What is overcharging?
If you are facing several criminal charges in Minneapolis, one of the first things that might come to mind is overcharging. You might not be familiar with the term. But it describes an overzealous tactic that some law enforcement agencies and prosecutions in Minneapolis and across the country use to ensure a conviction. According to The Atlantic, criminal “defendants are more likely to plead guilty when they are faced with multiple overlapping charges.” Keep in mind it does not happen everywhere. There are many factors that lead to overcharging.
What is double jeopardy?
Double jeopardy is something mentioned a lot on television shows, and there even was a movie made about it. However, its prevalence in Minnesota courtrooms is not usually as dramatic. To really understand this legal concept, you have to first learn what it means and how it is applied within the law.
Prevalence of bankruptcy fraud charges
Minnesota residents who have filed for bankruptcy need to understand many things about this type of action. One thing they should be aware of is what might lead to an accusation of bankruptcy fraud. The United States Department of Justice explains that if a person is suspected of using a bankruptcy as a way of concealing other fraudulent activity, that might contribute to allegations of bankruptcy fraud. Similarly, any falsification of information during a bankruptcy proceeding may be connected to these types of allegations.
