Legal disclaimer: This glossary explains general terminology and is not legal advice. Exact statutory definitions vary by state. If you’re facing a charge, speak with a criminal defense attorney. What Does ADW Mean? ADW stands for “assault with a deadly weapon”, a criminal charge for attacking or threatening to attack someone with an object or […]
Legal disclaimer: This article explains general statute of limitations concepts and is not legal advice. Limitations periods vary by state, by offense classification, and are subject to legislative change. Confirm the current statute for your state or speak with a criminal defense attorney before relying on any specific timeframe. What Is a Statute of Limitations? […]
Legal disclaimer: This article explains general legal concepts and is not legal advice, and is not a substitute for support from a qualified professional. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673) offers confidential, 24/7 support. If you’re facing a charge, speak with a criminal defense attorney. […]
Editorial note: This article explains general information about the legal profession and is not legal advice. It’s not a substitute for researching a specific attorney’s credentials or speaking with one directly about your situation. What Is a Criminal Defense Attorney? A criminal defense attorney is a lawyer who represents individuals or organizations accused of a […]
Legal disclaimer: This article explains general legal concepts and is not legal advice. Whether you need a lawyer, and what your options are, depends on the specific facts of your case and your state’s laws. Do You Need a Lawyer for an Assault or Battery Charge? In most cases, yes — even a misdemeanor assault […]
Legal disclaimer: This article explains general legal concepts and is not legal advice. Definitions and penalties vary significantly by state. If you’re facing a charge, speak with a criminal defense attorney. “Aggravated” Isn’t Just for Assault and Battery As covered in our glossary guide to “aggravated”, the term signals that a base offense was committed […]
Legal disclaimer: This article explains general legal concepts for informational purposes and is not legal advice. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) offers confidential, 24/7 support. For guidance on a specific charge, speak with a criminal defense attorney. […]
Legal disclaimer: This article explains general legal concepts and is not legal advice. Do You Need a Lawyer to Press Charges? No, reporting a crime and cooperating with a police investigation doesn’t require a lawyer. As covered in How to Press Charges, the actual process — filing a report, giving a statement, providing evidence is […]
Legal disclaimer: This article explains general legal concepts and is not legal advice. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673) offers confidential, 24/7 support. For guidance on your specific situation, speak with a criminal defense attorney or a local victim’s advocate. Can You Press Charges After […]
Legal disclaimer: This article explains general legal concepts and is not legal advice. The exact legal threshold for “bodily harm” varies by state. If you’re facing a charge, speak with a criminal defense attorney. What Is “Bodily Harm” in Legal Terms? Bodily harm is physical injury or impairment to another person’s body, and it’s a […]
