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What happens in a mistrial is the judge calls off the trial because something happened that invalidates it. For example, the state’s attorney may have made unethical comments about the accused to the jury. The government can still decide to continue the case after the mistrial; however, this doesn’t always happen. In most situations, having…
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There are a couple of different pros and cons of a plea bargain. For example, accepting a plea deal allows you to take control of the possible outcome of your case. Additionally, you may spare yourself from having to endure a trial that puts private matters in a public forum. That said, pleading guilty guarantees…
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Completing a sentence after a criminal conviction is a wonderful feeling. You served your time, met the requirements for release, and completed probation. It’s time to put your past mistakes behind you and move forward with a new outlook on life now that you’ve learned to value your freedom. But what happens when the new-found…
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Everyone makes mistakes, and sometimes those past mistakes are serious and have long-term implications. When a past mistake or bad judgment results in a criminal record that follows you for the rest of your life it can have long-term impacts on your educational opportunities, career, and relationships. It may even make it difficult to rent…
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When a judge or jury convicts an individual of a crime, their legal punishment for that crime is known as their “sentence.” Sentences in criminal convictions typically involve one or more combinations of incarceration, probation, parole, and fines. While judges have some leeway in sentencing decisions in state and local courts, many crimes, such as…
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