Criminal possession involves possessing something prohibited by law, such as controlled substances or stolen goods. Possession can be physical or having reasonable control and intent to own. Possession of certain items is criminalized due to public safety concerns. Different classes of crime can come with different penalties. Those charged with criminal possession should consult a […]
A criminal indictment formally accuses someone of violating criminal law and is typically handed down by a grand jury. It spells out the crime committed and names an accused suspect. Before an indictment can be issued, criminal investigators must gather evidence and find potential suspects. Being indicted doesn’t mean someone has committed a crime, just […]
Becoming a criminal profiler requires at least 10 years of experience in law enforcement, psychology, or criminal justice. Profilers generate profiles of potential suspects and work with law enforcement agencies. Freelancing is possible but may require a special license. There are several career paths that people can take to become a criminal profiler. It is […]
A criminal pardon is a legal act that can be obtained after serving a sentence, but does not absolve guilt. The process varies by country and state, with different requirements and rights restored. A felony pardon typically requires a certain amount of time after release and may restore rights such as voting and firearm ownership. […]
A criminal warrant authorizes law enforcement to perform certain acts related to a criminal case, such as arrest or search. A judge issues a warrant if there is reason to believe the person committed a crime. Types of warrants include arrest, search, and bench warrants. A criminal warrant is a legal document that orders or […]
Felony homicide is when someone dies during the commission of a crime, such as burglary or rape. The rule varies by jurisdiction and is meant to deter people from killing while committing a crime. Limitations on the rule vary widely, and some countries have abolished it. The definition of felony homicide varies from jurisdiction to […]
Conspiracy charges involve two or more people working together to achieve an illegal objective. Charges do not imply guilt, but evidence is presented in court to determine if the allegation is true. Conspiracies can result in criminal or civil liability, and penalties may include fines and jail time. The media often covers conspiracy charges, which […]
International criminal courts are established to prosecute international crimes, often arising from a specific situation. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a general court created to prosecute various human rights crimes. Countries can become members of the ICC through the signing and ratification of the Rome Statute. Temporary criminal courts are also established to prosecute […]
Criminal trespassing is entering someone else’s property without permission. It can be called burglary, negligent trespassing, or unauthorized access. Different levels of the crime exist, and charges can vary. Defenses include lack of signage, open business, or being forced to cross borders. Criminal trespassing is when a person, or group of people, enters or enters […]
Criminal profiling involves developing a psychological profile of a criminal based on the crime scene. It helps label the perpetrator as organized, disorganized, or mixed, and can be used to catch psychopaths, serial killers, arsonists, and rapists. Profiling allows investigators to predict the characteristics of current and future offenders, helping to catch them before they […]
Prosecutions are a standardized series of events that ensure fairness and efficiency in the legal system. Short prosecutions occur for minor offenses, while misdemeanors and crimes require structured, time-consuming proceedings. In the US, five key steps determine guilt or innocence, including booking, arraignment, bail determination, preliminary hearing and trial, sentencing, and carrying out the sentence. […]
To become a federal criminal investigator, check the requirements on the official website of the relevant government agency, such as the FBI in the US. A bachelor’s degree is required, and military experience is valued. Good references, physical fitness, and a strong interest in investigating are necessary. Training can take up to six months. If […]
Litigation defense in criminal law involves legal tactics used by attorneys to represent defendants. Due process protections are guaranteed by the Constitution, and defense attorneys may argue due process violations to have charges dismissed. During trial, defense attorneys aim to raise questions about the prosecution’s burden of proof and undermine the credibility of prosecution witnesses. […]
Crime mapping is a tool used by law enforcement to visually represent crimes on a map, identifying patterns and areas of interest. It began in the 1980s and has since integrated demographic and neighborhood information. Crime maps are often released to the public to inform citizens about crime patterns in their areas. Crime mapping is […]
Businesses and individuals may conduct criminal background checks on employees or volunteers for security reasons. Employers may be required by law to perform these checks, especially for those working with vulnerable populations. Private investigators or specialized companies can conduct checks, but online data brokers may not provide accurate information. Businesses hiring new employees or volunteers, […]
A criminal behaviorist studies and modifies criminal behavior using techniques such as behavior modification and conditioning. They work with criminals to identify the causes of their behavior and use rewards and punishments to modify it. They may also work as expert witnesses in trials and in prison rehabilitation centers. The school of thought they follow […]
Criminal investigators study and analyze crime to catch criminals and prevent future crimes. Education determines the type of work a professional is suited to perform, such as laboratory analysis or crime scene investigation. Private investigators may choose their own cases and work with law enforcement, while expert witnesses offer professional opinions in court. A criminal […]
Federal criminal investigators enforce laws and solve crimes for federal agencies, working on cases such as terrorism, money laundering, and immigration. They review case documents, identify witnesses, participate in surveillance, and work undercover. They also arrest and prosecute alleged criminals, analyze crime scenes, and testify in court. Federal criminal investigators may also work on missing […]
Criminal background checks are used by employers to ensure accuracy of information provided by prospective employees. They are conducted through databases maintained by various agencies, and are required by law in some industries. Inaccuracies can occur due to differing state definitions of crimes. Employers who do not conduct background checks may be held liable for […]
Criminal justice jobs vary from working in a crime lab to being a police officer or court clerk. Requirements differ depending on the specialization, but the goal is to ensure laws are followed. There are many options available for those interested in criminal justice careers. Criminal justice jobs range from those dealing with the court […]
