Small claims defendants are sued by plaintiffs and must appear in court. They can ask for dismissal or raise legal defenses. Defendants can file a Defendant Claim and must file an “answer” denying the claims. Mediation is an option before trial, but if no agreement is reached, the defendant must defend themselves in court. The […]
In the US, court cases are public knowledge and can be checked in person or online. Exceptions include juvenile and family cases. County clerks and sheriff’s offices can provide information on defendants, and newspapers may publish local criminal case updates. A search for the defendant can be done in several ways. Court cases in the […]
A criminal defendant is accused of a crime by a prosecutor and may face prison or fines. They have rights that vary by country, including the right to a fair trial and an attorney. In civil cases, the plaintiff is the same as the party claiming damages, and the defendant is not at risk of […]
A no contest plea is an option in many jurisdictions where the defendant agrees not to contest the charges in court. It is not a guilty plea and may result in a less severe punishment. It can also be used to avoid a costly civil suit or a lengthy public trial. An Alford plea is […]
A defendant pro se represents themselves in court without a lawyer, but may have an extrajudicial lawyer as a coach. They must demonstrate mental and physical competence, and may face sanctions if they do not follow court rules. In civil cases, they may hire a lawyer or be provided with a public defender. Mediation and […]
