In the US, a felony conviction can negatively impact a person’s life, but it can be vacated or pardoned. Expungement varies by jurisdiction and may only remove the sentence from public access. In the UK, minor offenses are automatically canceled after a set period, while in Mexico, convictions are only available for a limited time. […]
The Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure (FRBP) govern how US bankruptcy courts handle a case, from filing to appeals. Bankruptcy allows the court to pay off or rearrange debts, and the complex process often requires hiring an attorney. The FRBP sets deadlines and official forms for filing, and controls the appeals process. The Federal Rules […]
The Federal Tort Claims Act waives the US government’s immunity in cases where federal employees cause wrongful injury. It allows citizens to sue the government for torts, which can be negligent, intentional, or strict liability. The act has exceptions, including the discretionary function, and cases must be tried before a judge without a jury. The […]
A federal court subpoena requires a person to produce evidence or testify in a federal court case. It can be contested with the help of an attorney. There are two types of subpoenas: ad testiificandum and duces tecum. Failure to comply can result in penalties. It’s important to work with an attorney familiar with federal […]
Federal appellate rules vary by legal system and country. Common law countries have a specific appellate order and allow de novo review, while civil law countries may allow direct appeal to the supreme court and only overturn judgments based on errors of law. Socialist legal systems provide for a single appeal and may also allow […]
Federal attorneys are licensed lawyers who can appear in federal courts in the US. Federal and state courts have different jurisdictions, and federal attorneys must be separately authorized to practice in federal court. States have their own laws, while the federal government can only legislate in certain areas, such as interstate commerce. Cases arising under […]
The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure are guidelines used by US district courts to determine civil cases. They were established in 1938 and have undergone significant revisions, with the 2007 version containing 11 chapters and 86 rules. Reading the rules is recommended for anyone involved in a federal civil process. The federal rules of civil […]
The federal minimum wage is a nationally determined hourly wage that has increased over time in response to rising costs of living. States can set higher minimum wages but cannot go below the national minimum. The law was introduced to protect workers, and not all employees are covered. Those who regularly receive tips have a […]
Federal common law is determined by federal courts and can only deal with matters delegated to the federal government. Judge’s opinions become binding and part of common law, distinct from statutory law. Federal common law deals with matters under federal jurisdiction, such as taxes and securities law. It must be enforced by federal courts and […]
The federal rules of evidence regulate the admissibility of evidence in federal civil and criminal cases in the US. They were first adopted by the Supreme Court in 1972 and are periodically changed by Congress. The rules aim to promote fairness and uniformity in court administration and cover issues such as hearsay, authentication of evidence, […]
Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) is a not-for-profit banking institution owned by its members, providing financial services to members and former members of the US Department of Defense and their families. It offers a range of financial services, including home and auto loans, personal loans, and investment options. Membership is open to Navy and Marine […]
Federal magistrates are judges appointed for a fixed term of eight years in US and Australian federal courts to handle smaller or simpler cases. Federal law applies uniformly throughout the US, while state-to-state laws may vary. Federal judges in the US are appointed for life, while federal magistrates are elected by existing federal judges. The […]
A federal subpoena is a legal order issued by a federal court judge to compel a person to appear, turn over information, or property to a law enforcement official. It is commonly used to compel a witness to testify in a crime or to turn over evidence. A federal subpoena is issued only in cases […]
A federal grand jury decides whether to indict someone for a crime and may investigate criminal activity. They consist of 16-23 ordinary citizens appointed by a federal court, with a foreman and deputy foreman. The work is done privately, and witnesses cannot have their counsel present. Regular grand juries serve about 18 months, and special […]
Federal probation is an alternative to prison for those convicted of federal crimes. Probationers must report to their probation officer, follow probation rules, and undergo an assessment to determine necessary programs and restrictions. Financial restitution, not owning firearms, and not breaking laws are also conditions. Violations can result in revocation of probation and jail time. […]
Federal arrests are for crimes that violate US federal laws, often involving national security or defrauding the government. Federal crimes include those crossing state lines, narcotics, firearm crimes, and civil rights violations. Arrests may require a warrant, but in some cases, law enforcement can make an arrest without one. Defendants have the right to access […]
Federal Sentencing Guidelines were established in 1987 to provide predetermined guidelines for judges to enforce a sentence. They cover all Class A felonies and misdemeanors and are based on a table that combines the nature of the offense with the criminal history of the offender. Various circumstances can reduce or lengthen the sentence. A US […]
A federal court order is a directive issued by a federal court, which can be the main object of a proceeding. Different types of orders are issued throughout the proceedings, and only a final order can be appealed. Examples include search warrants and injunctions. A federal court order is a directive issued by a federal […]
In the US, a person can be subject to federal, state, and city laws simultaneously. Federal convictions result from successful prosecution of federal crimes, and are handled by federal courts. State courts cannot convict for federal crimes, but attorneys can defend against them. Federal convictions can be appealed in the United States Court of Appeals, […]
The federal gas tax in the US is a tax on the sale of gas and diesel fuel at the pump, with revenue directed towards funding interstate highway repairs and other expenses. The tax was first introduced in 1932 and has steadily increased through various legislative acts. It is used to finance the US Highway […]