Once bail is posted, most families expect their loved one to walk out within minutes. In reality, there's usually a wait, sometimes short and sometimes much longer than anyone hoped. Knowing what happens behind the scenes, and what can slow it down,...
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"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law." Almost everyone knows the words from TV....
For most families, the first sign that someone has been arrested is a phone call from jail. After that, calls become the main way to stay connected...
In a felony case, there's an important step between the first court appearance and a possible trial: the preliminary hearing. It's often the first...
"I want a lawyer" may be the most important sentence a person can say after an arrest. Most people know they have the right to an attorney, but far...
When someone is released on bail, a judge sometimes adds a condition that they stay away from drugs and alcohol and prove it through regular testing....
Many people assume police always need a warrant to make an arrest. In fact, most arrests in California happen without one. Warrants matter in some...
Movies and TV make it seem like every criminal case ends in a dramatic trial. In reality, most cases are resolved through a plea bargain long before...
Seeing someone you love while they're in custody can mean a lot to both of you, but the first visit can also be nerve-wracking if you don't know what...
Many people expect a criminal case to move in a straight line from arrest to a final decision. Instead, they show up for a court date, wait, and...