Criminal Law
Charges, defences, and how the criminal justice system works.
Criminal LawAssault vs. Battery: What's the Difference?
"Assault and battery" sounds like one crime, but it's two ideas. And in Canada, "battery" isn't even a criminal charge. Here's how it works in the US, Canada, the UK and Australia.
Criminal LawInvoluntary vs. Voluntary Manslaughter: What's the Difference?
Manslaughter isn't murder, but it isn't an accident either. Here's the difference between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter, and the penalties in Canada, the US, the UK and Australia.
Criminal LawIs Voyeurism a Crime? What Counts and What the Penalties Are
Hidden cameras, upskirting, peeping through windows. Here's what counts as voyeurism, and how Canada, the US, the UK and Australia punish it.
Criminal LawCan You Go to Jail for Not Paying Credit Card Debt?
A debt collector mentions legal action and suddenly you're picturing handcuffs. Here's what can and can't happen if you stop paying your credit card in Canada, the US, the UK and Australia.
Criminal LawCan You Go to Jail for Missing a Court Date for a Traffic Ticket?
You asked for a trial on your ticket, then the date slipped by. Here's what actually happens when you miss traffic court in Canada, the US, the UK and Australia, and what to do next.
Criminal LawCan You Go to Jail for Lying on Your Resume?
Everyone polishes their resume a little. But when does a resume lie become fraud? We look at the law in Canada, the US, the UK and Australia, and the real people who went to prison for it.
Criminal LawCan You Go to Jail for Keeping Money Deposited in Your Account by Mistake?
Extra money suddenly shows up in your bank account. Can you keep it? We look at what happens in Canada, the US, the UK and Australia when you spend money deposited by mistake, including real cases where people were charged.
Criminal LawCan You Go to Jail for Ignoring a Jury Duty Summons?
Tempted to toss that jury duty letter in the recycling? Here's what can actually happen if you don't show up in Canada, the US, the UK and Australia, and how to get excused the right way.
Criminal LawIs It Illegal to Egg a House? Charges, Fines and Who Pays for Damage
Egging a house or car is vandalism in the US, mischief in Canada and criminal damage in the UK. Here's what charges you could face, how penalties depend on the damage, and whether parents have to pay.
Criminal LawWhat Is It Called When Prisoners Get to Go Outside?
When prisoners go outside it's called yard time, recreation or 'rec'. Here's how much outdoor time inmates get, and what the law in the US, Canada and the UK says about it.
Criminal LawWhat Happens to Your House, Bank Account and Bills When You Go to Jail?
Going to jail doesn't erase your mortgage, rent or bills, and your bank account usually stays open. Here's what happens to your home, money and benefits, and how to protect them before you go.
Criminal LawWhat Do Prisoners Do All Day? A Typical Day Inside, Explained
What prisoners do all day: counts, meals, work, school, yard time and lockdowns. A typical prison schedule, plus what happens when you first arrive in jail.
Criminal LawWhat Happens When a Man Comes Home From Jail? Release, Rules and Readjusting
What to expect when a partner, son or friend comes home from jail or prison: release day, parole or probation rules, ID, housing, jobs and the emotional adjustment, in the US and Canada.
Criminal LawWhat to Do If Your Public Defender Isn't Doing Their Job
If your public defender won't return calls or seems unprepared, you have options: talk to them, go to a supervisor, ask the court for a new lawyer, or file a complaint. Here's how it works in the US and Canada.
Criminal LawWill a Misdemeanor Affect Employment? What Employers Can See and Ask
A misdemeanor can show up on background checks and affect some jobs. Learn what employers can see, how ban-the-box and Clean Slate laws help, and how to clear your record in the US and Canada.