Crime Basics

In the United States, law enforcement officers are generally required to obtain a warrant to enter a private residence. However, there are specific circumstances...

Every 20 minutes, someone is arrested for domestic violence in the United States. The immediate aftermath of such an arrest can be confusing and...

Fifteen states have recently enacted stricter laws governing public weapon carry, signaling a significant shift in gun legislation across the country. These new measures...

Every 26 seconds, a burglary occurs in the United States, according to the FBI. Yet, many people confuse this crime with robbery, using the...

Thirty-one states classify jaywalking as a criminal offense, punishable by fines or even jail time. This legal stance, while often overlooked, underscores the seriousness...

Crime statistics paint a stark picture: theft and burglary dominate the criminal landscape in major cities worldwide. These offenses account for nearly 60% of...

Every year, thousands of individuals face legal consequences without ever being formally arrested. This phenomenon, though not widely discussed, is a critical aspect of...

Every year, millions of criminal complaints are filed across the United States, each one setting the wheels of justice in motion. A criminal complaint...

Despite evolving societal norms and legal challenges, loitering remains a criminal offense in 15 US states as of 2024. These laws, often criticized for...

Running from law enforcement can have severe consequences, potentially adding up to five years to a prison sentence. This penalty, known as a sentencing...

Every day, law enforcement agencies receive thousands of reports about online threats. In 2022 alone, the FBI received over 400,000 cybercrime complaints, many involving...

Criminal negligence sends thousands to courtrooms each year, yet its meaning remains a mystery to many. Unlike intentional crimes, these cases hinge on what...

Spitting on someone is not just rude—it can land you in serious legal trouble. In 10 U.S. states, this act is classified as a...

Police investigations typically last between 3 to 12 months, a duration that can feel like an eternity for those awaiting resolution. This timeframe, while...

Every year, thousands of individuals in the United States are subjected to no contact orders, a legal measure designed to prevent further harm or...

Every day, thousands of interactions occur between civilians and law enforcement officers. While cooperation is generally expected, there are specific situations where individuals have...

Harassment affects millions of people annually, creating hostile environments in workplaces, schools, and public spaces. Legal systems worldwide have established clear definitions to address...

Over 7 million property crime incidents occur annually in the United States, with trespassing being a significant portion. While trespassing laws exist in all...

Disorderly conduct is a common charge in the United States, with over 300,000 arrests annually. This charge encompasses a range of disruptive behaviors that...

Across the United States, the legal consequences of petty theft can vary dramatically, with some states imposing significant penalties for stealing even minor amounts....

California has taken a monumental step toward criminal justice reform, with a new law that automatically expunges over 1 million old convictions. This unprecedented...

Over 73 million Americans have an arrest record, a fact that underscores the importance of criminal background checks in various aspects of life. These...

Larceny-theft emerged as the most prevalent crime in the United States for 2022, according to the FBI's latest crime statistics. With over 5.4 million...

Witness testimony alone can be the sole evidence needed to bring criminal charges. In many jurisdictions, a single credible witness can provide enough evidence...

Police questioning is a critical component of criminal investigations, with studies showing that nearly 80% of cases rely on information gathered during these interactions....

Every year, millions of individuals in the United States experience police encounters that leave them questioning their rights. One of the most common queries...

Every year, thousands of potential legal cases never see the inside of a courtroom due to one critical factor: the statute of limitations. This...

In the United States, words can carry more weight than one might expect. Federal law makes it a crime to threaten the President, Cabinet...

Digital evidence has become a cornerstone of modern criminal investigations, with over 80% of cases involving some form of electronic data. The shift from...

Every year, millions of Americans face the daunting prospect of a criminal summons or arrest, with the FBI reporting over 10 million arrests annually....

A criminal record can be a heavy anchor on a person's job prospects, with studies showing that a conviction can reduce callback rates for...

Every 9 seconds, a woman in the United States experiences some form of domestic violence. This pervasive issue extends beyond physical harm, encompassing a...

Public intoxication laws are far from uniform, with penalties ranging from a simple fine to jail time, depending on where the offense occurs. In...

Every year, U.S. law enforcement agencies execute millions of arrest warrants, a critical tool in the criminal justice system. An arrest warrant is not...

Every year, thousands of individuals in the United States face arrest without formal charges being filed. This practice, while legal, often leaves people confused...

Every year, thousands of individuals face immediate incarceration for committing serious offenses. The U.S. Department of Justice reports that over 2.3 million people are...

Over 450,000 people sit in U.S. jails awaiting trial, many because they cannot afford bail. This system, designed to ensure court appearances, often traps...

In 12 states across the U.S., law enforcement officers can search a person's phone without a warrant, thanks to outdated or loosely worded laws....

Every year, thousands of people miss their court dates in the United States, often due to oversight, confusion, or unforeseen circumstances. This simple oversight...

Twelve states in the U.S. have laws that can turn a lie to police into a felony charge. These statutes, often referred to as...

Every year, millions of Americans encounter law enforcement officers, and many wonder about their rights during these interactions. One of the most common concerns...

Nearly 10 million arrests occur annually in the United States, each hinging on a critical legal concept: probable cause. This fundamental principle of criminal...

Across the United States, the age at which a minor can face criminal charges varies significantly, creating a patchwork of laws that can confuse...

Nearly 85,000 federal criminal cases were filed in the United States in 2022, a significant portion of the country's overall crime rate. Understanding what...

Nearly one in three adults in the United States has a criminal record. These records, which can include arrests, charges, and convictions, can cast...

Over 10 million trespassing incidents occur annually in the United States, yet many people remain unaware of the severe legal consequences that can arise...

Nearly 300 justifiable homicides occur annually in the U.S., with the vast majority ruled as self-defense cases. This legal principle, a cornerstone of American...

Shoplifting might seem like a minor offense, but in some states, even a first-time conviction can land individuals behind bars. According to the National...

Over 10 million people are arrested in the United States each year, with charges ranging from minor infractions to serious crimes. Understanding the legal...

Over 10 million arrests occur annually in the United States, a stark reality of the criminal justice system. Each arrest triggers a complex process...