Criminal Law Degree Programs
Criminal Law Degree Programs
Criminal law can be also named penal law can be used to refer to any of the bodies that rule different areas in an effort to impose punishment to individuals or persons that have failed to comply with the same.
Such punishment may vary with the severity of the crime that is being looked into. Sometimes, the severity of the crime might lead to the execution of the perpetrator.
A criminal law degree will help one to be able to understand the legal guidelines as well as the punishments that are given for breaking such laws in the different areas.
Different countries have different laws. For example, in most Muslim countries, they use the Sheria laws which are very strict.
Crimes like robbery are punished by the cutting off of the perpetrators hand while adultery is a very serious crime which leads to death by stoning.
If you want to study a law degree in such countries, this is what they will be learning.
When you compare such laws and their punishments to other countries, you will find that they are too strong because in some countries adultery is not a crime that can be punishable by law.
There are different ways that you can be able to study criminal law. You can choose to take an associate’s degree where you will be able to learn law enforcement, corrections, paralegal careers etc. which is normally completed in two years.
An associate’s degree however will have less training than a law degree.
This is why you will find most people will prefer to have a bachelor’s degree as they will be more qualified than when they have an associate’s degree.
Additionally, you can be able to qualify for various jobs such as social work, correctional treatment specialist.
You should also be aware that a normal bachelor’s criminal law degree might be gotten after about four years of study.
Once you have gotten this degree, you can be able to easily secure a job and then you can decide whether to continue to a master’s level or stay with the bachelor’s degree.
Doing a master’s program has got several benefits. The first benefit is that you will be qualified for higher and more challenging jobs than when you had a bachelor’s degree.
This means that you will have a wider experience when it comes to law matters. Secondly, you will also be able to earn far much more than when you had a bachelor’s degree.…
The Relationship Between a Recession and Crime
The Relationship Between a Recession and Crime
The UK, and much of the world is currently in recession. Crime is generally considered to rise during tough financial times, but in which ways and why?
As we know, unemployment increases dramatically during a recession. Businesses struggling or going under cause a spate of redundancies, meaning a large increase in unemployment. This inevitably leads to more cases of depression, which can lead to higher crime. The most obvious cases are drugs and alcohol. People suffering from depression often turn to drugs and alcohol for refuge. Increase in drug taking (a crime itself) leads to more drug related crime. Drug dealing will become more rife if demand is higher, and crime’s such as theft may be committed to feed drug habits. It is also more likely that people will commit crimes, such as those involving violence, if they are intoxicated by drugs or alcohol.
A recession leads to more debt. If people spiral into debt they are liable to become more desperate. This particularly increases crimes such as theft. People are more likely to steal so they can pay off their debts. They may also turn to other illegal ways to make money if they feel that there are no legitimate ways of earning.
Violence is another area that can increase during a recession. People are more liable to get angry when times are tough, and therefore are more likely to turn violent. People may be angry with their employer who has made them redundant, or the government because they don’t feel that they are being helped sufficiently, meaning they are generally more disgruntled with the world. People may also become more hostile towards each other. In particular those who are struggling may be angry towards those who are not. There has been a recent example of this in Ireland, where there were instances of violence towards some Romanian immigrants. The reason for this was attributed to some being angry that the immigrants had taken “their” jobs, although they were jobs local people hadn’t applied for at the time of the vacancies.
Family break ups are sometimes more likely to occur during a recession. Debt can cause stress within the family and lead to marriages breaking up. The break up of parents can have an effect on children. Although they mostly focus on those from low income one parent families, (usually where only one parent is financially responsible) statistics show that children from single parent families are 75% more likely to become a drug addict. They also show these children are 70% more likely to finish school without any qualifications. This is significant as a high percentage of crime is shown to be committed by those with a poor education.
There are many different aspects of a recession that can result in an increase in crime. Some are in obvious ways, such as theft to pay off debts, while others are less so involving a chain of events that may cause crime.
Andrew Marshall ©…
Why You Really Need A Lawyer When Filing For Divorce
Why You Really Need A Lawyer When Filing For Divorce
People go through a lot in their lives, but when it comes to events that need them to invoke to law in order to achieve their goals, finding a legal expert is the best thing to do. Having the need for an attorney can be borne out of many reasons. Some commit crimes, some are committed crimes against while some would simply want to lead a life of their own away from a spouse who may have been abusive. The reasons are endless, but when one wants to seek the protection of the law or to advance the full force of the law against another, hiring an attorney is always the best option.
A clear illustration of this need is a woman who wants to divorce her abusive husband and keep her children but ends up losing everything to him, including properties that she should have kept. And it’s all because she didn’t hire a divorce lawyer. Although not many people probably know it, it is possible to file for divorce without a lawyer. One can just go to the right authorities to file for such an action to be effected on their marriage. The problem with not hiring a lawyer, however, is that a situation could be so easily twisted by the other party to the extent that the one who files for divorce ends up with his goals unachieved.
In any divorce proceeding, the most important factor, at least, in upholding the interest of the people who are involved, is proper representation. In the case of the woman who didn’t get what she wanted out of the divorce she filed, even if she deserved the best of it, poor representation through an inefficient lawyer might have been the reason. Or the woman may not have hired a lawyer at all. In any legal battle, it is crucial that a lawyer is present so a party’s best interests may be put forward. Obviously, attorneys have the right education, training and experience in handling legal cases and if there are people who can handle these cases with utmost efficiency, it’s lawyers, no less.
A divorce case can even get more complicated when there are children and custody issues involved. This is the part that creates the worst anxieties for parents are going through this legal procedure. Thus, an attorney’s services will be greatly useful. Winning custody of children is a matter of proving which parent is better fit to perform his or her parenting roles. And only a trained and competent lawyer can do this job well. Many parents have lost custody of their children not because they were less worthy of keeping the kids but simply because they have not gotten the right representation through their divorce proceedings.…
A Criminal Lawyer Can Protect You From Wrongful Conviction
A Criminal Lawyer Can Protect You From Wrongful Conviction
If you are facing criminal charges of any kind, it is essential that you hire knowledgeable and experienced legal representation to protect your rights. The attorney you choose is instrumental in determining the outcome of your case. It does not matter if you face misdemeanor or felony charges, having proper legal representation is the best way to protect your record from the consequences of a criminal conviction.
If you are convicted of a crime, it could affect just about every aspect of your life: school applications, employment status, and even where you are able to live. Hiring a professional law firm that comes with skilled and experienced lawyers and counselors is the best way to improve the outcome of your case or any other legal matter you may be facing.
If you are still deciding whether or not to hire a criminal lawyer to represent your case, understand the following three ways they can help you.
Evaluation
The first thing your criminal lawyer will do when they take on your case is to evaluate it. This will consist of a thorough reading and assessment of the charges that have been filed against you in addition to your lawyer investigating the evidence that the prosecutor plans to use during your trial. Your attorney will also interview you and various witnesses on your behalf, in order to get a thorough assessment of your side of the case.
Advice
Your lawyer will provide you with information on options available to you in your case. The type of options usually open to you at this time include filing pre-trial motions in order quash or exclude evidence in order to get a dismissal of some or all of the charges, accepting a plea agreement, or proceeding to trial before a jury or judge. Your criminal lawyer will recommend which option he or she feels will be in your best interest. The next step will involve you and your attorney deciding on which option to pursue.
Protection
Your lawyer is there to protect you throughout your case, which may include protecting you from receiving additional charges filed against you and preventing you from speaking to the cops and unintentionally incriminating yourself.
A criminal lawyer also has other responsibilities as they relate to your case, which include negotiating to get your charges reduced or dismissed, representing your interests before, during, and after court, and much more. During such a vulnerable and important time in your life, it’s important to make sure that you get all the help you need in order to secure the best outcome.…
Three Common Myths About Dealing With Police
Three Common Myths About Dealing With Police
Hollywood, sadly, has given us the notion that being suspected of having committed a crime is a dramatic, confrontational event that leaves a huge dent upon the suspect for the rest of his life. Being arrested can be a traumatic event in your life, especially if you are not prepared for it. Of course, nobody is looking forward to being arrested, but it is more important to arm yourself with the right information than struggle with the authorities if the time comes.
To better understand how to deal with an arrest, it is important to be aware of the several myths about the police that, for so long, have been perpetuated by Hollywood and believed by so many ill-informed viewers.
Myth No. 1: It is better to give your consent to a warrantless search to show the police that you have nothing to hide.
The Truth: Giving your consent to a warrantless arrest means allowing the police to search for home for any kind of evidence, whether substantial or circumstantial, that can help the police impose charges upon you. For example, if the police are suspecting you of having committed a murder and they have found an unlicensed firearm in your custody that is similar to the one used at the scene of the crime, even if you didn’t commit the murder, they can still arrest you for owning an illegal weapon and for circumstantial evidence. Never give your consent to the police asking your permission for a search. If they cannot show you a warrant, it is most likely because they know they cannot perform the search.
Myth No. 2: You shouldn’t ask for a lawyer because the police may think you are guilty.
The Truth: Having a professional legal adviser by your side is one of the basic rights of any person who has to face the law. After all, the law is a complicated, specialized, and technical matter that not every person accused of a crime is familiar with. Besides, there is no use trying to convince the police that you are not guilty because they already think you are. If worse comes to worst, it will be the police who will be filing charges against you in court. This is why you will need a lawyer to deal with all the technical details of your arrest. Guilty or innocent, a lawyer will protect your rights.
Myth No. 3: The police will let me go if they hear what they want to hear.
The Truth: Remember, you are already guilty in the eyes of the police. This means whatever you say can be used against you before a court of law. You should be informed of this, of course, through the Miranda warning read before any sort of interrogation, but not many investigators follow this in practice. It is always better not to say anything in front of the police, at least until you have spoken with a good lawyer and has been given advice on what you can say about yourself and the case. The only thing that police officers can rightfully extract from you is your name and nothing more.…
The Benefits Of Hiring An Experienced Criminal Attorney
The Benefits Of Hiring An Experienced Criminal Attorney
A criminal attorney is a legal professional who specializes in the defense of those charged with criminal misconduct. They address the issues of the arrest along with any statements that are made by their client. A lawyer will also deal with any issues associated with the crime their client has been accused of.
All criminal defendants are guaranteed the presumption of innocence until proven by a prosecutor to be guilty before a jury of their peers. It is the responsibility of the defense lawyer to ardently pursue their client’s cause at all times. They must strongly defend the client’s rights and freedoms at all stages of the judicial process.
When accused of illegal activity, it is important to contact an experienced criminal lawyer. The effectiveness of the lawyer you chose can make the difference between having the charges dismissed or being convicted and sentenced to prison. Regardless of your situation, you need an aggressive attorney who will protect your rights and work towards getting the best results.
A relentless lawyer will work diligently to have the charges reduced or dropped. They will work tirelessly to reach the goals you agree upon regarding your legal matter. They will use every resource they can to present the best case possible for you in your time of need. Your counsel will endeavor to reach a solution to your legal situation in as short a time frame as possible.
This will include a thorough pre-trial investigation to gather as many facts to aid your case as possible. It will also span the verification that all evidence against you was obtained in an unquestionable manner. Interviews with the police, witnesses, or any other parties involved will be completed to expose any exaggerations or lies in the narrations they provide.
When required, a private investigator will be employed to provide more information regarding the accusations against you. Experts in various fields such as ballistics or polygraph testing may be utilized, along with expert witnesses to create the best defense possible. In all cases, negotiations with prosecutors will be aimed at getting the minimum penalties possible for the crimes you have been accused of.
If you have been accused of a crime or find yourself under investigation, it is important that you immediately contact a criminal defense attorney. This can prevent complications and future problems with a potential case. With quick action by an experienced attorney, many accusations can be stopped before it leads to formal charges against you. With the intervention of the right lawyer, an investigation can also be ended before it becomes an overwhelming issue.
An aggressive and competent criminal defense attorney can provide you with the best chances of reaching an acceptable result in the legal process. It is important that your rights be protected throughout the entire judicial process when faced with a criminal charge. The outcome of these proceedings can make a drastic change to your life, so having an experienced criminal attorney representing you is important.…
Defending a Domestic Violence Case in California
Defending a Domestic Violence Case in California
Defending a California Penal Code 243(e): Spousal/Domestic Violence
California Penal Code 243(e) is defined as a willful infliction of force or violence upon your intimate partner. This charge is also commonly called domestic violence, domestic abuse or spousal assault. This can include any form of physical violence such as pushing, hitting, shooting, etc. This is one of the most common charges in California that are considered criminal, and individuals charged of this crime should contact a criminal defense attorney right away.
Defenses Used for California Penal Code 243(e):
Attorneys use a number of defenses in order to lesson the charges or have the domestic violence charges thrown out. A competent attorney will use the details of the case and the circumstances surrounding the case to prove his or her client’s innocence. Some possible defenses include:
Self-Defense
It is permitted by California law to use force in order to defend yourself. For instance, if a husband comes toward his wife with his fist drawn back, appearing as if he is going to hit her, the wife has the right to defend herself. If she should happen to pick up a weapon and hit him in the knee, for instance, to make him fall to the ground – she is not a criminal and a domestic violence charge is not warranted. She is allowed to use enough force to stop the attack on herself.
Defense of Others
By the same token, if one is defending someone else from an attacker, they can utilize force to do so. For instance, if a mother is in the middle of hitting her own child and an older sibling knocks the mother to the ground to stop the attack – hitting her head on the counter as she falls, the mother may claim domestic violence. However, since the older sibling was acting in defense of her younger sibling – it is actually permitted by law. If the force was used in defense of others, the charges of domestic violence will likely be dropped.
Accident
There are cases where individuals are injured by accident, and because of anger or miscommunication, someone is charged with domestic violence. For instance, Marcus and Maria are arguing, and Marcus storms out of the house and gets into the car. Maria follows him in an attempt to stop him, but he slams the car door as she sticks her hand out – injuring her hand by accident. Even though the two of them were arguing, Marcus didn’t mean to injure Maria’s hand. Through her anger, she may have seen it as a willful act, or she may just want to ‘get back’ at Marcus by calling the police.
Anyone who has been accused of domestic violence should contact a criminal defense attorney right away. The attorney can begin strategizing a legal defense as soon as he or she finds out the details of the case and what happened. This can prevent the accused from paying large fines and/or facing jail time that is undeserved. In some cases, the charges could be dropped all together.…