Many have heard the term double jeopardy in regard to criminal matters. Before our US Constitution was written, those accused of crimes could expect to be tried time and time again until a conviction was achieved. Double jeopardy rules, found in our Fifth Amendment, attempt to block the state from charging and trying a defendant for the same crime again. This rule, however, may not afford complete protection in every case.

As many have found out, a last will and testament is an important component of a complete estate plan but should not stand alone. A payable-on-death designation is one of the easiest and most useful estate plan actions you will find. Read on and find out the many benefits of having one or more of these designations in place as part of your estate plan. Avoid Probate With a Payable-on-Death Designation

Governments classify criminal actions in different categories. For example, not everyone accused of driving under the influence (DUI) faces the same charges. Below is an overview of aggravated DUI, which is one of the categories of DUI charges. What It Means Aggravated DUI charges are more serious than standard DUI charges. States have aggravated DUI laws because some offenses are more serious than others are, and the offenders should not face the same punishments.

It is really important to make sure that you are being properly represented in court if you have been charged with a DUI, or driving under the influence. While it is true that you have every right to defend yourself in court, there are more reasons why you shouldn't do that than reasons to do it. To have a clearer understanding of why you will want to contact a DUI attorney, you should continue reading.

Getting arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) can bring with it a number of terrifying consequences. In some cases, however, you might be offered the opportunity to perform some actions rather than face the more dire punishments of being convicted of this crime. To find out more about pretrial diversions for those arrested and charged with DUI, read on. Diverting Problem Drinkers In some cases, those arrested for driving under the influence made a few bad decisions when they got behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.

The intricacies of law usually only interest those in the field and the people who bump up against the legal system after an arrest. Not everything law enforcement does is entirely legal and aboveboard, however, and knowing a few facts about arrests and searches might influence your decision to accept a plea bargain. To find out how the legality of a search could affect your case, read on. The Importance of a Search

Many are under the mistaken impression that the first time they get arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) it's nothing to be concerned about. Unfortunately, even your first DUI can come with serious punishments and it pays to understand the full scope of what could happen. Read on to find out more about what to expect with a first DUI conviction. A Serious Misdemeanor When you have no other previous DUI convictions on your record, you might be relieved to find yourself charged with a misdemeanor.

Getting arrested and charged with driving under the influence is a serious charge, but it could be worse. If a child was riding in your vehicle at the time of your arrest, you might be facing additional charges, enhanced penalties, and loss of custody. Read on to learn more about what to expect in terms of penalties when you are facing these charges. What Is Child Endangerment? When you place a child in a dangerous (or potentially dangerous) situation, you can be charged with child endangerment.

If you have been convicted of a crime and served the time or other sentence given to you, you may find yourself wondering what you can do going forward. Having a criminal record can make life quite difficult even once you have repaid your debt to society. There is one option available to some people that have a criminal record. That option is expungement. Expungement can help to improve the appearance of your criminal record, which may, in turn, make your life easier.

Being accused of a crime, especially if one is innocent, is one of many people's worst nightmares. Having to sit in jail while waiting for the wheels of justice to slowly turn is another. Here's what everyone should know if they suddenly find themselves living this bad dream. Does Everyone Get Bail? Anyone who is arrested for a crime in the United States is given the presumption of innocence until they are found guilty by a jury of their peers or sometimes, a judge.