What Is a Hung Jury and What Happens Next?
Key Takeaways A hung jury occurs when jurors cannot reach the agreement required to return a valid verdict after deliberations. A jury’s initial disagreement does not automatically result in a mistrial. The judge may order jurors to continue deliberating or provide additional instructions. A jury may return a partial verdict on charges it has resolved […]
What Happens at a Preliminary Hearing? Felony Process, Evidence, and What Comes Next
Key Takeaways – A preliminary hearing determines probable cause, not guilt or innocence. Prosecutors generally present enough evidence to show that a crime was committed and that the defendant probably committed it. Defense attorneys may cross-examine prosecution witnesses and challenge whether the evidence satisfies the applicable standard. At a preliminary hearing, prosecutors present evidence to […]
Why Would a Lawyer Withdraw From a Case? 7 Reasons Explained
Key Takeaways A lawyer may withdraw from a case for several reasons, including conflicts of interest, ethical or legal concerns, nonpayment of fees, lack of client cooperation, a serious breakdown in communication, or the client choosing new counsel. A lawyer cannot always simply leave an active court case. An attorney who has formally appeared may […]
How Supreme Court Attorneys Navigate Complex Legal Frameworks
Key Takeaways The U.S. Supreme Court mainly hears cases involving important federal or constitutional questions, conflicts among lower courts, federal statutory interpretation, and other issues with broader legal significance. Most cases get to the Supreme Court through a petition for a writ of certiorari after proceedings in a federal appellate court or qualifying state court, […]
12 Top Strategies to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Commutation of Sentence
Discover effective strategies to improve your chances of winning a commutation of sentence. Learn key legal approaches, tips for presenting your case, and how to demonstrate rehabilitation, good conduct, and other factors to increase your likelihood of success.
What Is an Interlocutory Appeal? When Can You Appeal Before a Final Judgment?
Most appeals are filed only after a trial court enters a final judgment. However, in limited circumstances, a party may seek appellate review while the case is still pending. These are generally known as interlocutory appeals. They are exceptions to the normal final-judgment rule and are available only when a statute, appellate rule, or recognized […]
Can You Sue Someone for Defamation of Character?
Yes, you can sue someone for defamation of character in the United States if their false statement of fact about you was communicated to someone else, caused legally recognized reputational harm, or is otherwise actionable under state law, and the required level of fault can be proven. However, a false or offensive statement does not […]
What Is an Anti-SLAPP Motion? How It Works in California
An anti-SLAPP motion is a legal procedure that allows a defendant to seek early dismissal of certain claims arising from protected speech or petitioning activity. In California, it is formally known as a special motion to strike and is governed primarily by California Code of Civil Procedure Section 425.16. The term SLAPP stands for Strategic […]
What Does a Supreme Court Stay Mean and How Does It Work?
When the U.S. Supreme Court grants a stay, it temporarily pauses the enforcement or effect of a lower court ruling, order, or proceeding while further judicial review takes place. In simple terms, a Supreme Court stay can put a lower court’s decision on hold without deciding the underlying case once and for all. That distinction […]
What Is the No Surprises Act? How It Protects Patients From Surprise Medical Bills
The No Surprises Act is a federal law that protects patients from many unexpected out-of-network medical bills. Its main consumer protections took effect on January 1, 2022. When the law applies, patients generally cannot be charged higher out-of-network amounts simply because an emergency facility or certain health care providers involved in their care were outside […]