Criminal Law Overview

Criminal or Penal Law, is defined as the body of statutes which provide the punishments for legal offenses. The process of criminal justice actually begins with an alleged crime. The allegation is an accusation that comes from a complainant. Either an instrument called an information or indictment may be filed in court in which formal charges are then brought about by a grand jury. If the case is considered to be a crime against the United States, the Fifth Amendment requires that the case been seen by a Federal Grand Jury. Each State has its’ own Grand Jury procedures apart from those of the U.S. Grand Jury.

The U.S. Criminal Code defines the criminal laws as they apply to the United States. Criminal statutes, define to a greater detail the nature, scope and elements relative to a particular offense and every state has statutes regarding the criminal code for that state.
Listed below are areas of crime that fall under the criminal law statutes:

Appellate Law, White Collar Crime, Bribery,Counterfeiting / Forgery, Embezzlement, Fraud, Healthcare Fraud, Government Fraud, Murder / Homicide, Tax Evasion, Violent Crime, Theft / Property Crime, Drug Crime, Juvenile Crime, Child Abuse Crime.

There are many criminal laws that the Congress passes into legislation. Each state has there own set of criminal laws which loosely follow that of the Federal Statues. The severity of the crime and the causal punishment is determined by the laws set forth in that state. Many criminal laws are typified differently in one state than in another. It is because of this that a criminal defense lawyer must be registered to practice law in the State which they intend to work.

If you are in need legal representation for an alleged crime, don’t take the law into your own hands. The criminal code is difficult to interpret.Don't hesitate to call our office for a FREE consultation on your case. Or e-mail us at:

davidmnisson@sbcglobal.net