In most cases, prosecutors classify crimes as a felony or misdemeanor. However, there are certain types of offenses that can be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances of the crime. These are wobbler offenses, also known as...
Paving The Way To Justice

Felonies
Should you take a polygraph exam when facing felony charges?
When police accuse someone of a crime, it can create a whirlwind of confusion and fear. Among the daunting decisions during this stressful time is whether to take a lie detector test. The idea behind a polygraph is simple: it measures physiological responses like...
How do you know when to accept a plea deal?
When you face criminal allegations, you must consider how you want to defend yourself against the accusations. The outcomes may be more unpredictable once the case moves to trial, mainly if the prosecution makes a strong case. Typically, before trial, the prosecution...
What is a felony?
When it comes to breaking the law, not all offenses are equal. In the United States, a felony is the most serious crime felonies. Committing a felony not only implies prison time, but it can also affect other aspects of a convict's life. For example, in 2020, close to...
Can you get a job with a felony conviction on your record?
Few things in life have the potential to cause you more consternation than a criminal prosecution. After all, depending on the severity of the charges you are facing, you eventually might lose your freedom, pay stiff fines and encounter other consequences. If your...
What happens if Hawaii sex offenders fail to register?
When you receive a criminal conviction in Hawaii for a sexually based offense, you have an obligation to register with the state as a sex offender. Chapter 846E-1 outlines exactly who the state considers to be a sex offender and the types of offenses that might land...
What do the terms with and without prejudice mean?
Terminology used in the courtrooms can and does often confuse most average people. For example, a judge can dismiss a case with or without prejudice. But what do these terms mean? Do either have any particular advantages for you? Dismissal without prejudice According...
What makes drug possession a felony?
Getting hit with a drug charge may send you to jail or prison. One factor in how the court proceeds is whether or not the crime elevates to a felony charge. Felony drug charges may come with much stiffer penalties. However, not all drug crimes are equal, and not all...
What should you know about Washington’s first-degree murder law?
If you find yourself accused of having committed first-degree murder in Washington, this is a truly serious situation. FindLaw explains that, if convicted of this most serious of homicide crimes, you could face a maximum penalty of life in prison without the...
Signing a false confession: What you should know
Not everyone currently incarcerated in Washington jails is guilty of committing a crime. In fact, more than 360 people have been released from prison after further investigation of evidence proved they were innocent of committing a crime, according to the Innocence...