Something just happened. Start here.
Pick the situation closest to yours. Each page orients you to what generally happens next — calmly, and without ever asking you to explain what happened.
If this is an emergency
- If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
- If you or someone else is in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), available 24/7.
- If you are the victim of a crime, Criminal.law is a defense-side resource and is not the right place — please seek victim-support services in your area.
Right now
- Someone was just arrestedWhat happens in the first hours after an arrest, and what you can do now.First hours
- Someone is currently in jailHow to locate a person in custody and understand release options.Right now
- Police want to speak with meUnderstanding a request to talk with police before you respond.Before you answer
- I learned there is a warrantArrest, bench, and failure-to-appear warrants — and what they mean.Before anything else
- A search warrant was executedWhat a search warrant is and what generally follows one.Today
Before a date
- A court date is approachingCitations, summonses, arraignments, and preparing for a court appearance.Before the date
- Bail or bond is an issueHow bail and pretrial release generally work.At the hearing
- A no-contact order was enteredUnderstanding no-contact and release conditions.While it stands
- I am accused of violating probationHow probation-violation matters generally proceed.Before the hearing