The U. S. Constitution and the law of all states guarantee criminal defendants certain rights. These rights affect how criminal cases are investigated. See the section on search and seizure for more on that aspect of investigations.

Click on the links below for more information on this particular subject area. Main subject areas for the "Criminal Law" section are linked at the bottom of these pages.

How does one report a crime?

How do the police investigate crimes?

How long may police hold suspects before filing charges?

What is probable cause?

If the police stop me for drunk driving, what tests may they force me to take?

What procedures must the police follow while making an arrest?

What are Miranda rights?

What is an interrogation?

Is it wise to have a lawyer present during interrogations?

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