Criminal law covers any issues that may arise from a police arrest and investigation based on the suspicion of criminal activity. Criminal law also addresses indictments, accusations, and criminal pleas and trials.

Criminal law also embraces problems with probation or parole, or requests for record sealing or expungement of records. The crimes under the criminal law are varied and diverse. Crimes can be broken into many general categories such as personal crimes, white-collar crimes, and nonviolent crimes. Personal crimes include homicide, assault and battery, domestic violence, and abuse. White-collar crimes usually refer to tax evasion, RICO (racketeering), securities fraud, and sometimes, environmental violations. Under non-violent crimes lie drug crimes, gun possession and burglary.

Sentencing and punishment for crimes is often harsh. Criminal prosecution can be advanced against children (juveniles) and adults alike. The criminal process is quite detailed, rigorous, and time consuming. It is often stressful on both the individual suspected of the crime, and that individual's friends and family. Hiring the right criminal defense lawyer can often make a substantial difference in your case.