Facing a criminal charge? Stay calm. You have rights, and time matters right now.
Whether it's a DUI stop, a drug charge, an assault allegation, or a white-collar investigation, the first hours and days shape what happens next. This is general legal information to help you understand what's ahead — and a fast, confidential way to reach a criminal defense attorney.
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How serious is my charge?
A few quick questions about your situation — see a general severity and urgency read, plus what typically happens next.
Start the free analyzer →General information only, not legal advice. Using this site doesn't create an attorney-client relationship.
Being charged is not the same as being convicted
An arrest or charge is the start of a legal process, not a verdict. Every case is evaluated on its own facts, and everyone has rights throughout the process — including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Understanding what's ahead, and speaking with a defense attorney promptly, are the most useful things you can do right now.
What kind of charge are you facing?
criminal.id covers the full range of criminal defense — not just one charge type. Pick what's closest to your situation.
Assault & violent crime
Simple and aggravated assault, domestic violence allegations. Learn more →
Expungement & record relief
Whether your record may qualify to be sealed or expunged. Learn more →
Know your rights, explained plainly
These are general, widely-known constitutional basics — not advice about how to handle your specific situation. When in doubt, exercise these rights and contact an attorney.
What to do in the first 24 hours
The practical steps that matter most, right away.
Read this first →Know your rights during a stop
The right to remain silent and the right to an attorney, explained.
Know your rights →What happens at arraignment
Your first court appearance, demystified.
See what's next →How bail is set
What factors judges generally weigh when setting bail.
Understand bail →Misdemeanor vs felony
Why the distinction matters for penalties and process.
See the difference →Public defender vs private attorney
A calm, honest comparison to help you decide.
Compare options →What typically affects a bail decision?
Select the factor that concerns you most, and see a general read on how it tends to affect bail — plus next steps.
How serious is my charge, generally?
Describe your situation and get a general severity and urgency read, with typical next steps. This is an educational estimate, not a prediction of any outcome.
A general educational estimate — actual charges, penalties, and outcomes depend on the specific facts and your state's laws, which only a licensed attorney can evaluate. Using this tool doesn't create an attorney-client relationship.
Your result appears here
Fill in the details on the left and a general, judgment-free read — plus helpful next steps — will show up right here.
DUI vs drug charges vs assault vs white collar
| DUI | Drug charges | Assault | White collar | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical classification | Misdemeanor, often felony on repeat/injury | Misdemeanor to felony by quantity/intent | Misdemeanor to felony by severity | Often felony; complex investigations |
| Common consequences | License suspension, fines, possible jail | Fines, probation, possible incarceration | Fines, probation, possible incarceration | Restitution, fines, possible prison |
| Typical timeline | Weeks to months | Months | Months | Often many months to years |
| Priors matter? | Significantly | Significantly | Significantly | Significantly |
A simplified overview — actual charges and penalties vary widely by state and by facts. A free, confidential conversation can clarify what applies to your situation.
Calm, clear answers, any time
Ask how the court process works, what a charge typically means, or what to expect next. Riley never discusses guilt or innocence and never advises on how to respond to police beyond the well-known basics — for your specific situation, Riley will point you to someone who can really help.
General information · not legal advice · never discusses guilt or innocence
Practical resources for understanding the process
Books and tools we genuinely rate for anyone navigating a criminal charge — for understanding the process, organizing documents, and preparing to work with an attorney. As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Criminal law self-help guides
Plain-English books explaining how the criminal justice process works.
View on Amazon →Know-your-rights handbooks
Pocket guides covering rights during arrests and police encounters.
View on Amazon →Document folders & storage
Keep case paperwork, court notices, and receipts organized.
View on Amazon →Working with your attorney
Guides on how to prepare for meetings with defense counsel.
View on Amazon →Stress & anxiety relief books
Gentle, practical reads for managing stress during a difficult time.
View on Amazon →Record expungement guides
Books explaining how expungement and record sealing generally work.
View on Amazon →Supporting a loved one facing charges
Guides for family members navigating the process alongside you.
View on Amazon →Notebooks & case trackers
Simple trackers for court dates, deadlines, and questions to ask.
View on Amazon →Budgeting for legal costs
Practical guides for planning around legal fees and bail costs.
View on Amazon →Connect with a licensed criminal defense attorney
We're not a law firm — we help connect you with independent, licensed criminal defense attorneys. Browse our city guides, or get a free, confidential case review now.
Calm answers to common questions
What should I do in the first 24 hours after an arrest?
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
Should I hire a private attorney or use a public defender?
Can a criminal record be expunged or sealed?
Will my case go to trial?
The First 24 Hours: Arrested Survival Guide
A clear, no-jargon guide: what to do (and avoid) right after an arrest, how the court process generally unfolds, a document checklist, and the exact questions to ask a defense attorney. Yours instantly.
- Your rights, explained plainly — remain silent, request an attorney
- What typically happens at booking, bail, and arraignment
- A document checklist to prepare, whatever your charge
- Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney, without feeling rushed
Get the free guide
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