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Court Records Online: Removal, Updates, and Practical Next Steps

Feb 24, 2026 - Learn how court records spread across third-party sites so you can correct inaccuracies, reduce exposure, and set realistic expectations about what can and cannot come down. Why this matters (even if your case is old) Court records can be public, but “public” does not always mean “easy to find.” Third-party databases, search engines, and data brokers can make a filing show up in places you never expected, sometimes years later. That visibility can affect job searches, housing, client trust, and personal safety. It can also create problems when a record is outdated, misidentified, or missing context (dismissals, reductions, sealing orders, or expungements). This guide walks through a practical, defense-oriented workflow: what to document, what to request, and how to reduce impact when removal is not possible. What “court record visibility” really means Court record visibility is the combination of: The original court system record (the s...
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Does a Crime of Passion Reduce Criminal Charges?

Feb 09, 2026 - In different parts of the U.S., crimes of passion have different meanings and applications. For example, California's jury instructions spell out exactly when "heat of passion" can lower murder to manslaughter. They say that a "person of average disposition" must have been provoked and must have acted right away without waiting to cool down, as explained in Justia.   Crimes committed out of strong emotion instead of a planned motive are handled differently by the law. They ask questions that entail human reaction, like “why would you claim a crime of passion?”    Defendants often bring up this point to say that the act happened because of an immediate trigger and before they could make a rational decision. This claim does not absolve someone of responsibility, but it could change how serious the charges are or how intent is judged at trial.    Read on to find out if a crime of passion can lower criminal charges and how the criminal justice ...
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What to Do After Being Arrested: A Step by Step Guide to Protecting Your Rights

Jan 21, 2026 -   https://unsplash.com/photos/person-showing-handcuff-5HzOtV-FSlw   Being arrested can feel overwhelming and confusing, especially if it is your first experience with the criminal justice system. Many people do not realize how quickly a single decision can affect the outcome of a case, which is why working with experienced lawyers serving Charleston is so important from the start. Knowing your rights and the correct steps to take can protect you from making mistakes that could be used against you later in court. Understanding What an Arrest Means An arrest occurs when law enforcement takes you into custody because they believe you committed a crime. This does not mean you are guilty, but it does mean your legal rights become extremely important from that moment forward. Everything you say and do after an arrest can influence how your case develops.   The first thing to understand is that police must follow specific procedures when making an arrest. If those p...
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