Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about Criminal Defense Resources, a free library of plain-English criminal court rulings for pro per/pro se defendants and their families.
Where can I read plain-English summaries of suppression rulings?
Start with the Search & Seizure (Fourth Amendment) and Search Warrants & Franks Hearings topic pages. Together they list 25 rulings about when evidence can be kept out of a criminal case, each summarized in plain English and linked to the full opinion. Statement-suppression cases are under Miranda & Police Questioning.
What is Criminal Defense Resources?
Criminal Defense Resources™ is a free, searchable library of real criminal court rulings explained in plain English for people representing themselves (pro per/pro se) and their families. Every summary links to the full official or public opinion. It is owned and operated by Continuing Education And Training, LLC.
Is this legal advice?
No. General educational information, not legal advice. Not a law firm. The summaries are general education about what courts decided. They do not tell you what to do in any case, and they can leave out details that matter. For advice about a specific case, talk with a licensed attorney in your state.
How are cases verified?
Before a ruling is added, its case name, court, and citation are checked against the CourtListener database of official and public court opinions, and U.S. Supreme Court decision dates are checked against Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute. Every ruling page links to the full opinion. If a case cannot be verified, it is not listed. See About for details.
Which courts and states are covered?
83 rulings: 65 from federal courts (including 46 U.S. Supreme Court decisions) and 18 from state courts in Arizona, Maryland, Massachusetts and New Jersey. Topics include Self-representation (Faretta), Speedy trial, Discovery / Brady, Search & seizure, Miranda, Ineffective assistance, Sentencing, Bail / release, and more. See all courts. More courts and states are added over time.
Is it free?
Yes. Reading every ruling summary and using the keyword search and the "describe your case" matcher on the home page are free. Story Search is an optional paid tool that uses AI to match a short story to rulings in the library.
Where can I see examples of real criminal motions?
The Sample Filings page links to real public court filings, such as motions to suppress, Franks motions, detention and bail filings, Brady motions, and post-conviction petitions, along with how the court ruled when that is public. They are shared for learning, not as templates, and we do not prepare or review documents.
Can I search by what happened in my case?
Yes. On the home page you can search by keyword, filter by topic, court, or state, or describe your situation in a few words to see related rulings. That matching runs in your browser. Please do not type names or private details.
Should I represent myself?
That is a serious decision only you can make, ideally after talking with a lawyer. If you cannot afford one, ask the court about appointed counsel. Courts must make sure the choice to go pro per/pro se is knowing and voluntary; see Faretta v. California and the Self-Representation topic.
How do I report an error or suggest a ruling?
Email hello@criminaldefenseresources.com with the ruling name and what looks wrong, or the case you would like added. New cases are added only after they are verified.