The US government has been charging people with bank fraud and other federal crimes related to abusing Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Some criminals have abused the PPP program and other COIVD-19-related aid, stealing millions of dollars in the process. And yes, some of the accused have been convicted and put in jail. On this… Read More »
If you are ever charged with a state or federal crime, there is a lot of legal language that may confuse the layperson. But if you understand the terminology and procedures, the process may not be as intimidating with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Sealed Indictment Definition A sealed indictment is simply… Read More »
Why These Tulsa Criminal Defense Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Tulsa. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked list… Read More »
Why These Louisville Criminal Defense Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Louisville. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked list… Read More »
Why These Cincinnati Criminal Defense Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Cincinnati. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked list… Read More »
Why These Cleveland Criminal Defense Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Cleveland. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked list… Read More »
Why These Atlanta Criminal Defense Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Atlanta. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked list… Read More »
Why These Baltimore Criminal Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Baltimore. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked list of… Read More »
Why These Sacramento Criminal Defense Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Sacramento. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked list… Read More »
Why These Orlando Criminal Defense Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Orlando. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked list… Read More »
Why These Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Tampa. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked list… Read More »
Why These Minneapolis Criminal Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Minneapolis. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked list of… Read More »
Why These Miami Criminal Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Miami. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked list of… Read More »
Why These Memphis Criminal Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Memphis. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked list of… Read More »
Why These Portland Criminal Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Portland. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked list of… Read More »
Why These Oklahoma City Criminal Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Oklahoma City. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked… Read More »
Why These Las Vegas Criminal Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Las Vegas. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked… Read More »
Why These Nashville Criminal Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Nashville. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked list of… Read More »
Why These Detroit Criminal Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Detroit. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked list of… Read More »
Why These El Paso Criminal Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in El Paso. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked… Read More »
Why These D.C. Criminal Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Washington, D.C. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked list… Read More »
Why These Denver Criminal Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Denver. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked list of… Read More »
Why These Seattle Criminal Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Seattle. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked list of… Read More »
Why These Milwaukee Criminal Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Milwaukee. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked list of… Read More »
Why These Jacksonville Criminal Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Jacksonville. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked list of… Read More »
Why These Columbus Criminal Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Columbus. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked list of… Read More »
Why These Charlotte Criminal Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Charlotte. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked list of… Read More »
Why These San Diego Criminal Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in San Diego. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked… Read More »
Why These Austin Criminal Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Austin. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked list of… Read More »
Why These Indianapolis Criminal Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Indianapolis. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked list of… Read More »
Why These Boston Criminal Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Boston. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked list of… Read More »
Why These Phoenix Criminal Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Phoenix. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked list of… Read More »
Why These San Antonio Criminal Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in San Antonio. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked… Read More »
Why These Philadelphia Criminal Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Philadelphia. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked list of… Read More »
Why These Houston Criminal Defense Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Houston. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked list… Read More »
Why These Fort Worth Criminal Defense Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Fort Worth. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a… Read More »
Why These San Jose Criminal Defense Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in San Jose. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a… Read More »
Why These San Francisco Criminal Defense Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in San Francisco. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a… Read More »
Why These Worcester Criminal Lawyers? Our goal is to connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys serving Worcester Massachusetts. We scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm on a half dozen metrics in three categories and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best. Attorneys Reviewed: 12 Top Selection Picks:… Read More »
Why These Springfield Criminal Lawyers? Our goal is to connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys serving Springfield, Massachusetts. We scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm on a half dozen metrics in three categories and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best. Attorneys Reviewed: 12 Top Selection Picks:… Read More »
Why These New York City Criminal Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in New York City. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you… Read More »
Why These Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in the Los Angeles area. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring… Read More »
Why These Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Dallas. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a handpicked list… Read More »
Why These Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyers? We help connect consumers with top-rated criminal defense attorneys in the Chicago area. To determine which are the best of the best, we scored each criminal defense attorney or law firm across a half-dozen metrics covering three categories. Each firm or attorney’s results were analyzed to bring you a… Read More »
Generally, voter fraud under 52USC20511 is defined as illegal voting by an individual. Different states have different laws regarding voter fraud, but voter fraud is usually committed by doing one of the following: Voting more than one time in the same election – double voting. Casting a ballot in the name of a voter who… Read More »
The $525 billion Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) enacted as part of the CARES Act in 2020 helped millions of small businesses weather the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it also provided ripe opportunities for fraud. The Department of Justice has filed dozens of charges alleging PPP fraud. As of Oct. 7, 2020, DOJ has criminally charged 65… Read More »
Not telling the truth about your employment status and claiming you are searching for work when you are not is a form of unemployment benefit fraud. This is a serious charge and you can get jail time if you are convicted. State and federal authorities will take an especially dim view of unemployment benefit fraud… Read More »
The right to protest is one of the most-respected rights in the United States. The First Amendment protects the right of US citizens to peacefully protest. However, there are limits even to our most sacred rights. The right to protest does not allow rioting or inciting to riot. Protests that become violent and destructive are… Read More »
Embezzlement is a white-collar crime in Missouri. It is defined as withholding the assets of one or more people to whom the assets have been entrusted, and are misappropriated and used for another purpose. Missouri Laws and Penalties To be convicted of embezzlement in Missouri, there must be three elements present: There must be a… Read More »
An embezzlement offense in Minnesota is a financial crime that involves the illegal use of another person’s property. Unlike a larceny or theft offense where the crime involves wrongfully possessing another person’s property, embezzlement in Minnesota happens when your position, role or job gives them lawful access to and possession of the property, but the… Read More »
Embezzlement is a white-collar crime in that is a serious problem in Maryland and across the United States. Embezzlement occurs when a person in a position of trust steals or misappropriates funds and/or property from an employer, business partner or related person or entity. Maryland Laws and Penalties For embezzlement to occur, three factors must… Read More »
Embezzlement is defined as the theft or larceny of assets – including money or property – by a person in a position of trust in a company with responsibility for those assets. Embezzlement most often happens in corporate and employment settings. There are many ways you can commit the crime of embezzlement. But below are… Read More »
In Maine, embezzlement is classed as “theft by deception”. It means that someone has been entrusted with property and then misappropriates this for their own personal gain. Often, this is done by employees of businesses, but it can also include bank examiners, court officers, medical professionals, nonprofit workers, accountants, carers, and many more. Indeed, embezzlement… Read More »
In Louisiana, embezzlement is treated as theft. However, it is different from burglary or robbery because the defendant in an embezzlement case was entrusted with the property that they misappropriated. This means that they were legally entitled to access the property, but not to use it for their own personal gain. In many cases, embezzlement… Read More »
In Kentucky, embezzlement is coded under the theft statute of KRS 514. Embezzlement has been defined as “theft or misappropriation of funds place in one’s trust or belonging to one’s employer”. Different elements of the Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) can be applied to this. In most cases, state courts will handle the affairs although they… Read More »
In Kansas, embezzlement happens when someone is entrusted with the property of someone else and mismanages this to gain from it personally. In many cases, it is prosecuted at federal level and this means incredibly tough penalties. However, even at state level, it is important to find proper representation as the crime is an incredibly… Read More »
In Iowa, someone can be found guilty of embezzlement if they are demonstrated to have stolen money that was entrusted to their care. In many cases, it involves employees who take money from their businesses. Typically, this happens when they have access to the bank or cash accounts. It is a very serious crime that… Read More »
In Indiana, embezzlement occurs when someone “cooks the books”, for instance by adding money to their own account come payday and covering that up. In the majority of states, embezzlement laws are identical to theft laws, with the added fact that an embezzler must have been in a position where they were entrusted with the… Read More »
In many cases, embezzlement is classified as a federal offense. However, that does not mean states do not have their own statutes to deal with it and Illinois is no exception. In this state, someone who is entrusted with property for safekeeping but then uses it for themselves is guilty of embezzlement. It is not… Read More »
Idaho law seems embezzlement as theft. To provide a case of theft, the prosecution must demonstrate that intent was present to deprive someone or a business entity from a piece of property in a willful manner. This is covered under Idaho Code § 18-2403. Embezzling money is one of the many things that are considered… Read More »
Hawaii law classifies embezzlement as theft but it must be proven that someone intentionally deprived a third party from payment for services or property. This includes through deception, through unauthorized control, and through deception, to name but a few. Embezzlement means that someone abuses a position of trust to take advantage of property for their… Read More »
In Georgia, embezzlement laws are in place to stop very specific theft actions from occurring. Specifically, it is in relation to those who are in a position of trust or who hold responsibility over assets that are not theirs. This includes employees, legal guardians, accountants, bankers, and others who have fiduciary relationship with the property… Read More »
The state of Arkansas recognizes the difference between “theft” and “embezzlement”. While embezzlement is a form of theft, it requires the theft of goods that had been placed in the care of that individual, meaning it includes a position of trust. Employees using company funds for their personal use, for instance, have embezzled money. Because… Read More »
In Arizona, embezzlement, which equates to fraudulent misappropriation, is charged in the same was a theft, regardless of what type of theft was committed. This is listed under the Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S.) 13 § 1802. That said, theft is a very serious crime in Arizona and even more so when it is committed from… Read More »
In Alabama, embezzlement is a very serious crime with equally serious consequences. The crime is defined as someone stealing funds that have been placed in their care but do not belong to them. It is mainly a business crime. There is not a separate statute that deals specifically with embezzlement, however. Rather, the state treats… Read More »
With the advent of body cameras and ubiquity of smartphones, videos of police shootings have brought the reality of the topic to the general public in a visceral way. Through social media and news reports, we often see these acts take place and make our own judgements on how justified the lethal use of force… Read More »
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts groups several types of theft crimes into a broad ‘larceny’ category. Under state law, when someone takes possession of property that belongs to another person without their consent, this is larceny. The value of the property that was taken and the circumstances under which the theft occurred determines the crime that… Read More »
Find a Criminal Defense Attorney Near You You have learned recently that you are under federal criminal investigation. Or perhaps you have been indicted by a federal grand jury and are facing federal criminal charges. What is the best way to find a federal criminal defense lawyer to defend you? Some people may believe that… Read More »
When a person kills another person, regardless of intent, it is usually called a homicide in Massachusetts. But murder is where a person knowingly and specifically kills another human being or causes them substantial bodily harm and that person eventually dies due to their injuries. In Massachusetts, you can be prosecuted for first degree or… Read More »
Voluntary and involuntary manslaughter charges are both governed by Massachusetts General laws Chapter 265 Section 13. You can be charged with manslaughter if your action led to the death of another human being. This is a very different charge from murder, which applies when the case involves malice aforethought or premeditation. While manslaughter is a… Read More »
In Massachusetts, you can be charged with either a misdemeanor or felony. If the crime that you have been accused of can be punished only by a jail sentence, it is a misdemeanor. If it includes a potential state prison sentence, it is a felony. The Massachusetts state legislature defines felonies and misdemeanors in the… Read More »
Drug trafficking is defined in Massachusetts state law as possession of illegal drugs with the intent to distribute, or to be actively distributing a certain quantity of drugs. The state or federal prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that all elements associated with the drug possession are true, as well as a specific type… Read More »
In Massachusetts, there are laws against both assault and assault and battery. Assaults and batteries that cause serious injury, or are committed against a certain class of victims, can be punished as felonies. Laws regarding assault and assault and battery are covered in Massachusetts General Laws Part IV Title 1 Chapter 265 Section 13A. An… Read More »
The possession, distribution and production of child pornography is aggressively prosecuted in Massachusetts. Child pornography laws are increasingly being used to punish use of Internet and computer technology to obtain, distribute and share pornographic material that involves minors who are under the age of 18. Similar to federal laws, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 272 Section… Read More »
In Massachusetts, tax evasion is a serious crime that can result in serious criminal and financial consequences. Tax evasion crimes in the Commonwealth usually relate to crimes that are conducted when the return is filed, and crimes related to not filing the return at all. In this state and across the state, common tax evasion… Read More »
If you have been accused of a crime, you may have heard the terms ‘indicted’ and ‘charged’. What do they mean and what are the differences? Below is more information. Charged A criminal charge is an official allegation that you commited one or more crimes. You can be charged with either a misdemeanor or a… Read More »
A subpoena and a summons are similar. They both give you notice about an upcoming court proceeding. Where they differ mostly has to do with who they are given to; when they are given; and what they are used for. Summons A summons is the official notice of a lawsuit. It is given to the… Read More »
In every state, there are time limits to which a prosecutor can put a case forward. That time limit is known as the “statute of limitations” and it exists for both criminal and civil cases. There isn’t just one single statute of limitations, however. Rather, they change depending on the state and on the type… Read More »
Trespassing, and particularly criminal trespassing, means the accused have entered a property or remained there, without being privileged, licensed, or otherwise authorized to be there. Generally speaking, the offender must have somehow been notified of this, either verbally or through written notice, by someone with property authorization. The laws surrounding criminal trespassing vary tremendously from… Read More »
Drug conspiracies are highly complex cases because many people unwittingly end up getting involved in these. Technically, it means two parties agree to break narcotics laws. The burden of proof lies with the prosecution, who have to show that at least two people agreed to the distribution of an illegal substance, and that the accused… Read More »
In this country, crimes are divided into either misdemeanors or felonies (infractions also exist, which are the lowest form of crime). If a crime can be punished by one year in prison or more, it will generally be classed as a felony. Some states also use a lettered classification to further subdivide the level of… Read More »
People who use drugs and get caught very often face not just drug possession charges, but also drug trafficking charges. If there is any way to show someone is part of a drug network, which a user by default is, then trafficking charges can be put forward. These charges are very serious and can lead… Read More »
During a bond hearing, a defendant has to appear in court and request that the judge allow him to be released from police custody while the criminal case is pending. It is common for the initial hearing, where the accused hears the charges, to also be a first bail bond hearing. This is known as… Read More »
Intellectual property (IP) is one of four different things: Copyright, which covers original literary and artistic authored works. Patent, which covers inventions of machines, processes, and other useful objects. Trademark, which relates to symbols used commercially. Trade secret, which covers information that is confidential and commercially valuable. IP Theft Laws There are numerous laws and… Read More »
The crime of burglary is actually a highly complex crime that comes in varying degrees. They are, as a rule of thumb, first, second, third, and fourth degree, although some states add a further sub-classification of with or without a weapon. In all states, burglary charges are classified as felonies. Fourth degree burglary is the… Read More »
Constitutionally, states generally handle their own criminal law, regardless of the severity of the crime. However, in some circumstances, murder can become a federal crime. Some examples of this happening include murder that attacks the judicial system or U.S. government, murder that happened on a body of water, murder that involved crossing state borders, and… Read More »
Larceny is the legal term for theft that is used under many state laws. Under Oklahoma law, larceny is defined as taking personal property through stealth or fraud with the intent to deprive another person (Oklahoma Statute Ann. 21-1701). This means that theft has been committed any time the offender wrongfully takes the property of… Read More »
Misappropriation of funds is a serious crime and means the illegal and intentional use of the funds of another party for one’s own use. Misappropriation of funds can be done by a trustee, a public official, an executor of a deceased person’s estate, or any other individual with the responsibility to care for and protect… Read More »
Revenge porn is officially known under state laws as intentional distribution of non-consensual porn. This is a type of online harassment that happens when an ex-partner or a hacker posts sexually explicit images of someone online without their permission. This crime has been in the news in recent years related to several celebrities. Whether revenge… Read More »
Burglary, theft and robbery are related, but there are key differences between these three crimes. Of course, what they have in common is they usually involve the unauthorized taking of another person’s personal property. But beyond this, burglary, theft and robbery are separate crimes. Below is more information about what distinguishes them from one another.… Read More »
Strong armed robbery is a specific type of larceny that is committed with a threat of force or intimidation that usually does not involve a weapon. Larceny is is the taking away of another person’s property with the intent to deprive them of the property. An example of strong arm robbery is someone robbing a bank… Read More »
Domestic violence is violent acts that are done by a member of a household or family member. It most commonly involves one’s partner or children. According to the US Surgeon General, domestic violence is the top health concern in the country today. The victims of domestic violence can by anyone, matter their age, race, gender,… Read More »
In all states, there are time limits to file lawsuits and civil actions known as statutes of limitations. The civil statute of limitations in California is similar to other states. Depending upon the type of case, the statute of limitations can be from one to 10 years. Statutes of limitations are designed to create practicality… Read More »
Child endangerment is a type of child abuse. These are usually state charges that can be brought against you if you put a child in danger of imminent harm of bodily injury, death, or mental or physical impairment. Child endangerment often is included with assault related charges, but it does not require you to commit… Read More »
About ⅓ of US states have felonies subdivided into lettered classes. In most of these states, a class C felony is a mid-range crime. It is a serious felony, but does not rise to the level of the most serious ones, such as murder. Still, you are likely to have a long prison sentence and… Read More »
Assault is defined as an intentional act that leads to fear of harm, or offensive touching. In most states, assault is divided into degrees. Note that assault laws do not require actual physical contact to occur. As long as the victim reasonably fears that contact will happen, the court can rule that assault occurred. The… Read More »
Grand larceny, which is referred to as grand theft in California, can involve property of various types, including money, personal property, real property and the value of labor and services. Grand larceny or grand theft can happen without the knowledge of the owner, but it also may occur where the owner entrusts property to you… Read More »
In US criminal law, assault is usually listed with battery, as in ‘assault and battery.’ But assault is a separate charge from battery. Assault is generally defined as attempted battery. It also can be defined as intent to create a reasonable apprehension of harm. Assault essentially refers to situations where a person creates a fear… Read More »
A class D felony is one of the less serious types of felonies. In most states, class D felonies are not associated with dangerous or violent acts; many class D felonies are victimless crimes. However, this crime is still a felony and has serious potential punishments, including a long jail sentence, heavy fines and strict… Read More »
Sexual assault generally means any crime where the offender has subjected the victim to sexual contact or touching that is offensive and unwanted. Sexual assault crimes can range groping to assault and battery, to rape. All states and the federal government prohibits sexual assault, but the precise definitions of sexual assault will vary somewhat by… Read More »
Banks in the US contain trillions of dollars in deposits on any given day. This massive amount of money is tempting for fraudsters. Bank fraud is a federal crime that occurs when people use illegal means to obtain money or assets from a bank or related financial institution. It also can involve scenarios where a… Read More »
International and domestic terrorism are defined in federal law under 18 USC 2331. International and domestic terrorism are defined as violent or dangerous acts that endanger human life, and violate state or federal law. Further, such acts are intended to coerce or intimidate civilians, or are intended to influence government policy or government conduct through… Read More »
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Michael Brown. Tamir Rice. Alton Sterling. These names are probably familiar to most, if not all, of us. In the last few years, Americans have watched as more and more deadly altercations with law enforcement – often involving unarmed black men – have been featured on the news. Are fatal law enforcement encounters on the… Read More »
In 1999, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold walked into Columbine High School and started shooting. They killed 12 students and a teacher and injured an additional 24 people and left Americans horrified and heartbroken. In 2012, Adam Lanza murdered 20 6- and 7-year-old children and six faculty members at Sandy Hook Elementary School; many parents… Read More »
Share and Discuss: (Copy Paste This Code) <a href=”https://www.federalcharges.com/not-all-americans-have-the-right-to-bear-arms/”><img src=”https://www.federalcharges.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2018/01/right-to-bear-arms.png” max-width=”1000px” title=”Not All American’s Have the Right to Bear Arms?” alt=”Not All American’s Have the Right to Bear Arms” border=”0″ /></a> Do we know what the Second Amendment really meant to our Founding Fathers? Amendment II: A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security… Read More »
In federal law and in most states, 2nd degree murder is defined as intentional killing that is not premeditated, or a killing that is caused by the person’s lack of concern for human life. Generally, 2nd degree murder is somewhat of a middle ground between first degree murder and voluntary manslaughter. For instance, say a… Read More »
A driver who accidentally causes an accident that leads to the deaths of passengers, occupants of other vehicles or pedestrians can be charged with vehicular manslaughter, or vehicular homicide, depending upon the state. A vehicular manslaughter charge may be appropriate if you were: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol Driving recklessly or carelessly… Read More »
A grand jury can use the power of the court to subpoena evidence and witnesses. In this process, the prosecutor will visit the office of the court clerk and obtain subpoena forms. The prosecutor will then fill them out and put the name of the person on each one that is being subpoenaed. The prosecutor… Read More »
Aggravated assault is a serious criminal offense that is punished more severely than other forms of assault. Factors that may raise a regular assault charge to aggravated assault are: Use of a weapon Status of victim Intent of the suspect Degree of injury Assaults that happen in the home of the victim also may constitute… Read More »
Theft has been around as long as mankind has had individual property rights. Today, each state divides theft into various categories. The term ‘grand theft’ describes the theft of property above a specific dollar amount. A theft happens when a person is deprived of their property by another person, with the intent to deprive that… Read More »
Treason is the only crime that is specifically written into the US Constitution. It is defined as intentionally betraying one’s allegiance to their country by levying war against the US government, and/or giving aid and comfort to its enemies. This is the most serious criminal offense one can commit against the government. Punishment is imprisonment… Read More »
Driving with a BAC or blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher is illegal in all 50 states. DUI, or driving under the influence, includes alcohol and any type of intoxicant or narcotic that can impair your physical abilities and judgement. This also includes prescription drugs. A driver can theoretically register a BAC of .00… Read More »
Although driving under impairment (DUI) is considered a crime in all 50 states, the offense rises to the level of a federal crime in some situations. The legal and social consequences of a federal DUI conviction can be severe. Despite the seriousness of the charge, it is possible for a federal criminal defense attorney to… Read More »
In the state of Ohio, just like in other states, tax evasion is a serious crime that can come with severe repercussions and penalties. Crimes of tax evasion in this instance generally fall under one of two categories: Crimes which relate to the filing of a tax return Crimes which relate to the failure to… Read More »
Racketeering is a very serious crime that has significant consequences on the life of someone accused of it. Essentially, racketeering almost always goes hand in hand with organized crime. Usually, some illegal activity is included in it that is part of a larger, wider, more elaborate enterprise. While Ohio has a law that defines ‘corrupt’… Read More »
The crime of money laundering in Ohio refers to a situation wherein a group of people, or organized network engage in activities designed to convert the cash that is created or obtained through illicit activities so that it appears to be legitimate money that comes from lawful sources. In many circumstances, money laundering is a… Read More »
In Ohio, the crime of insurance fraud is defined as any action wherein people or entities attempt to make a false claim to an insurance company, to obtain compensation or money that they aren’t rightfully entitled to. For example, an act of insurance fraud in Ohio might occur when a person knowingly files an insurance… Read More »
Welfare is a system of benefits and public relief given to those who can demonstrate that they are in need. Welfare also includes AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) and SNAP (Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program), also known as food stamps. Tax revenues collected pay for the money needed to provide welfare and states administer… Read More »
Mortgage fraud is one of the most complex crimes around. Experts estimate that around 10% of all mortgage applications are actually fraudulent, due to accidental errors. The issue, however, is that it cannot be classed as mortgage fraud unless the error was intentional and it is difficult to prove whether it is or not. This… Read More »
Credit card fraud is one of the country’s fastest growing, and most costly, crimes. The effects are huge as well, with losses being recuperated by increasing finance charges, interest rates, and annual fees to consumers. In Ohio, state laws aim to address two individual issues with credit card fraud. They focus both on misusing the… Read More »
In the state of New York, fraud is classified as an illegal action, wherein trickery or scams are used to gain an advantage over people or groups through dishonest means. For example, in the case of medical insurance fraud, perpetrators will obtain an advantage over their insurance provider by lying about the amount of injury… Read More »
Insurance fraud in New York takes place when entities or people make a false claim in terms of insurance in order to obtain benefits or compensation to which they aren’t actually entitled. Insurance fraud is a serious crime, and it includes any act with the intent to obtain a favorable outcome that is obtained through… Read More »
Under the laws of New York, people may be accused of engaging in an act of welfare fraud when they take public assistance benefits through fraudulent means. Welfare is a term that is used to describe the public benefits or relief that is paid to individuals in the United States who show need based on… Read More »
In the state of New York, any individual who willfully and knowingly possesses, or creates a forged document that suggests liability or value in an attempt to defraud another person or party is guilty of the crime of forgery. Forgery is often considered as a felony-level crime, but it can also be deemed as a… Read More »
In New York, the crime of extortion or blackmail is typically referred to as coercion, and can be identified within the New York penal code as an offense against a person that includes some form of physical injury, sexual conduct, threat, restraint, or intimidation. Charges or blackmail or extortion can be made in New York… Read More »
Bank fraud in California is a crime that takes place when people use illegal means to receive assets or money from a bank or similar financial institution. Bank fraud is different to bank robbery because the perpetrator keeps the crime a secret in the hopes that it won’t be noticed. Bank fraud in California can… Read More »
In Ohio, fraud refers to an action undertaken using trickery or scams to gain an advantage over another person or party. For example, in the case of health insurance fraud, an individual might exaggerate certain claims or issue false reports in an attempt to gain an advantage over the insurance provider, which leads to the… Read More »
Drug trafficking is an incredibly complex type of violation. In Ohio, trafficking covers not just the movement of controlled substances, but also selling, intending to sell, manufacturing, and cultivating of these substances. Specifically, they have divided it into two different scenarios: Selling or offering to sell a drug that is classed as a controlled substance… Read More »
How to Get Your Cash Back The process that you have to go through will depend upon if the cash seizure was done by the federal, state or local authorities. In some cases, you may not know if the forfeiture case is state or federal; however, if it occurs at the border or airport, it… Read More »
The crime of forgery in Ohio consists of a wide variety of potentially fraudulent actions that are willfully committed in an attempt, or with the intent to defraud another person. These forgery actions might include: Signing someone else’s name on a legitimate document with the desire to benefit from that signature Changing a document, or… Read More »
Extortion and blackmail are complex crimes. Traditionally, they only described actions that were taken by government officials or public officials. Today, however, private citizens can also get charged with extortion and blackmail. In many places, extortion and blackmail are one and the same crime, but blackmail is done by private citizens, whereas extortion is done… Read More »
In simple terms, embezzlement in Ohio relates to kinds of property theft, when a defendant entrusted to monitor or manage someone else’s property or money steals part of that property or money for his or her own benefit. The key factor that makes embezzlement different from plain theft is that the defendant has access to… Read More »
Many people refer to theft and larceny as the same thing. However, the truth is that there are a number of important differences to consider regarding these crimes. One thing to consider about grand larceny is that when the amount or value of a stolen item exceeds $250, the crime changes from a misdemeanor into… Read More »
Bank fraud is a very complex area of law that encompasses a number of different crimes. These include card fraud (credit or debit), passing bad checks, uninsured deposits, accounting fraud, fraudulent loans, rogue trading, impersonation, embezzlement, identity theft, and forgery. These are all financial fraud cases. In Ohio, they are charged not under the umbrella… Read More »
Those who are charged with child abuse are facing a very serious crime. The exact sentence and penalties that they will incur vary depending on a range of factors. These include the age of the child, which state the crime was committed in, the extent of the molestation, whether the molestation led to physical or… Read More »
Prostitution and solicitation are two separate, but closely rated, crimes. Solicitation happens when someone demands, encourages, or requests someone to engage in prostitution, which is a criminal act in and on itself. Prostitution, meanwhile, exists in many forms, from sophisticated escort service to street walkers. Engaging in, agreeing to, or offering sexual acts in return… Read More »
Mortgage fraud is an incredibly complicated crime. It is believed that, if accidental omissions and errors were included, at least 10% of all mortgage applications would be fraudulent. What makes something a crime, however, is intent. It can be very difficult to prove whether or not someone intentionally omitted a piece of information, or intentionally… Read More »
Prescription drug fraud is a growing problem, with 3-10% of every healthcare dollar in the US lost to fraud. Federal, state and local law enforcement report that diverted pharmaceutical traffic is one of their biggest problems. According to a survey in 2009, from 28-58% of police agencies around the US reported that street gangs and… Read More »
Phishing is a crime in which a perpetrator sends a form of communication (usually email) to someone else because they want the recipient to inadvertently reveal personal information. The fraudulent nature of a phishing message is cleverly disguised, as they look as if the communication is official. In the message, the recipient is requested to… Read More »
Those who have sexual relations with somebody who has not yet reached the ‘age of consent’ are considered to have performed the crime of statutory rape. Depending on the state in which they live, different charges can be brought against them. Different states also call statutory rape by different names, including ‘sexual intercourse with a… Read More »
There are many different sexual crimes, one of which is sexual battery. What brings all the sexual crimes together is that a sexual act is forced against them without their consent. Sexual battery is the lesser form of this, meaning that no sexual penetration or intercourse took place. However, it is still a criminal act… Read More »
Stalking is a criminal act that involves harassing and repeatedly following someone else. A series of actions have to be identified before something is classed as a crime, however. For instance, it is not a criminal act to wait outside someone’s place of work, to write love letters, or to send flowers. However, when this… Read More »
Sex trafficking has been popularized through television and movies. Pimps look like suave gentlemen living lavish lifestyles with expensive cars and big jewelry. The women, meanwhile, are depicted as adults who voluntarily and consensually engage in prostitution. Unfortunately, this is a highly inaccurate depiction. The reality is that pimps traffic young women, or men, forcing… Read More »
Individuals who can demonstrate financial need can sometimes be provided with benefits or public relief, known as ‘welfare’. What they receive depends on their financial status, disability, and age. Various pieces of welfare exist, including food stamps (Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP) and Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). Welfare payments are made… Read More »
Perjury is the crime of lying under oath. It is a very serious offense because, if not identified, the justice system cannot meet its goal: finding out the truth. Perjury is something that can affect everybody, and the consequences can be very serious. Consider, for instance, that President Bill Clinton was impeached because of it,… Read More »
Pandering laws often go hand in hand with pimping laws. They are designed to stop the sex industry by criminalizing the intermediaries, which are those who transport prostitutes between different locations, solicit money from prostitutes, recruit prostitutes into the sex industry, and advertise sex services. Pandering is a serious offense with the potential for significant… Read More »
Negligent homicide is generally trialed at the state level, as part of their homicide statutes. Usually, it is the lowest form of offense that has the death of another human as a result. Homicide is a very general category, and various situations can describe it. The charge of homicide, and whether it is negligent or… Read More »
Manslaughter is a crime that deals with homicide. What sets it apart from murder is that the culpability of the defendant can be mitigated because no deliberation or malice was found. An unlawful killing took place, as with first and second degree murder, but the circumstances surrounding this killing go some way towards justifying the… Read More »
Indecent exposure is a crime in all states. It involves publicly displaying one’s genitals, which causes alarm or offence to others. Usually, the crime is committed for sexual gratification, as it entices a sexual response. Indecent exposure literally means that bare genitals are exposed on purpose. Female breasts are not classed as genitals, however. Additionally,… Read More »
Human trafficking happens when one or more individuals are controlled and exploited for profit. Victims include adults over the of 18 who are deceived or coerced into commercial sex acts, children who are sold or otherwise used in the sex trade, and anyone who is compelled to take part in forced labor. Across the country,… Read More »
Entrapment is not a crime, but rather a defense. It is used to demonstrate that law enforcement agents and a defendant interacted before a crime too place, and that the defendant was encouraged to commit a crime he or she would otherwise not have committed. The law is in place to stop law enforcement agents,… Read More »
The crime of enticement is a sexual crime, and one that is most often committed against children. As a result, this is a very serious offense with heavy penalties. Each state, however, has very different rules and regulations in terms of defining what constitutes enticement. Similarly, their penalties and their statutes of limitations vary greatly… Read More »
Obstruction of justice is a crime that is different from the norm because it does not involve harm to a person or to property. It does, however, describe a huge range of crimes, but these are committed against justice administration. Statutes at both state and federal level cover these crimes, and laws have been in… Read More »
Aiding and abetting, or accessory, charges can be brought against any person who assisted in the commission of a crime. There are significant differences in the application of this law between states. However, in almost all cases, someone who is guilty of aiding and abetting does not actually have to be present during the crime.… Read More »
Being accused of a sex crime is possibly one of the most serious charges someone could ever face, particularly if the offense includes a child or a minor. The consequences will last a lifetime. Penalties include prison sentences, fees, a criminal record and having to register as a sex offender, possibly for life. This, in… Read More »
Embezzlement in Massachusetts is classed as a larceny offense. It means that items were removed from their rightful owner. Usually, no violence is committed, which is why it is classed as a ‘white collar’ crime. It is covered under Massachusetts General Laws Part IV, Title I, Chapter 266. Massachusetts Laws and Penalties There are three… Read More »
Conspiracy is a crime whereby at least two individuals agree to engage in some sort of criminal act together. Conspiracy can either be a felony or a misdemeanor, depending mainly on the actual crime that was committed, or what they conspired to commit. In most states, including Massachusetts, defendants can be charged with the crime… Read More »
Credit and debit card fraud is one of this country’s fastest growing crimes. According to Massachusetts law, this type of fraud can include a range of different offenses. These include illegally using credit cards in order to have a monetary gain. The laws in Massachusetts have been designed to be very clear on the consequences… Read More »
Florida has remained a hotspot in the country for fraud and identity theft as of 2014, according to a recent report. Among all metro areas, southern Florida was found to be at the top of the list for identity theft complaints for five years in a row, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Florida has… Read More »
Mortgage fraud is a very complex crime that can involve lenders and borrowers alike. It is believed that 10% of all applications for mortgages in the country contain omissions, be they mistaken or intentional. It is very hard to prove intentional omission, however, and this is one of the reasons why mortgage fraud prosecutions have… Read More »
Laws against money laundering are in place to penalize organizations and individuals who use financial transactions as a method to hide the proceeds of any activities that they engage in that are unlawful in Florida. Someone who is accused of money laundering can face a criminal charge at either state or federal level. In many… Read More »
Grand theft, in Florida, happens when someone intentionally and unlawfully takes property that is worth at least $300. It is a felony offense and penalties can be harsh. Grand theft occurs in cases, such as: If a defendant unlawfully and knowingly took or used someone else’s property. The defendant did so to permanently or temporarily… Read More »
Bank robbery usually involves a state bank or a national bank or other institution that is part of the Federal Reserve. As a result, it is usually trialed at the federal level. However, a bank robber may also be charged under state laws, depending on the exact nature of the crime. Penalties in state court… Read More »
Sex crimes in Florida are placed into three categories of offenses: 1. Sexual battery and rape 2. Lewd or lascivious acts 3. Unlawful sex with minors Within these categories, various sub categories exist. 1. Sexual Battery or Rape This happens when non-consensual sex has happened through coercion, force or incapacitation. 2. Lewd or Lascivious Acts… Read More »
Welfare fraud is a very serious crime in Florida, that can be classed as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on how much public assistance was received. Political pressures are playing a big part in this, and Florida vigorously prosecutes offenders. The term “welfare fraud” can refer to various types of illegal conduct. These include, but… Read More »
Florida does not have a singular law for grand larceny. Rather, it is incorporated within their theft law. This law focuses on different types of property crimes, which includes larceny, but also misappropriation, stealing, conversion and more. Generally speaking, theft means that someone else’s property is taken or used without any form of authorization. To… Read More »
Medicaid and Medicare are funded by tax dollars at state and federal levels. The programs are designed to ensure vulnerable people, including those with low incomes, are able to receive healthcare. When people are given benefits that they are not entitled to, tax dollars are wasted and services are taken from people who need them.… Read More »
Money laundering generally involves financial transactions that are made to hide criminal activity or to process funds that are made through criminal enterprises. Money laundering laws are covered in California Penal Code Sections 186.9.186-10. Money laundering in California is defined as the transfer of money obtained from illegal activity to legitimate outlets or banks.In California,… Read More »
Insurance Fraud in California is defined by the act of providing dishonest information or performing an illegal activity for the purpose of gaining something of value that he or she would not have otherwise obtained. There are three main types of insurance fraud, including: Unemployment Insurance Fraud- Penal Code §§ 2101 and 2102 Unemployment insurance… Read More »
There are many violations of the law that endanger the public, but may not be reported. Many witnesses may be afraid that they will be retaliated against in their jobs. When we are in a position to know about criminal wrongdoing, we may be reluctant to act because our incomes and health insurance depend upon… Read More »
Under California law (Penal Code 518), the crime of extortion or blackmail occurs when the following occurs: You use threats or force to compel someone to give you property or money. You use threats or force to compel a public official to perform an act. If you are a public official, you use your office… Read More »
Embezzlement under California law is treated as a type of property theft. It happens when a person who was entrusted to manage or monitor another person’s property or money steals it for their own personal gain. The key from a legal perspective is the defendant had the legal access to the property or money but… Read More »
California has many laws regarding the possession of guns, weapons and firearms, and it can be confusing about what is illegal or legal. Some of the weapons charges in California include: Carrying a concealed firearm Improper handling of a gun in a car Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon or firearm Possession of a deadly… Read More »
Homicide, which is the unlawful killing of another person, can result in a murder or manslaughter charge in California, depending upon the circumstances. For the crime to be charged as murder, the prosecutor must show you had ‘malice aforethought.’ This refers to intentions, planning and decisions related to the death of the other person. Malice… Read More »
A common tactic by federal prosecutors is to bring conspiracy charges against a defendant. Conspiracy is a rather broad type of crime that can be used to describe many types of illegal conduct. Conspiracy charges are tough for the defense. A criminal defense lawyer who has a client charged with conspiracy must work hard to… Read More »
The federal government has been prosecuting many types of crimes more aggressively in recent years, and North Carolina cases are part of this trend. Given how often the federal government is bringing a variety of federal charges against the accused these days, it is important to know the law well. Also, the consequences of a… Read More »
Whatever state you are in, federal charges are much more serious than state level charges, and this is true in Georgia as well. In nearly all federal charge cases, potential penalties are far more severe, and the resources of the federal government are nearly unlimited. As this is the case, it is very important to… Read More »
Just as with most state crimes, federal crimes usually have a statute of limitations. This is a limit of time where federal charges may be filed against you or any person who is suspected of committing a crime, within a certain time period of when the crime allegedly happened. This is a protection for people… Read More »
When it comes to white collar crime, mail fraud is probably the most common offense committed in the United States. Most likely the reason for the prevalence of this type of crime is that it encompasses just about any illegal activity that could be done through the postal service. According to Title 18 of the… Read More »
In 1970, the US Congress passed the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act to combat racketeering in Illinois and across America. This is a type of white collar, organized crime where illegal organizations use legitimate businesses to embezzle funds and engage in a variety of criminal activities that can include conspiracy and many other… Read More »
The crime of sexual misconduct can take many different forms. The laws governing sexual assault and sexual abuse can be found under Section 12 of the state penal code. When it comes to terminology, the state of Illinois does not use the term ‘rape’ when it refers to sex crimes, but instead uses the term… Read More »
Are you facing a federal criminal charge in Ohio? As in every other state, in Ohio the federal government is required to officially inform you of the charges you face. After you are informed of the charges against you, usually you will be held in custody in the appropriate federal district in the state of… Read More »
Am I Under Investigation? For persons desiring to know if they are under federal investigation, the database for this is maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In November 2019 the FBI and its partners at the Department of Justice (DOJ) opened a new data center in Idaho. This project was years in the making… Read More »
Medicare fraud is a serious federal crime that happens when a person knowingly submits fraudulent claims or makes misrepresentations of fact to obtain a federal health care payment to which they are not entitled. Medicare fraud also involves knowingly receiving, soliciting, offering or paying compensation to induce or reward referrals for services, or items reimbursed… Read More »
Federal sex crimes are some of most serious offenses in the United States. These types of federal crimes are associated with the most severe penalties, typically involving a significant imprisonment term, fines and sex offender registration which may negatively influence other aspects of life following imprisonment. When the sex crime involves a child or minor,… Read More »
Federal white collar crimes generally refer to any crime that involves financial gain through illegal activity, often initiated by business professionals. Federal white collar crimes are governed by the authority of select agencies under The Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, including: Internal Revenue Service Securities and Exchange Commission FBI Secret Service U.S. Customs Environmental… Read More »
Defrauding the US government through healthcare fraud is illegal. Committing Medicare and Medicaid fraud exposes individuals and health care organizations to possible criminal, civil, and administrative penalties. Some healthcare fraud criminals face years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. Healthcare fraud typically involves any of the following crimes: Knowingly submitting false claims or… Read More »
In the state of Illinois, larceny and theft are described as an action against a person, business, or organization which involves the intent to commit and action of the unauthorized taking of money, services, or property. This can include what is recognized as petty theft and more advanced versions of theft up to and including… Read More »
Cornell University defines healthcare fraud as any submission of data to a healthcare system with the intention of turning a profit. Despite this definition, healthcare fraud can take place in a number of ways. Practitioners can acquire subsidized drugs and then sell them on the black market for a profit. They can also file forms… Read More »
Embezzlement laws provide the various elements that the state has to be able to prove if they wish to convict someone who misappropriated property or money that they were caring for. Usually, these cases are trialed at state level, which means the penal code is applicable. However, embezzlement can be trialed both as a felony… Read More »
Texas has very strict laws when it comes to the possession, trafficking, distribution and manufacturing of controlled substances and narcotics. In most cases, people face fines, custodial sentences, probation and loss of driver’s license. The information below should serve as a general guideline only, as the drug charges laws in Texas are subject to change.… Read More »
Conspiracy charges related to entering an agreement with someone else surrounding the intent to commit an illegal act or crime. A lot of people automatically assume that conspiracy always involves a group of people or other types of organized crime. However, most conspiracy charges are placed when a person has entered an agreement with at… Read More »
If a good is an unauthorized reproduction, even if it appears to come from a legitimate source, it is likely that the crime of counterfeiting has been committed. The offense involves both the creation of these goods or documents, altering these goods or documents and purchasing these goods or documents. Trafficking of counterfeit goods is… Read More »
Credit card fraud involves acts of fraud relating to using credit cards. Although a modern crime, it is one that is often very difficult to prove, which is why it is believed to be so popular. Prosecutors have to be able to prove that the intent was to receive benefits through the acts of fraud,… Read More »
In Texas, corruption is classed as a type of racketeering. This comes under the RICO – Racketeer-Influence and Corrupt Organization – Act. Corruption means that a business or act is run illegally as part of organized crime. In other words, criminal organizations like the mafia are not able to profit from a legitimate business (which… Read More »
In Texas, the extortion law charges people with theft. Extortion is the act of gaining money or property through threat of violence, force, harm to reputation, property damage or unfavorable government action. There is a difference between extortion and robbery, however, in as such that there is no immediate or imminent fear or danger of… Read More »
A Federal Discovery Process is one of the steps in the preparation of a trial in many cases. In a Civil Federal Case, the goal of the discovery process is for litigants to prepare legitimate evidence to support their claim. A Criminal Federal Case differs in the Discovery Process to some degree. In a Civil… Read More »
What can you expect if you are arrested for a federal crime in Texas? First of all, you will be informed by the government of the charges being filed against you. After you are informed of the federal charges, you will probably be kept in federal custody in Texas until your preliminary hearing. About the… Read More »
Embezzlement charges are serious charges in the state of West Virginia and across the United States, and these crimes do differ from other types of property theft. In order for a crime to be considered embezzlement, the person stealing the property or funds must have a right to access and manage the property for another… Read More »
In the state of Vermont, and across the United States, embezzlement is a type of theft crime that involves the person placed in charge of managing or otherwise handling the funds or property involved. This means that the person who has been placed in a position of responsibility over the property steals the property from… Read More »
Embezzlement in Oklahoma is a one form of property theft that involves a violation of trust. Embezzlement is defined for those in the state of Oklahoma, as well as across the nation, as the unlawful taking of funds or other property by a person who is placed in a position of responsibility over it, but… Read More »
In North Carolina, embezzlement charges are taken very seriously, and those who are charged with embezzlement will face harsh penalties that correlate with their crimes. Embezzlement is the unlawful taking of another person’s property by those placed in charge of managing or handling it, and this trust is violated when the responsible person takes the… Read More »
Embezzlement is considered to be the fraudulent taking of another person’s property by a person who is placed in charge of managing it, and these crimes carry harsh penalties in the state of New Mexico. What separates embezzlement from other types of theft crimes is that the person stealing the property must be placed in… Read More »
Embezzlement is a type of property theft that is done by a person who is in a position of responsibility. When a person placed in charge of handling funds or other types of property takes what they are in charge of for their own personal gain, the crime of embezzlement is committed, and the state… Read More »
In the state of Mississippi, embezzlement is a crime that involves the criminal transference of a person’s property by another person who is considered to be in a position of trust. This refers to the conversion of money or other assets that is fraudulently placed into the hands of another person by an employee, volunteer,… Read More »
Embezzlement in the state of Michigan is considered to be the theft of property by a person managing it for another individual or entity, and embezzlement cases are treated very seriously in the state. In order for a theft crime to be considered embezzlement in Michigan, the person stealing the property must have a legal… Read More »
Insider trading refers to the trading of stocks or securities by people who have access to information that is not open to the public. By taking advantage of privileged access to this information, you are considered to be breaching your fiduciary duty. You also can be convicted of insider trading if you tip friends off… Read More »
The Internet is the latest frontier for law enforcement officials. The majority of Internet sex crimes involve people who are underage, dealing in videos of child pornography, or using the Internet to set up sexual contacts with children. Approximately 2,500 people are arrested every year in the US for Internet sex crimes involving minors. About… Read More »
Cyberbullying is using technology to threaten, harass, embarrass or target another person. Some of the most common types of cyberbullying include: Threats on online social media Rude texts Mean or negative tweets Posting personal information and/or videos that are intended to hurt and embarrass someone Cyberbullying also can include pictures, messages or web pages that… Read More »
A federal drug charge is a narcotic-related criminal act deemed illegal by the federal government. While many federal drug crimes are also state crimes, some acts are considered criminal only at the federal level (for instance, marijuana is now legal in Colorado but still deemed illegal by the U.S. government). Federal crimes are prosecuted in federal courts… Read More »
Per the laws of the United States, criminal offenses can be considered state offenses or federal offenses. They are prosecuted accordingly, either at the state level or at the federal level. A federal crime is one that has been made illegal by federal legislation. Many types of federal crime are also illegal at the state… Read More »
When trying to prosecute many crimes, the only way that the U.S. Attorney’s office can get some necessary evidence is to get it from people who were involved in the crime being prosecuted. People involved in criminal activity try to cover their tracks and make sure that they only people who know about the crime… Read More »
Drug trafficking crimes get a great deal of attention at both the state and federal level, and it is easy to see why. Drug abuse costs the US over $10 billion per year, due to death, injuries, health care costs, treatment, incarceration expenses and more. What constitutes drug trafficking? If you are being charged with… Read More »
The federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act “RICO” is often thought of as a law designed to combat the Mafia. While that is how the law was first primarily used and intended, it has been applied in cases involving organizations that few people would mistake for the Mafia, including Major League Baseball, the Key… Read More »
One of the most common federal charges against criminals is federal conspiracy with intent to distribute drugs, which is covered in 21 USC 841 and 21 USC 846 of the Federal Code. If you are facing these serious charges, it is very important for you to understand the laws underlying this statute. You are facing… Read More »
Federal drug trafficking/distribution laws provide stiff penalties for the selling, transportation and illegal importation of illegal drugs,such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and other drugs. Drug trafficking and distribution is a felony, and is much more serious than simple drug possession. If you are found possessing drugs, you can be charged with trafficking if law… Read More »
The process of criminal justice in the US will vary some, depending if it is a federal or a state crime. However, the general criminal justice process in the US during and after the initial arrest is as follows: Arrest If a police officer has probable cause that you have committed a crime, they generally… Read More »
First time federal criminal defendants often hear the word “Arraignment” and get a little scared because the word itself is formal and not used outside of criminal law. This leads defendants to expect that something big will happen at their arraignment hearings. However, after the hearings, it is common for defendants to turn to their… Read More »
When people talk about having pending federal charges, they are talking about one of two things: Charges that have been filed, but not yet prosecuted, or Charges that will be filed. These are very different circumstances that have to be handled in different ways. Charges Already Filed Sometimes, an Assistant U.S. Attorney will file criminal… Read More »
Most federal criminal cases never go to trial. Instead, they end with a formal plea bargain between the defendant and the U.S. Attorney’s office. The defendant agrees to plead guilty and in exchange the prosecution agrees to either drop some charges or agrees to recommend a shorter sentence for the defendant. The prosecution normally likes… Read More »
If someone has been convicted of or plead guilty to a federal crime, the pre-sentence report is perhaps the most important document in his or her life. This is a formal report issued by the U.S. Probation Office that is presented to the judge. The report details what the Probation Office thinks is an appropriate… Read More »
Why is Rule 10. such a key federal rule? First let’s note an arraignment hearing is one of the many small steps in the federal criminal process that must occur in all cases. Traditionally, the arraignment required the defendant’s personal presence in the courtroom. However, recent amendments to Rule 10 of the Federal Rules of… Read More »
In the mid-1980s, new federal laws were passed that provided for mandatory minimum sentences for many drug offenses. Many legislatures in the US adopted these harsher sentences to fight drug offenses. The idea behind these laws was to punish large drug dealers and traffickers with tough prison sentences. The federal system led the way when… Read More »
Federal criminal investigations are not like other investigations. When most of us start investigating something, we do not have an idea of what happened. We seek people out who might know and start asking them questions. As we get more information, we start to form an opinion. However, by the time that federal criminal investigators… Read More »
The grand jury has a very important role in the criminal process at both the state and federal levels. It is however, a part of the criminal justice system in the United States that is often shrouded in mystery. If you are being investigated for a possible federal crime by a federal grand jury, it… Read More »
Bank robbery has a long and sometimes even a somewhat glamorized history, thanks in large part to its depiction in films and TV. But the reality is that it is one of the most serious crimes a person can be charged with, leading to very long prison sentences and other penalties. Bank robbery is just… Read More »
Child pornography is defined as any pornography that involves a minor under the age of 18. The media doesn’t matter, and magazines, photos, drawings, sounds, film, and more can all be considered child pornography. There are technically two types of child pornography – simulated child pornography and porn created with the direct involvement of the… Read More »
In one form or another, counterfeiting has existed for hundreds of years and is still a problem today. There are two main types of counterfeiting crimes that are commonly committed today – counterfeiting currency, and counterfeiting goods. Both are very serious and will be charged as felonies. Additionally, the specific situation could bring even heavier… Read More »
While immigration laws are put in place in order to help control the influx of people to a country, and while nearly all nations in the world have them, US immigration law is one of the most controversial. This is largely due to a history of exclusionary, near-xenophobic laws that are now much more inclusive… Read More »
Kidnapping is a type of crime that involves taking a person away, imprisoning, confining, or transporting a person against their will. There are many different types of kidnapping, and the type that one is charged with will depend upon the specifics of the crime. Kidnapping is done for ransom, in child custody cases, to further… Read More »
Mail fraud is defined by US law as any type of scheme involving fraud that intentionally deprives others of property or communications through the mail. It also includes wire communication, and is a federal crime that has been on the books since 1872. There have been many schemes and frauds over the years, though the… Read More »
Drug possession is one of the most diverse and common types of criminal drug charges that Americans face today. It can also be one of the most serious, depending upon the specifics of the possession charge. Essentially, possession is the act of possessing illegal drugs, either on one’s person or on their property. Simple possession… Read More »
Smuggling is the act of transporting goods across borders in order to avoid import or export restrictions, avoid customs agents, or to avoid any other kind of notice from authorities. When most people hear the term, they think of narcotics, weapons, or even humans. But numerous other goods are smuggled regularly across international borders, ranging… Read More »
Federal criminal prosecutions follow strict procedural maps. Before one thing can happen, other things must have happened first. An obvious example is that before someone can be sentenced for committing a crime, he or she first has to be convicted of that crime. There are many other landmarks in the prosecution of federal crimes that… Read More »
The full definition of embezzle is to appropriate property entrusted in ones care fraudulently to ones own use. Embezzlement is a type of financial fraud. More often than not, embezzlement is performed in a manner that is premeditated, systematic and/or methodical, with the explicit intent to conceal the activities from other individuals. Embezzlement usually involves… Read More »
Blackmail is a criminal offense in which a party, who has obtained information about a victim, demands or receives “money or any other valuable thing” as a consequence for not informing third parties about the information in question. Blackmail is considered a federal crime and can be punishable by either fines or imprisonment depending upon… Read More »
Chapter 11 of the United States Code defines bribery as any act in which a person directly or indirectly gives, offers, or promises anything of value to a public official in order to influence any official act. Precedent has shown that the individual in question does not need to be an elected official at the… Read More »
Computer & internet fraud refers to any form of fraud that is facilitated using an electronic communication network such as the internet. Fraud, in turn, is defined in federal law by 42 CFR 455.2, which refers to “an intentional deception or misrepresentation” by any individual which is intended to result in unauthorized benefit or material… Read More »
Conspiracy is a large category of crimes in which more than one person works together in secret with the object of committing a crime. In federal and state laws, there is no such thing as a criminal conspiracy that stands alone – that is, you cannot “conspire” to engage in a noncriminal act. Rather, conspiracy… Read More »
Public corruption is a broad category of white-collar crime defined by a breach of public trust or an abuse of power enacted by public officials. Corruption can take place when the corrupt individual receives a bribe or solicits one. Although all states have laws pertaining to public corruption, federal corruption charges are made more likely… Read More »
Credit card fraud is defined in U.S. Codes 18 USC § 1029. Under these rules, credit cards and similar items that provide access to financial institutions are known as “access devices.” Federal laws cover anyone who knowingly, or with fraudulent intent, produces or distributes fraudulent credit cards. Likewise, anyone who engages in the use of… Read More »
Federal drug charges result from violations of the federal laws pertaining to possession, manufacture, and sale of controlled substances. Federal Drug Charges Laws Federal and state drug laws differ markedly. State drug laws have a tendency to be relatively lenient compared to federal laws depending upon the specific activity that the alleged possessor of drugs… Read More »
Espionage is a broad category of federal crimes defined by 18 USC Chapter 37. The motivating factor in most cases of espionage is the collection and provision of sensitive information from the United States government to other entities or agencies abroad. Since 9/11, the frequency and harshness of espionage case prosecution has increased. Whenever someone… Read More »
Under federal law, there are many different types of extortion that might be prosecuted as a federal crime. Extortion can stand on its own as a federal offense, or it can be part of a pattern of offenses including bribery and corruption. One of the most pertinent forms of federal extortion is defined in 18… Read More »
There are various types of fraud that can be punished under federal law. Generally speaking, fraud refers to intentional deception that has an element of personal gain or that can damage another person. Federal government fraud refers not only to fraud perpetrated by members of the federal government, but fraud committed by other private individuals… Read More »
Federal gun charges are among the most complex of federal laws. All states, as well as the federal government, have a sophisticated network of laws relating to who can possess firearms, what firearms may be possessed, where they can be used, and how they may be used. That being the case, there are many different… Read More »
Larceny and theft often are used to refer to the same thing in many circles, but there are some major differences regarding the nature of the crimes involved. Once the amount of the stolen item is over $250, it goes from a misdemeanor to a felony. At that point, it then is a grand larceny… Read More »
Money laundering refers to any organized network of activities intended to “convert” money obtained from illicit activities so that it appears to be money gotten from lawful sources. Money laundering is frequently the hallmark of organized crime syndicates. Criminal cartels make use of “front” businesses that appear lawful in order to construct a new “paper… Read More »
Phone & telemarketing fraud is any form of deception or misrepresentation intended to result in material gain and executed over the phone or by way of telemarketing. Telemarketing fraud is one of the fastest growing categories of federal crime in the United States and is estimated to be the source of tens of millions of… Read More »