Posted on June 11, 2025 in Animal Cruelty

As of June 2025, policy analysts, legal scholars, and former Justice Department officials continue to debate whether there has been a measurable slowdown in white-collar crime prosecution during Trump’s term, and what that slowdown means for the enforcement of federal laws targeting corporate fraud, securities violations, and banking crimes.

If you are facing federal charges for a federal financial offense, you need to understand how shifts in federal enforcement priorities — past and present — might affect your case. At Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney, our Illinois federal criminal defense attorney can help you understand what you are facing in a federal criminal investigation and what the consequences may be. 

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 Posted on June 05, 2025 in Federal Crimes

In the years since Congress expanded the scope of federal hate crime laws, law enforcement has devoted increasing resources to investigating antisemitic threats, violence, and property damage. In May and June 2025, high-profile incidents in Colorado, Washington, D.C., and Chicago have drawn national attention and renewed scrutiny from federal prosecutors. 

People accused of these acts face not only state charges but also aggressive pursuit under federal hate crime statutes. The legal and reputational consequences of a federal indictment can be life-altering, making a Chicago, IL federal criminal defense attorney absolutely essential. 

What Makes a Crime a Federal Hate Crime?

Federal hate crime law is primarily defined under 18 U.S.C. § 249, which makes it a crime to willfully cause or attempt to cause bodily injury because of a person’s actual or perceived race, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability.

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 Posted on May 30, 2025 in Child Pornography

Federal child pornography investigations move quickly and aggressively. If federal agents have contacted you, searched your home, or seized your devices, you may already be under formal investigation, even if no charges have been filed yet. 

In Chicago, federal prosecutors work with agencies like the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to pursue serious penalties for child pornography-related offenses. Delaying your response can make things much worse.

As of May 2025, federal sentencing guidelines impose mandatory minimums for certain child pornography convictions, and prosecutors have wide discretion when building cases. That is why your first move should be to speak with an experienced Illinois federal child sex crimes defense attorney, especially one who has worked on the other side of these investigations as a former prosecutor.

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 Posted on May 20, 2025 in Fraud

Physicians work under enormous pressure to meet patient needs, comply with federal regulations, and maintain efficient clinical operations. But even small errors or questionable business practices can trigger federal criminal investigations, especially when controlled substances or Medicare billing are involved. Prescription fraud is one of the most aggressively prosecuted white-collar crimes in the United States, and doctors are increasingly in the crosshairs.

Our Chicago federal criminal defense attorney fights for physicians and other healthcare professionals facing prescription-related criminal charges. If you are being investigated or have already been indicted, it is crucial to act quickly and speak with a defense attorney who understands both the medical and legal issues at stake.

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 Posted on May 13, 2025 in Fraud

When most people think of mortgage fraud, they picture dishonest borrowers or predatory lenders, not real estate professionals. But realtors can and do face federal mortgage fraud charges. In serious cases, these charges can lead to federal prison time, hefty fines, and the loss of a professional license.

If you are a realtor who is under investigation or has been charged with fraud related to a mortgage transaction, it is critical to take the situation seriously. You need an Illinois federal white-collar criminal defense attorney who understands both the federal system and the nuances of real estate transactions.

What Is Federal Mortgage Fraud?

Federal mortgage fraud occurs when someone intentionally provides false information or withholds material facts during the mortgage process to influence a bank or lender’s decision. This can include misstatements on loan applications, inflated appraisals, or falsified documents used to secure a mortgage under false pretenses.

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 Posted on May 05, 2025 in Federal Crimes

When someone learns they are the subject of a federal criminal investigation, one of their first questions is usually, "Can I keep this private?" For business owners, public officials, medical professionals, and anyone with a reputation to protect, the fear of exposure can be just as overwhelming as the investigation itself. In some cases, protecting your privacy during a federal investigation is possible — but it requires strategic legal action from the very beginning.

Our Chicago-based federal criminal defense attorney defends high-profile clients facing serious federal charges. We understand the importance of discretion and know how to manage sensitive situations with the utmost professionalism and confidentiality. Whether you are under investigation for wire fraud, healthcare fraud, financial crimes, or conspiracy charges, we provide aggressive legal protection while doing everything possible to limit public exposure.

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 Posted on April 29, 2025 in Federal Crimes

A conviction in federal court can change your life forever. From lengthy prison sentences to long-term damage to your reputation, the consequences are serious. But a guilty verdict does not have to be the end of the story. In many cases, it is possible to challenge a federal conviction and seek to overturn or reduce the outcome.

Federal criminal appeals are complex and time-sensitive. If you believe your trial was unfair or your rights were violated, speaking with a skilled Chicago federal criminal defense lawyer — especially one with experience as a former prosecutor, like Hal M. Garfinkel — can be a critical first step.

What Are the Grounds for Appealing a Federal Conviction?

Appeals to Chicago’s federal criminal convictions are heard by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. In order to appeal a conviction in federal court, you must be able to show that a legal error occurred during your trial that affected the outcome. Appeals are not new trials. The appellate court does not consider new evidence or retry the facts of the case. Instead, it reviews the trial court's record to determine whether the law was applied correctly.

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 Posted on April 22, 2025 in Federal Crimes

Money laundering is a serious federal offense that often accompanies other white-collar crimes such as fraud, drug trafficking, or embezzlement. It involves disguising the origins of money obtained through illegal activity to make it appear legitimate. Because money laundering is seen as a method of supporting organized crime and undermining financial systems, federal prosecutors aggressively pursue these cases.

If you are under investigation for money laundering — or have already been charged — it is essential to understand the nature of the accusations against you and the potential consequences. Our Illinois federal criminal defense attorney at 312-629-0669 is here to help.

What Is Federal Money Laundering?

Federal money laundering laws make it a crime to knowingly engage in financial transactions that involve proceeds from certain illegal activities, also called "specified unlawful activities" (SUAs). These can include drug trafficking, wire fraud, securities fraud, healthcare fraud, bribery, and other offenses.

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 Posted on April 14, 2025 in Federal Crimes

Federal immigration fraud charges are increasingly being brought against people who use fake or altered immigration documents to enter the United States, secure employment, or receive public benefits. These charges are serious and often come with steep penalties — including prison time, deportation, or both. If a case involves other allegations, such as terrorism, drug trafficking, or identity theft, the consequences can escalate quickly.

Anyone facing this kind of federal charge should speak with a Chicago, IL criminal defense lawyer who understands both federal criminal defense and immigration law. Federal prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively, and the legal strategy must address both the immediate charges and the long-term immigration consequences.

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 Posted on April 04, 2025 in Federal Crimes

Drug cultivation is a serious offense in any context, but when the activity takes place on federal lands — such as national forests, parks, or wildlife refuges — the legal consequences are far more severe. Federal authorities have jurisdiction over these areas, and drug offenses committed on federal property are prosecuted under federal law. For anyone facing these charges, understanding the nature of the offense and potential penalties is critical. Call our Illinois federal criminal defense attorney right away if you are facing federal drug charges of any kind.

Why Is Cultivation on Federal Land Treated Differently?

Federal land is owned and managed by the United States government, and crimes committed there fall under federal jurisdiction. This means that even if a substance like cannabis has been decriminalized or legalized under Illinois state law, cultivation on federal property is still a crime under the federal Controlled Substances Act.

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