Whether or not you knew charges were coming, being formally charged with a white collar crime can be shocking. You may not know what to do or whom to turn to for help. However, the best thing to do is to contact an experienced Chicago white collar crime defense attorney as soon as possible.  

In fact, even if you think you are being investigated for a crime or will soon be charged with a crime, you should contact an attorney. The sooner you can have one on your side, the better the outcome of your case. White collar crimes can be complicated to defend as they require intensive research and facing federal prosecutors. 

Defining White Collar Crimes 

White collar crimes are sometimes referred to as corporate crimes as they typically occur in a corporate setting. They are non-violent crimes commonly committed by business or government professionals for financial gain. A sociologist coined the term white collar crime in 1939, which referred to crimes committed by respectable professionals with high social status. According to the FBI, white collar crimes are characterized by any or all of the following: 

In the United States federal justice system, a grand jury serves a vital role in determining whether there is sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against an individual. Today, we will further explore the purpose of a federal grand jury, shedding light on its functions and contribution to the pursuit of justice. Understanding the importance of this institution is crucial for safeguarding individual rights and upholding the principles of due process, which are the rights entitled to all individuals facing charges in the United States. If you are facing federal charges, contact an attorney you can rely on to protect your interests from being trampled upon. 

Investigative Function

One of the primary purposes of a federal grand jury is to investigate potential criminal activity. The grand jury’s role is to examine the evidence and determine whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed. The grand jury reviews the evidence presented by the prosecutor and decides whether to issue an indictment, which initiates formal criminal charges. 

Protection of Individual Rights 

The grand jury system plays a crucial role in protecting individual rights, ensuring that no person is unjustly accused or subjected to trial without sufficient evidence. By requiring the prosecutor to present evidence to the grand jury, it serves as a safeguard against baseless accusations and potential abuse of power. The grand jury’s decision to issue an indictment suggests that there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial, providing a critical check on the government’s authority. 

Kidnapping is a serious crime that damages personal freedom and safety. The Federal Kidnapping Act, also known as the Lindbergh Act, was enacted to combat kidnappings that cross state lines and provide the government with federal authority in cases where state laws may not be enough to deal with the problem. We will aim to highlight key aspects of the Federal Kidnapping Act, its purpose, where it is relevant, and the potential consequences for those involved in kidnapping offenses. If you are facing federal kidnapping charges, you could be facing decades in prison if you are convicted. To fight these grave charges, contact a criminal defense attorney right away to begin the essential process of building your defense to fight the charges.

The Purpose of the Federal Kidnapping Act

Enacted in 1932 and named after the infamous kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh Jr., the son of the aviator Charles Lindbergh, the Act was aimed at addressing the challenges posed by kidnappings that cross state lines, making sure that such cases could be handled at the federal level. The Act's primary objectives include stopping kidnapping offenses, protecting those kidnapped, and providing widespread federal enforcement of kidnapping laws.

Understanding Where Federal Law Applies

Under the Federal Kidnapping Act, federal law applies to cases involving the transportation of kidnapped individuals over state lines or those who are brought into another country. This means the Act grants federal authorities the power to become involved and prosecute the alleged perpetrators. The Act makes sure that law enforcement can pursue cases that go beyond just one state's boundaries, ensuring a consistent approach to combating kidnappings and bringing kidnappers to justice for their actions.

Federal racketeering charges are serious offenses involving engaging in criminal activity patterns. Today, we will discuss what constitutes federal racketeering charges, the laws governing them, and the potential consequences of being convicted of these offenses. Contact a criminal defense attorney right away if you have been charged with racketeering, as not doing so will put you at significant risk of a negative case outcome.

Understanding Racketeering Charges

Racketeering charges fall under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), a federal law aimed at combatting organized crime. RICO targets individuals or groups involved in a pattern of criminal activity, referred to as a “criminal enterprise.” Such activities typically include offenses like money laundering, illegal gambling, drug trafficking, bribery, extortion, and fraud.

Elements of Racketeering Charges

To convict a defendant of racketeering charges, the prosecution must establish critical elements, including:

The distribution and sale of counterfeit prescription drugs pose a significant threat to public health and safety, which is why the practice is considered to be a federal drug offense. Today, we will explore the legality of the sale of fake prescription drugs, paying particular attention to the role of interstate commerce in the legal framework and potential implications. Of course, if you have been charged with a federal drug crime, contact a criminal defense lawyer sooner rather than later to ensure you can fight these very serious charges.

The Connection Between Federal Law and Interstate Commerce

Selling counterfeit prescription drugs falls squarely within the jurisdiction of federal law in the United States due in part to the involvement of interstate commerce. The Constitution of the United States grants Congress the power to regulate commercial activities occurring between the states. Since counterfeit drugs are often produced, distributed, and sold across state lines, the federal government has the authority to address these activities under the Commerce Clause. Consequently, selling counterfeit medication, regardless of origin or destination, can lead to federal criminal charges.

Understanding the Legal Consequences

Federal offenses related to counterfeit prescription drugs carry severe penalties. Counterfeiting, forgery, trafficking, and distributing counterfeit drugs are prosecuted under various federal statutes. The consequences for these crimes may include a significant prison sentence, hefty fines, asset forfeiture, and more. Given the concern for public health, prosecutors and regulatory agencies collaborate to ensure that perpetrators of these crimes face the total weight of the law to protect individuals' welfare.