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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 Posted on March 27, 2025 in Criminal Defense

Helping someone commit a federal crime, such as immigration fraud or a hate crime, can result in penalties as severe as if you had directly committed the crime yourself. The prosecution has to prove that you intentionally attempted to assist in carrying out the crime successfully. A Chicago, IL federal crimes defense attorney may be able to help you build a strong claim against aiding and abetting charges or work out an appropriate plea bargain based on the details of your case.

Aiding and Abetting Charges Under Federal Law

Aiding and abetting is broadly defined. It can refer to playing a role in planning the crime, providing items needed to commit the crime, helping the main offender evade capture, or encouraging the offender to commit the crime. Under federal law, the conditions needed to convict someone of aiding and abetting include:

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 Posted on March 20, 2025 in Federal Crimes

Facing a federal drug charge is already daunting. When you factor in cryptocurrency, the need to build a strong defense becomes even more relevant. These cases sometimes extend beyond the national border and require a well-versed understanding of the laws that apply. An Illinois federal drug crimes defense attorney may be able to help you better understand the laws governing your case and what you need to do to fight charges against you.

Is Buying Drugs With Cryptocurrency a Federal Crime?

Several types of drug offenses fall under the umbrella of federal crime, and manufacturing and trafficking are the most common federal drug charges connected to the exchange of cryptocurrency. Any time those crimes cross state lines, they fall under federal jurisdiction. When it comes to drug trafficking across state or national borders, anyone knowingly or intentionally manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing drugs is breaking federal law regardless of the financial transaction method used.

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 Posted on March 13, 2025 in Sex Crimes

Voyeurism is a serious offense in Illinois, but not every conviction results in sex offender registration. The impact of a conviction depends on the details of the case, the charges filed, and how a judge decides to handle sentencing.

If you are facing a voyeurism charge, it is essential to understand the potential consequences, including whether you could be required to register as a sex offender. A strong legal defense from an Illinois sex crimes defense lawyer may help you avoid this outcome and protect your future.

When Can You Be Charged with Voyeurism in Illinois?

Illinois’ voyeurism law makes it illegal to secretly view, record, or photograph another person in a private setting without their consent. The law is meant to protect people in places where they expect privacy, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, changing rooms, and locker rooms.

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 Posted on March 06, 2025 in Child Pornography

Many people worry about whether owning, sharing, or creating certain types of animated sexual content could get them into legal trouble. One area of concern is loliporn, a type of animation that depicts minors in sexual situations. Even though this content is not created using real children, it can still lead to criminal charges of child pornography under federal law.

If you are being investigated or have been charged with a crime related to loliporn, you need to understand how the law applies to your case. The Miller test is one of the legal standards used to decide if certain types of content are illegal under obscenity laws. If you are facing federal charges, speaking with our experienced Illinois federal criminal defense attorney as soon as possible is critical.

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 Posted on February 26, 2025 in Criminal Defense

One of the first court hearings after an arrest in Illinois is an arraignment. If you or a loved one is facing an arraignment, it is natural to feel confused or anxious. You may be wondering what will happen in court, what your rights are, and what to expect afterward.

An arraignment is more than just a procedural formality; it is a defendant’s first chance to hear the charges, talk about bail, and enter a plea. What happens at this hearing can shape the rest of your case. Understanding your rights and having an experienced Illinois federal criminal defense attorney by your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

When Does an Arraignment Happen?

After an arrest, a defendant must be brought before a judge without unnecessary delay. This is usually within 48 hours, not counting weekends or holidays. However, if the arrest was made on a warrant, the timeline may vary.

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 Posted on February 19, 2025 in Federal Crimes

If you are involved in a federal drug case — or even suspect you are under investigation — you may wonder how federal drug investigations work. Are you being watched by the DEA or FBI? How do these agencies build a case? We have previously discussed what to do if you are a person of interest in a federal investigation, but drug cases are in a league of their own.

Federal drug investigations are far more sophisticated and thorough than typical state-level cases. The government uses wiretaps, surveillance, undercover informants, and even social media monitoring to gather evidence. If you believe you are being investigated, it is crucial to consult an experienced Chicago, IL federal drug defense lawyer as early as possible to protect your rights.

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