Posted on January 17, 2023 in Federal Crimes

Unfortunately, in recent years, it seems as though hate crimes are becoming more and more common in America. Hate crimes are often motivated by race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity, and it is not uncommon for a hate crime to be prosecuted as a federal crime. As a result, a conviction may result in extended prison sentences and fines, the destruction of someone's reputation, and the dissolving of personal relationships. 

Today, we will explore what a hate crime is and give some examples of what a hate crime may entail. If you have been accused of a hate crime, do not hesitate to contact a seasoned hate crimes attorney who will ensure your rights remain protected and that you understand your options moving forward. 

What Exactly Is a Hate Crime? 

In essence, a hate crime is a traditional criminal offense like vandalism, assault, or even murder, motivated by prejudice against a protected group. It is not uncommon for the term "hate crime" to be used interchangeably with "bias-motivated crime." Federal laws surrounding hate crimes may involve individuals with religious, sexual, race-related, or various other prejudices. It is likely that when someone commits a hate crime, they will also be charged with an underlying offense, like vandalism or murder, and then on top of those charges, they will be charged with a hate crime. 

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on January 10, 2023 in Domestic Violence

Being charged with a violent crime like domestic violence is a grave matter that Illinois courts do not take lightly. Unfortunately, something that often plagues those accused of committing acts like domestic violence is that the public and law enforcement often act as though the accused is automatically guilty. This dangerous rush to judgment can unfairly impact the accused person and their chance of receiving fair treatment under the law. 

If you have been charged with committing acts of domestic violence, contact a knowledgeable domestic violence attorney to protect your rights and ensure they are not infringed upon. This blog will look at common mistakes people charged with domestic violence often make and how those mistakes can prove detrimental to the defendant. 

What Not to Do After You Are Arrested and Charged

You begin building your defense as soon as you are arrested. What you say and how you act during and after your arrest can and will be used against you, assuming you act improperly. Acting improperly may involve speaking too much with the police or trying to tell the police your side of the story. As soon as it is clear you are under arrest, do not speak to the police. Act respectfully and do not resist.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on January 04, 2023 in Federal Crimes

Many of us may have heard of the terms "lying under oath" and "perjury" on TV or maybe in a movie. But only some people truly understand what these terms mean and what they entail. While lying under oath and perjury are unlawful, did you know they also constitute a federal crime? Lying under oath is strictly prohibited by federal law statutes. Suppose you have been accused of lying under oath or another federal offense; in such a case, you will need an aggressive legal defense to ensure your rights remain protected as a positive outcome is pursued in your case. 

What to Know When on the Witness Stand

When you provide testimony on the witness stand, you are legally bound to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. This means that if you knowingly make false statements, you have thus placed yourself in serious legal jeopardy. Lying under oath is taken so seriously because it is considered an attempt to undermine the United States' legal system. As a result, lying under oath often leads to federal perjury charges. However, perjury does not involve refusing to answer a question or remaining silent while on the witness stand. A perjury charge cannot be brought upon someone for something they did not say. However, if you choose to remain silent on the witness stand or refuse to provide information, this may result in contempt of court charges and other negative legal consequences. 

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on January 01, 2023 in Federal Crimes

Many people are entirely unaware of the vast number of crimes that can be committed online. Even more shocking to learn is that many crimes committed via the internet can reach the level of being a federal crime. There is often an incorrect notion that just because a crime is committed online does not make it as serious. This could not be further from the truth. Cybercrime is serious and must be treated as such. 

 Today, we will look at examples of some of the more shocking federal crimes that can be committed on the internet. First, it must be noted that if you are charged with an internet crime, your best bet for an outcome in your favor is hiring a highly experienced internet crimes attorney. Experience is essential when selecting an attorney, particularly for internet crimes.

 What Federal Crimes Can Be Committed Over the Internet?

People charged with internet crimes are often shocked to learn they are being charged federally instead of at the state level. This is because when someone is on a computer doing something illegal, you are very likely reaching over into another state or are engaged in interstate commerce. As a result, the charges may be escalated and placed into federal jurisdiction. Federal crimes that are frequently committed online include but are not limited to:

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on December 19, 2022 in Federal Crimes

When someone is convicted of a federal crime, their life, as they knew it, is irrevocably changed forever. The immediate consequences of being convicted of a crime may be prison time, probation, or monetary fines. Regardless of the immediate consequences, it may be argued that the most severe of consequences are not set by a judge but by the drastic changes you may experience in your life as a result of being convicted of a crime. In addition, as many convicted individuals discover, there are “collateral consequences” that they may encounter. These consequences are related to changes imposed on your life not by a court but by the crime you have been convicted of.  

The collateral consequences of a criminal conviction can have a devastating impact on your life. Sometimes, you do not need to be convicted to feel collateral consequences. Sometimes, being associated with allegedly committing a crime can be enough for some people to feel the repercussions of being accused of committing a crime. The most effective thing someone can do to prevent or lessen the collateral consequences of a crime is to hire a highly knowledgeable attorney to work with as you navigate the particulars of your case.  

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on December 14, 2022 in White Collar Crime

You have probably heard of the term “white-collar crime.” This term refers to non-violent financial crimes, often committed by people, businesses, or government entities to unlawfully conceal or obtain money to benefit themselves or a business. White-collar crimes may include mortgage fraud, bank fraud, internet crimes, wire fraud, money laundering, identity theft, and credit card fraud. Today, we will delve deeper into what credit card fraud is and what activities can lead someone to be arrested and charged with credit card fraud.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on December 06, 2022 in Federal Crimes

You may be aware of the term “white-collar crime.” Generally, white-collar crimes involve the theft or misuse of a person or organization’s financial information to deceive the person or organization of capital or property. The crime of identity theft is a perfect example of a white-collar crime. Unfortunately, many people incorrectly believe that since white-collar crimes are generally non-violent, they are, therefore, not very serious and are something not to worry about. This could not be farther from the truth.  

If you have been charged with identity theft, you may face state and federal charges. Understand that if you are convicted of identity theft, you are likely facing stiff monetary penalties and extended prison sentences. To give yourself the best opportunity for a positive result in your case, you must consider hiring an experienced identity theft attorney who knows the law and will be able to inform you of your rights and ensure that your rights remain protected.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on November 30, 2022 in Federal Crimes

An Episcopal Church priest and a businessman are facing federal charges after allegedly defrauding a foster care organization of approximately $10 million. A federal grand jury indicted both men, with the priest facing one count of money laundering, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and 15 counts of wire fraud while the businessman is charged with three counts of money laundering, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and 10 counts of wire fraud.

Whereas mail fraud encompasses crimes committed using physical mailing systems, wire fraud charges rely on electronic systems and can thus be much more expansive. Wire fraud is a serious federal crime because a conviction is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000. However, an alleged offense involving a financial institution could be punishable by up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $1 million.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on November 22, 2022 in Federal Crimes

A suburban Chicago man who was convicted of laundering illegal narcotics proceeds was sentenced to seven years in federal prison. The man schemed to receive about $1.5 million in narcotics proceeds and send money back to traffickers in Mexico.

Federal criminal cases such as these call attention to how easily money laundering charges can arise in connection to all kinds of illicit activity, so many people can quickly find themselves accused of these offenses. In addition to the 20 years in prison, an alleged money laundering offender can also be ordered to pay a fine of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in a transaction for money laundering.

Possible Money Laundering Defenses

When you are facing federal money laundering charges, you are going to need to invest in a criminal defense attorney who will know how to best develop a defense that can help create reasonable doubt in the mind of a juror. In many cases, alleged offenders may be able to argue that the money involved in their transaction was not obtained from any illegal activity and the episode did not involve any unlawful conduct.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on November 14, 2022 in Federal Crimes

The United States Department of Justice and various United States Attorney’s Offices throughout the Illinois area were very busy in October detailing multiple stories of major drug charges in and around Chicago. On October 20, the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois announced 10 people were charged with federal drug conspiracy for allegedly conspiring to distribute at least 35 kilograms of fentanyl-laced heroin and crack cocaine on the West Side of Chicago.

The day before that, the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Wisconsin announced that a Chicago man was charged with drug offenses involving heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine that were punishable by several decades up to life in prison. Lest anyone think they can just run away from federal drug charges, the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois announced on October 14 that a 53-year-old man was arrested in Panama City on a flight from Colombia after failing to appear in federal court in Chicago before his 2009 drug trial.

Continue Reading ››