Posted on October 31, 2023 in Money Laundering

Money laundering is earning money from illegal activity. The severity of the charge you will be facing will depend on the amount of money that is laundered.

Federal money laundering carries serious consequences, including jail time, hefty fines, and even asset forfeiture. If you have been charged with federal money laundering, it is time you contact an Illinois federal crimes lawyer.

What is Money Laundering?

Money laundering is the act of concealing money that was gained through illegal activity by pretending that the proceeds came from a legitimate business. Money laundering is a person’s attempt to make the money look “clean.”

Money laundering is considered a “white collar” crime because it is a non-violent crime that is committed by businessmen and government officials to gain a financial advantage. To conceal unlawful money, the offender must make it difficult to trace the source of the money. This may be done by making money transfers through offshore bank accounts.

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 Posted on October 26, 2023 in White Collar Crime

Federal mortgage fraud charges are taken very seriously in the United States. Mortgage fraud involves intentionally being deceptive or giving false information during the mortgage application process. This can occur at various stages, such as during the loan application, appraisal, or closing.

Whenever you face fraud allegations at the federal level, your very first call should be to a Chicago federal criminal defense attorney. You need defense representation from a lawyer with extensive experience with the federal criminal justice system.

Possible Penalties

The consequences of federal mortgage fraud convictions can be severe and may include:

• Imprisonment: People convicted of federal mortgage fraud may receive substantial prison sentences. The time behind bars can vary based on the specific circumstances of the case, including the value of the financial loss of victims and the level of deception involved.

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 Posted on October 21, 2023 in Federal Crimes

Did you know that 98% of federal criminal cases end in a plea bargain? When a defendant takes a plea bargain, the offender must plead guilty for a reduced punishment.

A plea bargain is between the defendant and the prosecutor. Federal law prohibits a federal judge from taking part in the process.

Below, we briefly discuss the basics of a plea agreement and the reasons why prosecutors offer defendants plea bargains. If you are facing charges, seek help from a Chicago federal criminal defense attorney immediately.

What is a Federal Plea Agreement?

When a defendant agrees to plead guilty as part of a plea agreement, the accused is doing so under Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.

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 Posted on October 13, 2023 in Hate Crime Statute

In defining a hate crime, the term “hate” refers to a bias against a group of people with similar defining characteristics.

In a recent year, there were a reported 7,200 incidents of hate crimes. Hate crimes can include a number of acts, from physically assaulting someone because of their ethnicity, setting a group home for people with disabilities on fire, or vandalizing a place of worship.

If you have been charged with a hate crime, you need to speak with a Chicago criminal defense attorney who can represent your interests.

What is a Hate Crime?

A hate crime is often a violent crime, such as vandalism, assault, murder, arson, or any threat to commit such crimes. A federal hate crime is a prejudice-motivated act that is based upon certain actual or perceived characteristics of the victim.

The motivation for the majority of hate crimes was based on race or ethnicity, accounting for 64.8% of the hate crimes in 2021. Sexual orientation accounted for 15.6%, and religion accounted for 13.3% of all reported crimes.

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 Posted on September 30, 2023 in Federal Crimes

Finding yourself arrested for a federal crime you did not commit can be an overwhelming and highly distressing experience. However, it is essential to remember that an arrest does not automatically mean guilt; you still have the right to fight for your innocence, which is best done with the help of a seasoned Chicago criminal defense attorney. Here are some crucial steps to take if you find yourself wrongfully accused and subsequently arrested.

Seek Legal Representation

Your first move should be to contact a criminal defense attorney with experience in federal criminal law. In the American legal system, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Having an experienced Chicago criminal defense attorney by your side will safeguard your rights and ensure you do not accidentally provide information that could harm your case.

Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent

While it may be very tempting to defend yourself, the authorities can use anything you say as evidence against you. Always remember that you have the right to remain silent from the moment you are arrested and from then forward. It is in your best interest to avoid discussing any details of your case with anyone except your attorney, which includes both in jail and on social media. This precaution will prevent statements from being used against you.

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 Posted on September 27, 2023 in Federal Crimes

Federal arrests are often the culmination of extensive investigations, some taking years. Federal agents invest countless hours in surveillance and meticulously sift through numerous documents to put together the evidence needed. Before executing an arrest, these agents typically obtain a warrant from a federal district judge in a federal district court. Unlike local arrests, federal arrests are not impromptu events.

If you or someone you know is the subject of a federal arrest warrant, it signifies that the government has compiled substantial evidence and is now prepared to initiate formal prosecution. Consequently, it is imperative to treat a federal arrest warrant with utmost seriousness and contact an experienced Chicago criminal defense attorney immediately.

What Transpires During a Federal Arrest?

Before the arrest, the federal agents executing the arrest will have applied for and obtained an arrest warrant in a federal district court. The warrant will name the person who can be arrested, specify a place and time for the arrest, and list the crimes the person is accused of.

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 Posted on September 16, 2023 in Federal Crimes

Any type of federal charge or conviction is typically more serious than state charges and has substantial penalties attached to it. Federal drug offenses are no different.

If you face federal drug charges, securing the representation of an experienced Chicago federal criminal defense lawyer is imperative. Without an attorney who has represented clients facing federal charges, you are more likely to be subject to conviction and stiff penalties. However, there are many other things you should know concerning federal drug offenses. With competent representation, you can fight a federal drug charge or even seek a plea agreement for a reduced sentence.

Federal Drug Charge Types

At the federal level, these convictions carry mandatory minimum sentences. But keep in mind that convictions for federal drug crimes often result in more than just a prison sentence. You could be stripped of any federal benefits, your right to vote or own firearms, and your property. It may also be difficult to find employment and even housing in the future.

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 Posted on September 12, 2023 in Federal Crimes

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:

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 Posted on August 29, 2023 in Federal Crimes

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.

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 Posted on August 22, 2023 in Federal Crimes

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.

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