Most cryptocurrency users have a sophisticated understanding of the unique characteristics that fuel the appeal of virtual currency. However, the same characteristics that make cryptocurrency attractive to investors have raised government suspicion a…
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In April, the US Sentencing Commission delivered to Congress its annual proposed amendments to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Although the Guidelines have been considered advisory only since the US Supreme Court’s 2005 decision in US v. Booker,…
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Federal criminal charges typically involve lengthy, detailed investigations by the FBI and other federal agencies. In many cases, a suspect is unaware they are under investigation until the latter stages. However, there are often signs a person is un…
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Tax fraud and tax evasion are crimes that involve illegally avoiding tax obligations. The crimes may be accomplished by concealing income, overstating deductions, or otherwise falsifying information to reduce tax obligations. The penalties for tax fr…
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In May 2024, Rashawn Russell, a former investment banker from Brooklyn, was sentenced to 41 months in prison and was ordered to pay $1.5 million in restitution after pleading guilty to operating a crypto fraud scheme in which he promised investors gu…
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Tax fraud and tax evasion are federal crimes that involve the willful attempt to avoid paying taxes. The penalties for a tax crime conviction can be severe and may include significant fines, payment of interest, penalties, and forfeiture of property.…
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On June 26, 2024, the US Supreme Court announced its decision in Snyder vs. United States, ruling that 18 USC §666 criminalizes quid pro quo bribery before an act, but does not apply to gifts given after the fact in appreciation of an act that has a…
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On June 27, 2024, the US Supreme Court issued its highly anticipated decision in Securities and Exchange Commission v. Jarkesy, finding that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) could not impose civil penalties in an enforcement action becaus…
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For years, federal judges have been allowed to consider allegations that were ultimately rejected by a jury when sentencing criminal defendants. This practice, known as “acquitted conduct sentencing,” is offensive to basic notions of common sense…
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On June 20, 2024, the US Supreme Court issued its ruling in Diaz v. United States, upholding the conviction of a California woman who claimed she was a “blind mule,” a term used for someone who transports drugs unwittingly. The defendant, a US ci…
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