bundles of drugs, suitcase full of money, and a gun on a table - drug trafficking concept

Supreme Court Expands Federal Rule of Evidence 704(b) to Allow Expert Testimony Regarding Issue of Knowledge or Intent to Commit the Crime

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… Read More
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Folder with close up on the word claims and a note where it is written under investigation - what is insurance fraud concept

What is Insurance Fraud?

Insurance fraud occurs when a person makes false claims to an insurance company to obtain money or something else of value they are not entitled to. Like other fraud crimes, there is no single form of insurance fraud, and insurance fraud charges appl… Read More
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Low angle view close-up on multi colored programming language code and an open 3D glowing wire mesh padlock model in orange color. - federal cybercrime concept

Defending Yourself Against a Federal Cybercrime Charge

As people conduct more of their daily lives online, federal law enforcement officers have increasingly turned their focus to investigating and prosecuting cybercrimes. Cybercrime can include any criminal offenses committed using a digital device, suc… Read More
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Engaged lawyer talking to client - communicating with your defense attorney concept

How to Communicate Effectively with Your Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

When you have been charged with a crime, effective communication with your criminal defense attorney is crucial to the success of your case. Your lawyer will guide you through the criminal process and ensure you take the proper steps to defend yourse… Read More
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Plate Bail bonds and handcuffs on it - bail in federal court concept

Bail and Pretrial Release in Federal Criminal Cases

When someone is arrested and charged with a crime, they are taken into custody while awaiting trial. In many cases, a defendant can be released from custody while waiting for their trial date. To request pretrial release in federal court, the crimina… Read More
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Probation and judge's gavel - federal probation concept

What is Federal Probation?

Someone who is charged with a federal crime but cannot avoid a conviction may be able to negotiate a plea bargain wherein there exists a possibility of probation.. A sentence of probation can be imposed as an alternative to prison. It is similar to p… Read More
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System hacked warning alert on notebook (Laptop) - suspicious activity report

What is a Suspicious Activity Report?

Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) are part of the United States government’s ongoing efforts to target money laundering, fraud, and other financial crimes. Under the Bank Secrecy Act of 1970, financial institutions are required to report suspiciou… Read More
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judge banging a gavel - pretrial diversion program concept

What Is A Pretrial Diversion Program?

Pretrial diversion is an alternative way to resolve a criminal case that can allow you to avoid jail and a criminal conviction. If you are eligible, pretrial diversion removes you from the criminal justice system after completion of supervised releas… Read More
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man's hand holding a pen writing his signature - plea bargain in federal court concept

Accepting a Plea Bargain in Federal Court

A plea bargain is an agreement between the prosecution and the defendant where the defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest to criminal charges, often in exchange for a less severe charge or a more lenient penalty than the judge might otherwise… Read More
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Judge gavel on law books with statue of justice and court building - federal criminal process concept

Understanding the Federal Criminal Process

The federal criminal process is unique, and many people, including some lawyers, do not fully understand what is involved when someone is facing federal criminal charges. If you believe you are under investigation for a federal crime or are facing fe… Read More
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