News & Blog

OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE ENHANCEMENT U.S.S.G.S3C1.1

January 27th, 2020
It is important to understand that failing to produce documents, producing false documents, or misleading investigators, even though the investigators are not state or federal officials, can have serious ramifications down the road. As such, it is es… Read More
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Categories: Federal Law

2019 – WHITE COLLAR CASES REVIEWED

January 16th, 2020
FEDERAL HEALTH CARE FRAUD – “Pill Mills,” Medicare “Anti-Kickback” Frauds This year, the U.S. Department of Justice brought charges against numerous doctors and health care professionals alleging illegal distribution of millions of opioids… Read More
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Categories: Fraud, Securities, White Collar Crimes

Pharmacist's Statements not Suppressed – Expert Opinion as to Best Medical Practices Allowed

December 23rd, 2019
Contributor: Hope C. Lefeber
The Third Circuit’s decision in United States v. Ludwikowski, Crim. No. 18-1881, really underscores the importance of seeking the advice of counsel before ever speaking to the government or any law enforcement officer. In this case, Ludwikowski was… Read More
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Categories: Drug Crimes

Bank Fraud Convictions Reversed

October 18th, 2019
Contributor: Hope C. Lefeber
The Sixth Circuit’s in United States v. Banyan, reversed the defendants’ bank fraud convictions. The reason: the government didn’t show the defendants got any money from a bank. The court held: “…the government charged the defendants with t… Read More
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Categories: Fraud, White Collar Crimes

Drug Quantity Proof / Evidence at Sentencing

October 15th, 2019
Contributor: Hope C. Lefeber
In United States v. Rowe, No. 18-1192 (Apr. 2, 2019), the Third Circuit vacated the defendant’s conviction for distribution and possession with intent to distribute 1,000 grams of heroin because the government failed to prove that he distribute… Read More
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Categories: Drug Crimes, Federal Law, Federal Violations and Crimes, Sentencing and Appeals

Summary of First Step Act

January 7th, 2019
On December 22, 2018, President Trump signed the First Step Act, a prison and sentencing reform bill. Below is a brief summary of some of the provisions. It should be noted that most of the provisions are not retroactive. Modifies Certain Mandatory M… Read More
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Categories: Federal Law

Supreme Court Holds That Guilty Plea Does Not Bar Legal Challenge to Constitutionality of Statute of Conviction on Appeal

March 29th, 2018
The Supreme Court recently held that a guilty plea does not bar a federal criminal defendant from challenging the constitutionality of the statute of conviction on direct appeal. In Class v. United States, No. 16-424, _U.S._, 2018 WL 987347 (February… Read More
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Categories: Federal Violations and Crimes

Obstruction of Justice Enhancement Under U.S. Sentencing Guideline §3C1.1

February 7th, 2018
The Eighth Circuit in United States v. Parker, 2017 WL 400282 (8th Cir. 2017) held that conduct that occurred after the offense of conviction and after the trial does not constitute obstruction of justice. Bender, a defendant, was charged with conspi… Read More
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Categories: Federal Law
Supreme Court - Law Offices of Hope C. Lefeber

Honeycutt Decision By Supreme Court: Major Victory For The Defense in Criminal Forfeiture

June 7th, 2017
The Supreme Court has just made an important step towards protecting defendants in criminal forfeiture. In Honeycutt v. United States, No 16-142 (June 5, 2017), the Court held that a defendant may not be held jointly and severally liable for property… Read More
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Categories: Drug Crimes, Search and Seizure
Fraud - Law Offices of Hope C. Lefeber

Sentencing Enhancement for Number of Victims Permissible for Identity Theft Conviction Even if Victims Did Not Suffer Financial Loss

May 17th, 2017
The Tenth Circuit recently found it was permissible to add a sentencing enhancement based on the number of victims, even if not all of those victims had suffered financial loss. In United States v. Gonzales, No 16-2022 (10th Cir. 2016), defendant Gon… Read More
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Categories: Fraud
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