Gavel, scales of justice and law books - federal sentencing concept

US vs. Razzouk: Second Circuit Addresses the Mandatory Victims Restitution Act

In 2011, Sassine Razzouk pled guilty and was convicted of accepting bribes in violation of 18 U.S.C. §666(a)(1)(B) and three counts of tax evasion in violation of 26 U.S.C. §7201. Razzouk was accused of manipulating contractor bidding systems while… Read More
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AML anti money laundering sign

BitMex: Inadequate Anti-Money Laundering Program

On October 1, 2020, federal prosecutors filed criminal charges against the founders of BitMex, an offshore cryptocurrency derivatives exchange. BitMex executives are charged with violating the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and conspiring to violate the BSA… Read More
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Macro of oxycodone opioid tablets

DEA Shutting Down Illegal Distribution of Oxycodone by Doctors

In 2020, the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) targeted doctors in Philadelphia and elsewhere for conspiring to illegally write prescriptions for oxycodone and other opioids. Expect this trend to carry on into 2021, as the DEA will continue… Read More
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SEC

An Analysis: SEC 2020 Financial Fraud Actions

On September 30, 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) closed its books on FY2020 and, on November 2, released its 2020 Annual Report. Analysts have begun reviewing SEC enforcement actions to reach conclusions about the types of financia… Read More
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cryptocurrency on a tablet

U.S. DOJ’s Cyber-Digital Task Force Issues Crypto Guidance

On October 8, 2020, the United States Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Cyber-Digital Task Force released new cryptocurrency guidelines. The 83 page report, entitled “Cryptocurrency: An Enforcement Framework” identifies cryptocurrency users’ lega… Read More
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justice scales and law books on desk in lawyer office.

Third Circuit Vacates Sentence of Former Vanguard Employee Accused of Money Laundering, Mail Fraud, and Tax Evasion

Scott Capps, a former employee of The Vanguard Group, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion in March of 2019. He also admitted to filing false tax returns in 2013 and 2014 to cover up the scheme. By challen… Read More
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lady justice with judge's gavel

USA v. Huberfeld: Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud

Sentence Vacated Following Improper Application of Federal Sentencing Guidelines In United States v. Huberfeld, 2nd Cir. No. 19-436(L), the Second Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a 30-month prison sentence and a $19 million order of restitution in a… Read More
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Summary of First Step Act

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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Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Hope C. Lefeber Discusses Recent 3rd Circuit Case Ruling That A Person Has No Fourth Amendment Protection When Using Shared Wi-Fi

Last week was a busy week for the Fourth Amendment in the Courts of Appeal. On the same day that the Eleventh Circuit ruled that the Fourth Amendment covers data obtained from cell towers, the Third Circuit in U.S. v. Stanley ruled that the Fourth Am… Read More
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What Makes A Good Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer?

What Makes a Great Trial Lawyer? LawCrossing.com asked “What makes a great trial lawyer?” and Hope C. Lefeber weighed in. What are the two crucial traits to succeed in the courtroom? Lefeber says it’s passion and amazing communication skills. … Read More
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