Posted on May 15, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Offenses that are classified under the category of white-collar crimes may seem to be less serious than some other types of criminal charges. These crimes are usually of a financial nature, and they may not involve any direct contact between an alleged offender and the alleged victim(s). Unlike violent crimes or sex crimes, they usually will not result in physical harm. However, because white-collar crimes may lead to significant financial losses for individuals, financial institutions, or other businesses or organizations, they are taken very seriously by law enforcement, and in some cases, those who are accused of these offenses may face federal charges.

Financial Crimes and Other Related Federal Offenses

When white-collar crimes occur at a smaller scale, affecting a limited number of people or taking place within a specific geographical area, they may be limited to state-level charges. However, larger-scale offenses that affected people in several states or involved the transfer of money across international borders are more likely to be prosecuted at the federal level. "Interstate or foreign commerce" is a key element in many of these cases, and federal officials may prosecute people for offenses that allegedly involve the movement of money or assets throughout several states or countries.

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 Posted on May 04, 2023 in Criminal Defense

The circumstances surrounding a charge of driving while intoxicated (DWI) can vary significantly. While DWI is a serious criminal offense, first-time offenders will usually be charged with a Class B misdemeanor. They will be required to serve a minimum sentence of 72 hours in jail, and the maximum sentence is 180 days (six months). They may also be fined up to $2,000, and their driver's license may be suspended for up to two years. The penalties can increase significantly if a person faces DWI charges for a second or subsequent time, and other aggravating factors may also cause DWI to be charged as a felony, regardless of previous offenses. These include the injury or death of someone due to drunk or intoxicated driving. By understanding the penalties for these offenses, those who have been arrested and charged with crimes can determine their best options for defense.

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 Posted on April 26, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Originally published: May 31, 2022 -- Updated: April 25, 2023

Update: As noted below, people who grow marijuana plants may be charged with drug possession, and they could potentially face serious penalties based on the amount of marijuana in their possession. However, those who cultivate marijuana may also be charged with possession with intent to distribute, especially if other factors indicate that a person intended to sell or deliver marijuana to others.

In some cases, a search conducted by police officers or other state or federal law enforcement officials may find items that could be used to package and distribute drugs to others, such as scales or baggies, or witnesses may state that they observed the person accepting payments in exchange for marijuana. These factors may cause an offense to be elevated from drug possession to drug delivery, and in some cases, a person may even face charges of drug trafficking.

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 Posted on April 18, 2023 in Criminal Defense

You do not have to be arrested to know that criminal defendants are given the right to remain silent. Anyone who has watched enough true crime documentaries or police-related television shows can probably recite the Miranda Warning from heart.

Participating in a police interrogation is one of the worst things you can do if you have been arrested and charged with a criminal offense. It is too easy to say something that damages your case or even make an innocent remark that is taken out of context and later used against you. Although anybody accused of a crime has the right to remain silent and avoid incriminating themselves, many people give up this right and speak freely to the police without consulting with a lawyer first – often to their detriment.

Many Criminal Defendants Do Not Understand Their Rights

The United States Constitution protects several crucial rights. Among these rights is the right to avoid self-incrimination. The Fifth Amendment guarantees that criminal defendants cannot be forced to give testimony that would incriminate them. This is the basis of our right to remain silent and refuse questions from the police.

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 Posted on April 11, 2023 in Criminal Defense

In today's modern age, making friends with others online is not uncommon. Many people communicate with strangers through online games, chatrooms, or discussion forums. However, it is important to note that these types of discussions can lead to criminal charges in some cases. If you are accused of discussing sexually explicit topics with somebody under the age of 17, you can be charged with a felony offense in Texas. You can face felony charges even if you did not know that the person you were talking to was a minor.

Anybody in this situation should reach out to a criminal defense lawyer who is experienced in child-related criminal defense cases as soon as possible. A conviction for online solicitation of a minor has the potential to dramatically alter the course of your life.

What Counts as Online Solicitation of a Minor?

When people talk to each other online, they often say things that they would not say in real life. However, having sexual conversations with another person can be a criminal offense in certain situations.

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 Posted on April 04, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Last October, President Biden issued a proclamation pardoning federal convictions for simple marijuana possession offenses. The proclamation is just one step in the trend toward reducing and, in many cases, eliminating criminal penalties for marijuana-related offenses.

Although many states have decriminalized or legalized marijuana, marijuana flower and THC products are still considered Schedule I controlled substances under federal law. Make no mistake, marijuana-related offenses can still lead to significant penalties - especially if you are accused of large-scale cultivation or distribution of marijuana.

Drug Trafficking Offenses Related to Cannabis or Marijuana

Although it is still illegal in Texas, being caught with a small quantity of marijuana will not typically lead to significant jail time. However, the same is not true for the possession of larger quantities of marijuana or for the cultivation, distribution, or trafficking of the substance.

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 Posted on March 29, 2023 in Criminal Defense

As a parent, perfection is impossible. Child experts frequently change their minds about what is best for children, and parenting styles change with the times. So, it is understandable that parents may struggle to find a balance between giving their children freedom and autonomy while also providing them with the necessary guidance and support they need to develop into responsible adults.

Some parents choose to give their children ample freedom, allowing them to stay home alone, take public transportation, or make decisions about their own clothing and meals. However, permissive parenting styles such as "free-range parenting" can sometimes lead to accusations of child neglect.

The Line Between Leniency and Neglect is Not Always Clear

In a world where parents can use smartphones and other devices to be in constant communication with their children and track their every move, it can be difficult to discern what is considered an appropriate amount of freedom. Should children be allowed to stay home by themselves for a day? What about overnight? Can they ride their bikes to a neighbor's house down the block? The answers to questions are not always clear.

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 Posted on March 20, 2023 in Criminal Defense

With tax day just around the corner, now is as good a time as ever to ensure that you understand your tax-related rights as well as the penalties for tax fraud. Being accused of a white-collar crime such as tax fraud or tax evasion can lead to life-changing consequences, including prison time. Tax crimes are federal crimes, and the penalties for a conviction are often harsh.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) frequently works with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate fraudulent activities and initiate mass takedowns involving multiple companies and individuals allegedly involved in evasion schemes. If you or a loved one have been implicated in such a scheme, reach out to an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

The IRS is Vigilant for Signs of Tax Fraud

The IRS looks for certain red flags when investigating a taxpayer. Common signs that will trigger an IRS investigation include underreporting income, claiming false deductions and credits, or failing to file taxes altogether. To protect yourself against these allegations, double-check your information before filing your taxes. Make sure you are filing accurate and complete returns.

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 Posted on March 13, 2023 in Criminal Defense

The human mind is one of the most complex and mysterious phenomena in the universe. While modern medicine has made great strides in explaining and understanding how the brain works, there are still many things we do not fully understand. One such mystery is postpartum psychosis, a severe form of mental illness that can develop after childbirth. For some mothers, postpartum psychosis can lead to extreme behaviors, including harming their own children.

Understanding Postpartum Depression and Psychosis

Medical research shows that postpartum depression affects about 10 to 20 percent of new mothers. It can involve feelings of sadness and hopelessness, guilt, and difficulty forming an emotional connection with a child.

In very rare cases, mothers may experience postpartum psychosis, which manifests in much more extreme symptoms. Sufferers may experience delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, an altered sense of reality, and suicidal or homicidal thoughts.

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 Posted on March 06, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Money laundering involves concealing the origins of illegal money by moving it through legitimate channels. Because it involves disguising illegal activities, money laundering is often associated with organized crime and drug traffickers. However, it can happen in many contexts, including online dating scams.

One Texas woman is facing federal charges for her alleged involvement in a scam involving sham businesses, money mules, and romance scams. She is accused of laundering money that was stolen from alleged “romance scam” victims. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $500,000.

Federal Charges for Involvement in an Alleged Romance Scam

A romance scam is a scam in which someone uses a dating website or social media to target people seeking companionship. The individual conducting the scam typically creates a false identity and builds trust with the other person before asking for money, often claiming it is needed for an emergency or travel expenses. Of course, online dating is extremely common in our modern world, and it is not always easy to tell whether a financial transaction is fraudulent or part of a legitimate online relationship.

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