In large part, the current presidential administration has set the official tone and the message is clear: Immigration crimes are to be pursued aggressively by federal prosecutors. It probably surprises nobody that 2018 saw a significant increase in people being arrested and prosecuted for what would have once been considered minor immigration offenses (like entering the country illegally).
Called before a federal grand jury? Get legal assistance
Federal prosecutors have a unique tool at their disposal for gathering evidence from both witnesses and suspects. It's called a grand jury.
Career counterfeiter sentenced for new scam
Here's an important tip that any would-be counterfeiter might want to consider before they actually commit the crime: If you're already planning your defense before you get caught, it may be time to stop.
Majority of federal arrests are for immigration offenses
When you think of someone facing federal charges, you probably picture a really bad person. Maybe you think of a drug lord, a gang member that's killed people, a human trafficker or someone equally worthy of federal investigation and incarceration.
Hiring illegal immigrants is a violation of federal law
There are many people with strong feelings on both sides of the immigration issues facing this country. One thing, however, is certain: Employers are in a bad position if they've typically relied on undocumented workers without authorization to work here in the past and continue now to do so.
What are your odds of getting an acquittal in a federal case?
Every defendant in a federal criminal case would like to know what the odds are of an acquittal. Unfortunately, there are no sure bets when you're involved in a criminal case. However, there is information you can use to make decisions about your future.
Protect yourself from the overreach of conspiracy charges
The odds are good that you can't imagine yourself as being part of any "criminal conspiracy," but that doesn't mean that a prosecutor can't charge you with one -- especially in situations where money crimes or drug crimes are involved.
Immigration marriage fraud: How investigations get started
It's tough to immigrate to the United States these days. Even if you're trying to legally obtain your green card or citizenship as the foreign-born spouse of an American, you may find yourself under investigation for marriage fraud.
Immigrants: Think twice before you get a medical marijuana card
Marijuana use is increasingly accepted by both the American medical community and American society -- whether the use is purely for recreational purposes or has its roots in a medical need. The fact that medical and recreational marijuana are gaining legal ground in numerous states is proof of that.
How federal sentencing guidelines are forcing guilty pleas
If you've paid any attention to the university admission scandal that's been rocking academia and the entertainment industry lately, you've probably heard people ask why Lori Loughlin didn't accept a plea bargain.
