Have you been charged with a federal crime in Chicago? Understanding how the federal charge can affect your life if you are convicted is essential. Even if the federal charge is dropped or you are found not guilty, that does not mean the charge is not on your permanent record. In any event, it is…
Bank fraud is a complex, multi-faceted crime that evolves as there are changes in how people and banks manage money. Therefore, bank fraud’s legal definition is broad because it must reflect the many different types of the crime. There are many instances of bank fraud in the US every year. For example, the Federal Trade…
White-collar crimes are offenses against the law that involve non-violent crimes. These offenses usually involve financial transactions by those in a position of trust. The term ‘white collar’ came about because the accused usually were well-dressed people with white collars. If you have been accused of a white-collar crime in Chicago, you should know that…
Cannabis became legal in Illinois on Jan. 1, 2020. Part of the Illinois law that legalized marijuana also offers ways to clear your criminal record for some marijuana convictions. This process is known as expungement. If you have a conviction for a marijuana offense in Illinois, it is essential to understand how and when you…
Many US government employees and contractors have access to classified information. Whether you have a top-secret clearance or another type, it is essential to understand the potential consequences of removing classified documents from their authorized storage facility or location. Below are critical details about the crime of removing classified documents, penalties, defenses, and related information.…
COVID and Healthcare Fraud In a little less than a year, federal and state decision-makers authorized about $5 trillion of coronavirus aid. By comparison, the federal budget for an entire year (2020) was $4.79 trillion. When that much money becomes available in such a short period of time, some negative repercussions are inevitable. High inflation…
The primary federal embezzlement statute is 11 U.S.C. Section 31. There is no federal criminal code. So, other embezzlement laws are scattered throughout federal laws. All these provisions have the same basic elements. Generally, embezzlement is using a position of trust to steal property or services. The position of trust could be a multinational corporate…
There are few things more stressful or frustrating than receiving an adverse verdict in a criminal case. In Illinois, a defendant has the right to appeal an unfavorable decision by a judge. A conviction does not mean the end of the fight. That being said, bringing a successful appeal in a state or federal criminal…
An insurrection is a violent uprising against an authority and/or the government. The January 6, 2021 attack on the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. brought insurrection to the forefront of the national discussion. Those involved in the January 6th breach of the Capitol have faced a wide range of criminal charges. More than…
Immigrants make important contributions to our culture, our economy, and our country. According to data provided by the Pew Research Center, immigrants account for more than 13 percent of the U.S. population. While there are a number of different paths to immigrate to the United States, there are strict rules and regulations in place for…