In courtroom dramas, eyewitness testimony often plays a pivotal role. Jurors and judges depend on the accounts of individuals who claim to have seen events unfold with their own eyes. However, the reliability of eyewitnesses has been a subject of considerable debate...
federal offenses
Which crimes fall within the purview of RICO?
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, more commonly known as RICO, is a federal statute passed by Congress in 1970. Its original purpose was to give federal investigators and prosecutors the power and authority they needed to combat organized crime....
What is pre-indictment?
The pre-indictment stage of the federal criminal process is complex. You will find a brief overview of it here, addressed generally to the interests of people who find themselves, their business partners or their organizations under investigation. In general,...
People of color disproportionately jailed for federal crimes
Federal judges are routinely violating the pretrial rights of people charged with crimes, according to a recent report. Additionally, the report found that people of color are disproportionately affected by this practice. How are federal courts allegedly violating...
How plea-bargaining works in the federal criminal justice system
When federal authorities believe you committed a federal offense, they may decide to have the appropriate federal agency investigate the matter further. Federal investigations work differently than Texas criminal cases, and there are several different steps involved...
How are federal and state court different?
There are 51 court systems in the United States. Each state has its own system, and there is also the federal system. Depending on the nature of the crimes that the government is charging you with, the courts may hear your case in either a state or federal court....
What should you know about your right to remain silent?
The Miranda warning is something that many people know about especially because of its common recitation on shows about police officers. However, many people do not know about the specific details of the Miranda warning. Many people do not even know when it begins to...
Why is mail fraud a federal offense?
Fraud charges often carry bigger potential penalties with them than some people may think. However, mail fraud in particular harbor enormous penalties that could alter a person's entire future. Just what about mail fraud makes it such a heavy impact charge? To start,...
How do you respond to a ZPIC audit notice?
Texas medical providers are finding themselves at the center of ZPIC audits more and more often. Federally charged with preventing medicare fraud and overpayments, these audits serve an important function but can be unnerving to those subjected to one. Responding...
What to expect during an ATF audit
When you hold a federal firearms license and operate a Texas gun business, the chance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms auditing your business at some point is high. Under the terms of the Gun Control Act, the ATF may conduct an inspection of your...