When individuals think about criminal charges, they often associate them with state law. However, certain circumstances can lead to criminal charges elevating to federal offenses. Understanding how this transition occurs is important to grasp the severity and...
Understanding the distinctions between state and federal crimes prepares you to face serious charges. When you or a loved one experiences arrest and prosecution, the path will vary depending on the type of crime, where it occurred and other factors. Review how federal...
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...
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....
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,...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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,...
