Federal Crimes
How Does Being Charged With a Federal Crime Affect My Immigration Status?
The federal court system is very different than the state court system. It is much more complex and difficult to navigate. If you are ever charged with a federal crime, the first thing you should do is contact a Southern California federal crimes attorney. This is especially true if your immigration status is in question. If you are facing federal charges, your immigration status will likely be affected, and your…
Read MoreFederal Judge Sanctions United States Department of Justice Lawyers for Lying and Deliberately Withholding Documents
If you thought that government lawyers do not lie in court to obtain convictions, you better think again. In a major terrorism prosecution a federal judge in Orange County imposed monetary sanctions against the FBI and prosecution lawyers for deliberately withholding material documents from the defense in violation of a court order. A US District Court Judge ruled on Thursday November 17, 2011 that "parties cannot choose when to tell…
Read MoreI Was Questioned by Federal Agents and may Have Said Some Incriminating Things; I Don’t Know if my Miranda Rights Were Violated
If you are ever contacted by Federal Agents as part of an investigation, the first thing you should do is remain silent and ask to contact a Federal Criminal Lawyer because the Federal criminal justice system is an overwhelming place to be. Even though you may have given incriminating statements to Federal Agents, there still may be hope of excluding those incriminating statements and keeping you out of jail. The…
Read MoreA Federal Agent has Searched Your Home and Seized Your Property. What’s next?
If you ever contacted by Federal Agents as part of a search and seizure of your person or property, the first thing you should do is contact a Federal Criminal Lawyer because the Federal criminal justice system is a frightening place to be and you have specific constitutional rights that must be protected The 4th Amendment provides that the "right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses,…
Read MoreWhat to do if You are Subpoenaed by a Federal Court
One can only hope to never be investigated or charged with a Federal crime. But if you receive a subpoena to testify before a Federal grand jury, the first thing you should do is contact a Federal Criminal Lawyer because the Federal criminal justice system is an intimidating place to be and you have know idea whether you are: • the target of the investigation • a subject of the…
Read MoreDistrict Court has Authority to Grant Immunity to a Defense Witness Without a Finding of Prosecutorial Misconduct
Brent Wilkes, head of a company called ADSC, lobbied California congressman Randall Cunningham to secure funding and support for ADSC. Mr. Wilkes provided Congressman Cunningham with expensive meals, a houseboat, lavish trips and mortgage payments. As a result, Mr. Wilkes received many government contracts that were worth millions of dollars through Congressman Cunningham's earmarks. Mr. Wilkes was subsequently charged with conspiracy, wire fraud, bribery, and money laundering. At trial, Mr.…
Read MoreWhy Your Case May be Tried in Federal Court as Opposed to the State Court System
In a previous blog, we explained some of the general differences between Federal Court and the California State Court system. Now we will expand on some of the ways a case may end up in Federal Court as opposed to the California State Court system: 1. As stated earlier, Federal Court deals with Federal Crimes. Thus, if a person is alleged to have committed a Federal Crime, the case will…
Read MoreCan Bail be Granted in a Federal Case?
One can only hope to never be charged with a federal crime. But if you are arrested, the first thing you should do is contact a Southern California Federal Criminal Lawyer because the Federal criminal justice system is convoluted and often stringent in regard to bail and release. Pretrial release under the Federal Bail Reform Act gives four provisions for setting bail: (1) release the defendant on personal recognizance or…
Read MoreHells Angel Indicted on Six Counts of Federal Crimes in Ventura
Recently, it was reported that the former president of the Ventura County Chapter of the Hells Angels was arrested on federal charges stemming from an extortion plot and the firebombing of two competing tattoo shops back in 2007. George Christie Jr., 64, of Ventura, was one of four defendants arrested recently on charges of federal conspiracy, extortion, and arson charges contained in a six-count indictment. The indictment alleges that Christie…
Read MoreI HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH A FEDREAL CRIME…HOW WILL THE COURT DETERMINE MY SENTENCE IF I AM FOUND GUILTY?
One can only hope to never be charged with a Federal crime. But if you are, Federal sentencing has become the most crucial stage of the criminal justice process. Sentencing consequences is a major consideration for decisions made earlier in the process, including: • the prosecutor's selection of charges • the defendant's decision whether/when to cooperate with the government • the defendant's decision whether/when to plead guilty • the terms…
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