Is There a Statute of Limitations for White Collar Crime?

  • Posted by Marcia Shein
  • On October 31, 2014
  • 0 Comments
A common question that arises with federal cases is whether there is a statute of limitations when it comes to white collar crime.  The short answer is generally yes, but the actual length of time involved may depend on the crime itself.  Let’s explore this topic a little further. WHAT IS A WHITE COLLAR CRIME? […]
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Can the Defense Offer a Plea Agreement?

  • Posted by Marcia Shein
  • On October 28, 2014
  • 0 Comments
When it comes to plea agreements, there is no hard and fast rule concerning who might offer the agreement. The reason that plea agreements are used so frequently is because they allow for cases to be resolved without the cost of a jury trial. That means that the prosecution as well as the defense have […]
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Can Federal Charges be Reduced to Local Charges?

  • Posted by Marcia Shein
  • On October 25, 2014
  • 0 Comments
Criminal charges in the United States come in two primary forms: federal and local. Each is differentiated by the jurisdiction of the prosecuting court. If you’re facing federal charges, take a moment to learn the distinction between the two, and to determine whether yours might be reduced. What is the Difference between Federal and Local […]
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How Often do Appeals Result in Dismissal?

  • Posted by Marcia Shein
  • On October 23, 2014
  • 0 Comments
If you’re thinking about appealing your recent conviction in a federal criminal case, you might be echoing a commonly asked question: how often to appeals result in dismissal? The answer is more difficult to determine than you might think. There are definitely “number crunchers” out there who can provide some statistics, but these are unable […]
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Could Private Prisons Alter the Judicial Process for your Case?

  • Posted by Marcia Shein
  • On October 20, 2014
  • 0 Comments
Privately run prisons have been playing an increasingly prominent role in the American penal system since they were introduced in the 1980s. Although the total US prison population only grew by 18% between 1999 and 2010, the population incarcerated in for-profit prisons grew by 80%, according to a 2012 report by The Sentencing Project. In […]
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Can a Small Amount of Marijuana Lead to a Federal Case?

  • Posted by Marcia Shein
  • On October 18, 2014
  • 0 Comments
With a growing number of states legalizing the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes (and two states recently legalizing it for recreational use), there is some understandable confusion as to the federal government’s role in issues concerning pot. Can a small amount of marijuana lead to a federal case—particularly if the state itself allows possession […]
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Is There a Way to Avoid Mandatory Minimum Sentences

  • Posted by Marcia Shein
  • On October 16, 2014
  • 0 Comments
The definition of a minimum mandatory sentence is a minimum prison sentence that a judge must impose. This type of sentence is used for specific crimes, and the judge is required to impose the sentence without considering any mitigating circumstances. In US federal court, there are only two two ways for an individual facing a […]
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What Is the Full Power of the Jury in Your Federal Case?

  • Posted by Marcia Shein
  • On October 14, 2014
  • 0 Comments
If you are facing federal criminal charges, it’s important to understand the role of the jury, and the full power of the jury in your federal case. This will help you understand better what to expect inside the courtroom, as well as how to work with your attorney to get a fair judgment. THE GRAND […]
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Are Judges Required to Respect a Plea Agreement?

  • Posted by Marcia Shein
  • On October 12, 2014
  • 0 Comments
The procedures of the criminal justice system are long and complicated. That’s the very thing that makes them so expensive. When it comes to plea agreements, they aren’t just used in order to make things easier for all parties concerned, but to avoid the expense that a lengthy trial can bring. Judge Roles The short […]
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Can Federal Charges be Expunged?

  • Posted by Marcia Shein
  • On October 10, 2014
  • 0 Comments
There’s no doubt that a criminal record (whether municipal, state or federal charges) can make life difficult. Even if you were not convicted or if the charges were dropped, the arrest record can haunt you for many years after.  Same goes for a conviction, even long after you’ve served your time or paid your fines. […]
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