Legal Information Center

Federal immigration law includes specific criminal offenses for entering or re-entering the United States without authorization. These laws are enforced by federal prosecutors and carry serious consequences, including prison time, fines, and long-term impacts on immigration status. Key Federal Statutes Two primary provisions of U.S. law govern unlawful entry and re-entry: 🔹 8 U.S.C. §…

On December 8–10, 2025, federal authorities arrested 22-year-old Nigel Trenh in Los Angeles and charged him in the Southern District of New York after an anonymous social-media post allegedly warned of a bomb and an active shooter at a Vassar College dormitory on move-in day (August 29, 2025). The post prompted an evacuation and a…

Once again, in 2025, Matthew Galluzzo was named a “Super Lawyer” in the field of Criminal Defense within the New York metro area following a selection process that involves nominations from members of the bar and peer reviews. Only about 5% of attorneys receive this honor, but Matthew Galluzzo has received it consistently since opening…

Understanding Your Rights, the Law, and the Smartest Strategic Response Receiving a federal subpoena—whether to testify before a grand jury or to produce documents—is an intimidating and potentially life-altering event. Grand jury subpoenas are powerful investigative tools used by federal prosecutors in criminal investigations, and how you respond can drastically affect your rights, your exposure,…

View Post Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn unsealed a disturbing indictment on December 2, 2025, charging five men they say led an online group known as “Greggy’s Cult.” According to the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, the group allegedly used Discord servers and online gaming platforms…

For anyone arrested in New York City (excluding those who receive Desk Appearance Tickets), the first appearance in criminal court—known as the arraignment—is one of the most critical stages of the entire case. It happens quickly, often within 24 hours of arrest, and what occurs in that brief courtroom appearance can dramatically influence the course…

The David Motovich Prosecution: what happened, the statutes and penalties, and why you want experienced federal defense like Matthew Galluzzo Short version: In a high-profile federal prosecution out of the Eastern District of New York, David Motovich was tried and convicted by a jury on numerous counts connected to a years-long illegal check-cashing / money-transmitting…

Last month federal authorities returned to U.S. custody an accused transnational trafficker known publicly as “Brother Wang” — identified in court filings as Zhi Dong Zhang — and announced a sprawling indictment that ties him and others to large-scale cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking and to sophisticated money-laundering operations. What follows is a plain-English look…

Getting handed a Desk Appearance Ticket — a “DAT” — can feel like a small piece of paper with big consequences. In New York City, one common DAT charge is Penal Law §230.04 — Patronizing a Person for Prostitution (Third Degree). This article explains what that charge means, the possible penalties and collateral effects, how…

This article provides an overview of the general functioning of the Sentencing Guidelines in federal narcotics cases. Facing federal narcotics charges is one of the most serious legal challenges a person can experience. Federal drug prosecutions are aggressive, evidence-heavy, and governed by a complex set of Sentencing Guidelines that can determine whether a person faces…