If you’ve been issued a Desk Appearance Ticket (DAT) in New York for shoplifting under Penal Law § 155.25, you’re likely dealing with your first encounter with the criminal justice system — and it can feel overwhelming. Here’s a breakdown of what it means, what you should expect, and what you can do next. What…
Continue reading ›Federal criminal charges for robbery What Is the Hobbs Act? The Hobbs Act, codified at 18 U.S. Code § 1951, is a federal law enacted in 1946 to combat robbery and extortion affecting interstate commerce. While originally intended to curb organized crime and labor union corruption, the statute has become a powerful tool for federal…
Continue reading ›Federal securities fraud is a serious white-collar crime that involves deceptive practices in the stock or commodities markets. It typically refers to misrepresenting information that investors use to make decisions, manipulating financial data, or engaging in insider trading. These violations fall under the jurisdiction of federal agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)…
Continue reading ›Understanding New York Penal Law § 120.00: Assault in the Third Degree New York Penal Law § 120.00, titled Assault in the Third Degree, is a criminal statute that addresses acts of intentional or reckless physical harm inflicted on another person. This charge is categorized as a Class A misdemeanor, which can carry serious legal…
Continue reading ›In New York State, drug offenses are taken very seriously, especially when they involve large quantities of controlled substances. Among the most severe drug-related charges are Class A-1 felonies, which carry the harshest penalties under New York’s Penal Law. Understanding what constitutes a Class A-1 drug felony and the possible consequences can be crucial for…
Continue reading ›Understanding Federal Firearms Charges: 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) Federal firearms charges are among the most serious criminal offenses prosecuted in the United States, and one of the most commonly charged statutes is 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). This law targets individuals who use or carry a firearm during and in relation to certain federal crimes, or…
Continue reading ›New York Penal Law § 120.05 defines and outlines the criminal offense of Assault in the Second Degree, a serious felony charge in the state of New York. This law is part of the broader category of assault-related offenses and serves to punish more severe forms of physical attacks that involve aggravating factors. It is…
Continue reading ›Federal wire fraud is one of the most commonly charged white-collar crimes in the United States. Governed by 18 U.S.C. § 1343, the statute is a powerful legal tool used by federal prosecutors to combat a wide range of fraudulent schemes involving electronic communications. This article explores the essential elements of wire fraud, the types…
Continue reading ›Understanding Federal Narcotics Charges: 21 U.S.C. § 841 and 21 U.S.C. § 846 Federal narcotics offenses are among the most serious criminal charges prosecuted in the United States. Two of the most commonly charged statutes in drug-related federal cases are 21 U.S.C. § 841, which governs the manufacture and distribution of controlled substances, and 21…
Continue reading ›Understanding Federal Homicide Charges: Elements, Statutes, and Penalties Homicide is one of the most serious offenses in the U.S. criminal justice system. While most homicide cases are prosecuted at the state level, certain circumstances can elevate a killing to a federal offense. Federal homicide charges carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment and the death penalty.…
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