What Happens at a New York City Criminal Court Arraignment? An arraignment is often the first court appearance for someone charged with a crime in New York City. It’s a critical moment in the criminal justice process, setting the stage for how the case will proceed. Here’s what you can expect to happen during a…
Continue reading ›Understanding Federal Criminal Charges Under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is a cornerstone of U.S. anti-corruption enforcement, aimed at preventing American companies and individuals from engaging in bribery and unethical conduct overseas. Enacted in 1977 and enforced by both the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities…
Continue reading ›Federal Terrorism Charges and the Arrest of Tren de Aragua Members In a significant development in U.S. law enforcement, the Department of Justice has filed its first terrorism-related charges against a member of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. This move underscores the U.S. government’s evolving strategy to combat transnational criminal organizations by applying anti-terrorism…
Continue reading ›In New York City, when someone is arrested for a misdemeanor offense like Assault in the Third Degree, they may not always be held in custody until their arraignment. Instead, they can be issued a Desk Appearance Ticket (DAT) — a legal notice requiring the individual to appear in court at a later date to…
Continue reading ›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…
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