Blog Posts - Criminal defense
What defenses are there for domestic violence charges?
Every relationship has times when you and your partner will disagree. An argument can feel very after both parties have had a chance to cool off than it does while it is happening. In some cases, a disagreement can get out of hand or misinterpreted, leaving both people feeling frustrated, hurt and upset. It can…
READ MOREDo you know the importance of jury selection in your case?
There’s a lot to consider when building your criminal defense. While you may want to work with prosecutors early on to try to mitigate the fallout from your case, and you certainly want to gather evidence that contradicts the prosecution’s case, you can’t neglect the legal technicalities that are involved in your case. This includes…
READ MOREIf you don’t fight, you could end up facing these penalties
There’s certainly a lot at stake when you’re facing criminal charges. So, it’s completely normal to feel nervous about the outcome of your case. You shouldn’t let your nerves push you toward accepting a plea deal that isn’t right for you, though. Instead, you need to fully analyze your circumstances to determine which course of…
READ MOREHere’s how to block the prosecution’s evidence
Drug charges can quickly derail your life, especially if you’re convicted and slapped with the harsh penalties sought by prosecutors. Jail or prison time, enormous fines, a lingering criminal record, and haunting damage to your reputation can all leave you feeling scared and uncertain about your future. But before you let overzealous prosecutors push you…
READ MOREWhen can the police search my home, car or body?
We all make lapses in judgement from time to time. You might have dabbled in recreational drugs occasionally and assumed that because you were not harming anyone else in the process that your drug use was safe and reasonable. However, this could not be further from the truth. To put it bluntly, the possession of…
READ MOREWhat are the different forms of domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse and allegations of domestic abuse can have a dramatic impact on everyone involved, including those accused of committing domestic abuse. It is helpful for everyone impacted by domestic abuse to be familiar with what is considered domestic abuse. There are several different forms of domestic abuse including: Physical abuse Physical abuse is the…
READ MOREShould you have a public defender represent you?
A lot of people who are charged with serious criminal offenses qualify for the services of the public defender agency. This can be a low or even no-cost option for your criminal defense. For this reason, a lot of people elect to be represented by a public defender rather than seek assistance from a private…
READ MOREHere are some ways to challenge drug-related charges
Drug charges can threaten nearly every aspect of your life. Upon conviction, you might be hit with financially ruinous fines, devastation to your reputation, a job-killing criminal record, and long-term incarceration. We don’t say that to scare you but to instead motivate you to build the strongest criminal defense that you can to protect yourself…
READ MOREWhat happens if your college-age child gets in trouble on campus?
Many South Carolina college students are away from home for the first time, and they are enjoying a sense of freedom that they have never experienced before. There are times when these young adults may make less-than-ideal choices, and they could find themselves in trouble with the school’s security force or campus police. It’s important…
READ MOREHow Has COVID-19 Changed The Legal Process?
COVID has changed the way we perform almost anything we do on a regular basis. It’s changed the way we go grocery shopping; the way we get food from restaurants; and the way we socialize with the people we love. Many people also have found the way that they do their job to have changed…
READ MOREWhat will embezzlement charges mean for you?
Facing criminal charges is a grave threat to your future, especially when you are up against white collar criminal allegations, such as embezzlement. While a white collar case lacks an element of violence, these are not victimless crimes, and the federal government takes these cases seriously. You should take your situation seriously as well. Embezzlement…
READ MOREThe implications of bank fraud charges
A conviction of any type of white collar crime can result in penalties that will alter the direction of your future. You could spend time behind bars and suffer other consequences that will affect your long-term opportunities, personal freedom and reputation. Bank fraud is a common type of white collar crime, and if you are…
READ MOREDid you know sober people can fail field sobriety tests?
Are you under the impression that field sobriety tests are definitive indicators of intoxication? Do you believe that you are required to participate in these tests if asked by a police officer? If you answer yes to either or both of these questions, keep reading. First, field sobriety tests are not as accurate as you…
READ MORERyan Beasley selected for inclusion to the 2020 South Carolina Super Lawyers list
This month Ryan was selected for inclusion to the 2020 South Carolina Super Lawyers list for 2020 in the Criminal Defense category. This recognition is a really high honor, not only because of the title, but also because of how it is decided. Super Lawyers recognizes the best lawyers in the state through a rigorous…
READ MOREPPE fraud on the rise during the pandemic
One of the most important Senate hearings of the year happened last week, and I can guarantee that you likely missed it. Don’t worry, there was a lot happening in the news. Even the media barely noticed the hearing with the mundane, even benign, title of “COVID-19 Fraud: Law Enforcement’s Response to Those Exploiting the…
READ MOREDrug use can harm higher education opportunities
You worked hard to get into the college of your choice. You even earned a scholarship or received federal aid to help you pay for it. Life was going great, and then it happened. You found yourself charged with illegal drug use. Now, you are wondering how this may affect everything. The state of South…
READ MOREDoctor at the center of prescription drug case is going to prison
Medical providers in South Carolina and elsewhere try to do what they believe is best for their patients. In doing so, though, they sometimes cross lines that can have criminal consequences. If convicted, those consequences can be severe. Recently, a doctor in a nearby state received a prison sentence for the illegal distribution of prescription…
READ MOREThe CARES Act and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Fraud
The CARES Act was designed to help people and businesses survive through the Covid-19 pandemic. With it came the PPP, or Paycheck Protection Program. This specific item was created to provide financial support to small businesses based on their monthly expenses, number of employees, etc. We know that a program like PPP can be easy…
READ MOREThose facing federal charges may not see their cases go to trial
If charged with a federal crime, you may think there is little you can do to help your situation. The good news is that isn’t true. When facing federal charges, the sooner you act, the better because more defense options may be open to you early on. For most South Carolina residents, the idea of…
READ MOREInsurance fraud: is it serious?
Allegations of a financial crime could result in serious penalties for you, including the possibility of spending time behind bars. There are many types of white-collar crime, and insurance fraud is one of them. If you recently filed a major claim, you could find that this leads to questions about the nature of your claim…
READ MOREInterview: Ryan Beasley discusses future of South Carolina courts
Our founder, Ryan Beasley, was interviewed on WSPA this week talking about some of the things happening with the South Carolina court system in relation to COVID-19. You can watch the entire video here, but we decided to share some of the key points he made: Quick overview of what is happening in courts? In…
READ MOREYour college student should know how to deal with campus police
Heading off to college is a time of growth and excitement, but it can also be a time when many young people make mistakes. As your son or daughter prepares to move on campus or live at school, it’s important that he or she know how to properly deal with campus police. Knowing what to…
READ MORESouth Carolina eviction court proceedings postponed until May 15
People facing evictions and foreclosures got a reprieve this week from the South Carolina Supreme Court – another example of how Covid-19 is changing the legal system. Chief Justice Donald Beatty ordered an extended postponement of court proceedings on evictions and foreclosures until May 15, but stressed that this does not mean people can avoid…
READ MOREWhy are you suspected of health care fraud?
When you decided to become a doctor, you agreed to do no harm to your patients. You committed yourself to helping Greenville residents recover from injuries and illnesses and get back to a healthy and normal life. If you can’t do that, you provide them with the best care possible in order to manage their…
READ MOREClassifications and what they mean for federal drug cases
Charges involving the use of illegal drugs or the inappropriate use of prescription drugs are serious. A conviction can lead to penalties that can change the course of your life, and the right way to confront these charges includes developing a strong defense. This is particularly important in federal cases where the stakes are high…
READ MOREThe world is in flux right now as we all take our steps to battle COVID-19
While many of you are worried about sick family members and friends; staying in place and keeping yourself fed; we at Beasley Law have an extra onus of work. Our clients. We are a criminal defense firm. We help those people facing charges ranging from drunk driving and drug possession to serious felony offense in…
READ MORELaw changes can impact drug testing and criminal cases
Drug charges are serious, and a conviction can greatly impact a South Carolina defendant’s life for years to come. Because of the implications of these types of charges, the way law enforcement handles and tests for substances is important. Thanks to new changes in the law, this issue is more important than ever. Hemp is…
READ MOREDoes shooting count as police seizure?
You may know that the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects you from unreasonable actions of South Carolina police during a search or seizure. However, perhaps you do not fully understand what it means to have police “seize” you. Does it mean that they have physically put their hands on you? Are you still…
READ MORELawmakers look to revise unfair asset forfeiture laws
You may be fully aware of the possible consequences for a conviction of drug charges, especially distribution or trafficking. You might expect fines, imprisonment, community service and other penalties. Certainly, the burden of a criminal charge on your record will follow you the rest of your life. However, what you may not expect after an…
READ MORECan the First Step Act benefit you?
When the federal government enacted the First Step Act, many who were in prison for non-violent crimes rejoiced along with their families. The First Step Act promotes long-overdue reforms in the criminal justice system, including adopting common sense sentencing guidelines and more appropriate options for those convicted of drug-related offenses. If you are currently serving…
READ MOREAn investigation for wire fraud may have you feeling on edge
Conducting any type of business can come under scrutiny from time to time. Employees may have complaints, or the Internal Revenue Service may feel the need to conduct an audit over financial matters. While these can be stressful and difficult to address, your situation can become more distressing if you are accused of criminal charges….
READ MOREWhen healthy competition turns to a “study drug” addiction
Some would say that a little competition is healthy. It forces people out of their comfort zones, and allows them to push themselves harder and grow in order to succeed. In the academic world of secondary education, it could ultimately help students reach their goals for the future. That is, until that competition becomes unhealthy….
READ MOREWhat should you know if charged with tax evasion?
If you are facing charges of tax evasion, you may be tempted to underestimate the serious nature of this type of criminal offense. White collar crimes, which are offenses that often involve financially motivated criminal activity, can result in penalties that can change the course of your life. It is in your interests to take…
READ MOREUnderstanding the options of plea bargaining
If you are facing criminal charges, especially in federal court, you may have great concern about how your case will turn out. This may be particularly true if the prosecution seems to have significant evidence against you. In fact, the prosecution team may seem rather confident that they will get a conviction once the judge…
READ MORETheft, embezzlement and fraud: What’s the difference?
Theft, fraud and embezzlement are all serious criminal charges. And one is not necessarily worse than the other. The penalties vary with the severity of the crime – the circumstances and the amount of money involved. Here’s a closer look at these terms you often hear in the news and what they may mean in…
READ MOREProfessionals facing criminal charges may have twice the worries
Professionals licensed in their field have twice as much to worry about when facing a criminal charge. On top of defending their rights against criminal allegations, they must protect their professional license. Most professional fields take a criminal conviction very seriously, as their freedom and their livelihood are at risk if convicted. It is important…
READ MOREWhat you need to know when facing embezzlement charges
Facing charges of embezzlement can be overwhelming. While you may face significant penalties if convicted, even facing charges can come with substantial consequences for your career, reputation and future. For those working in sales, finance, accounting or another industry involving close contact with company or client funds, understanding what embezzlement is and the penalties you…
READ MORECollege scandal leads to fraud and conspiracy charges
The college admissions scandal has resulted in unprecedented – and extremely serious – felony charges. “Operation Varsity Blues” led to grand jury indictments of dozens of parents, coaches and administrators across the country. Rich parents buying their kids’ way into elite schools is hardly new – why is it suddenly a federal offense? Will “Aunt…
READ MOREIs your phone private … or fair game for police?
Increasingly, law enforcement relies on “smoking gun” evidence from smartphones. Phones can either be a conduit for committing crimes or leave a trail of electronic bread crumbs for police. The only barrier is accessing the content of the phones. A recent federal court ruling put new limits on how far police, prosecutors and judges can…
READ MORECriminal charges are a wake-up for college students
College exposes you to a whole new world of people and ideas and experiences. It can also be your introduction to the unpleasant realities of adulthood … such as being accused of a crime. Criminal charges are especially dangerous for college students. One incident can threaten your education or change the course of your life….
READ MORECan you record the police? Yes, but there are limits.
Law enforcement has historically clashed with journalists who are recording live events. Sometimes reporters had their cameras taken away or their film destroyed. In the smartphone era, regular citizens find themselves in confrontations with police over videos. What are your rights regarding filming the police? Can you secretly record law enforcement? Can they confiscate your…
READ MORESentencing reforms are aptly named – a first step
Congress appears poised to enact significant criminal justice reforms. The First Step Act would scale back harsh sentences for some drug crimes, improve prison conditions and provide more help for prisoners when they re-enter society. It is a good first step. And a hopeful sign for bipartisanship in Congress. But it’s not an overhaul of…
READ MOREIs an anonymous tip grounds for arrest?
An appellate court in Illinois has tossed out the 2014 conviction of a motorist who was sentenced to jail as the byproduct of an undocumented “anonymous tip.” The supposed concerned citizen reported that the motorist was drunk. He was not, but it turned out he was driving on a suspended license, for which he was…
READ MOREWhat to expect when your adult child is facing criminal charges
For college students and young people, one error in judgment can result in lifelong consequences. While some penalties aren’t as serious as others, a criminal charge can possibly limit your child’s professional and educational opportunities down the road. If your college student is facing drug charges, you’ll want to know what to expect in the…
READ MORECalifornia bill would repeal felony murder law
Most states, including South Carolina, have “felony murder” statutes. These laws trigger first-degree murder charges against people who had no murderous intent. It also leads to murder charges against other individuals who were present or somehow contributed to an unintended death. Lawmakers in California have introduced a bill to scale back felony murder prosecutions. Under…
READ MORECash bail is an unfair and antiquated system
The concept of bail is to ensure that the accused will show up for court once they are released from jail. But for many defendants, bail bonds are set unreasonably high. Unable to raise bail, they sit in jail for months until their trial date rolls around. An analysis by FiveThirtyEight confirms that the cash…
READ MORETax professional acquitted in federal tax fraud trial
An Ohio tax preparer feels vindicated (and relieved) after a jury acquitted him on 21 counts of tax fraud. He was facing the prospect of not merely losing his professional license but spending the rest of his life in prison. Although the case had a happy ending, it was a years-long ordeal for the accused….
READ MOREStudy links law enforcement Tasers to more than 1,000 deaths
Tasers were supposed to be a non-lethal alternative to firearms. But more than 1,000 American citizens have died when police used stun guns on them. The Reuters news agency tracked Taser-related deaths across the United States over the last two decades. The report is a “shocking” expose of how dangerous stun weapons can be even…
READ MOREFailed Fyre Festival leads to fraud arrest and civil lawsuits
Billy McFarland, founder of the failed Fyre Festival, says he overestimated his ability to pull together a successful first-time event. Billed as “more than just a music festival,” Fyre Festival was supposed to be an upscale destination experience. Instead, the island concert was a lackluster debacle on many levels and McFarland is now facing federal…
READ MORETexas judge set bail at $4 BILLION dollars!
She called attention to a system that unfairly keeps people in jail while awaiting trial. The purpose of bail is to make sure suspects show up for court. The higher the bond, the less likely the person will skip town. A Texas judge took this to the extreme recently when she set bail at 4…
READ MOREThe suspect was innocent, the ‘victim’ a con artist
A worst nightmare — framed on felony charges, jailed for 88 days. Fortunately, the accused had a good defense lawyer. In a stranger-than-fiction story, a California woman found herself facing a possible life sentence for crimes she didn’t commit. Crimes that never even occurred! Michelle Hadley spent 88 days in jail before police and prosecutors…
READ MOREThe new war on drugs: prescription painkillers
Opioid epidemic finds doctors and pharmacists facing criminals charges As health officials pay more attention to opioid addiction, law enforcement is zooming in how those addicts are getting their painkiller fix. Medical professionals are under greater scrutiny for prescribing opioids and other individuals and entities find themselves caught up in this new war on drugs….
READ MOREWhat rights do students have in dealing with police at school?
**On-site police officers in schools results in more arrests, not fewer. ** Greenville County Schools first brought in police officers in 2000, in the wake of the Columbine shootings in Colorado. While students may be safer from outside threats, school resource officers can represent a different kind of threat — to students’ physical well-being and…
READ MOREForensic Evidence Is Sometimes Junk Science
A government report finds fault with the use of forensics in court. Increasingly, law enforcement investigations rely on forensic science, from DNA matching to facial recognition software. Some of the most popular shows on television are crime dramas in which the case is solved by a lock of hair or speck of blood. In real…
READ MORESouth Carolina ranks high in arrests for drug possession
Does jailing people for drug use do more harm than good? More than 24,000 people were arrested in South Carolina for drug possession in 2014 — one of the highest rates in the country. Rather than a pat on the back for law enforcement, it’s a black eye for our state that so many citizens…
READ MOREWhat is a “felony DUI” in South Carolina?
Felony DUI is that worst case scenario. Driving under the influence is typically a misdemeanor offense. Any DUI is a serious charge because of the many consequences. But when a DUI is charged as a felony, the stakes are even higher, with the real possibility of prison time. When does a DUI become a felony?…
READ MORESouth Carolina’s strange DUI loophole for mopeds
Most people assume that operating any motorized vehicle while drunk can land you in jail. However, that isn’t currently the case in South Carolina. A surprising loophole in the law specifically excludes mopeds from the definition of DUI. Put simply, you can’t get a DUI conviction for driving a moped while intoxicated. The loophole provides…
READ MORECould underage drinking charges cost you your scholarship?
There’s no question that underage drinking charges can have a profound impact on your future. Not only are your rights at stake but so, too, are your educational opportunities. The penalties for a conviction can extend beyond probation, potential jail time, fines and loss of your driver’s license. You could also stand to lose your…
READ MOREHow do federal mandatory minimums affect gun possession charges?
Mandatory minimums are mandatory prison terms that you must serve if convicted of a certain crime. Most of these crimes are related to weapons and drugs. Mandatory minimums treat both violent and nonviolent criminals similarly. This article will go over how some of the mandatory minimum charges operate and how they may affect you. For…
READ MOREJustice Department proposes changes to solitary confinement guidelines
Last year President Obama proposed that there should be changes to the procedures that land inmates in solitary confinement. Before this proposal , even low-risk offenders could be placed in solitary for various offenses or infractions. The Justice Department (or “DOJ”) just completed the review and released a report detailing the findings. The report determines…
READ MOREParents subject to liability for crimes of children
Parents generally will not face criminal charges for the actions of their children. There are a handful of circumstances in which the state will hold the parent criminally liable because of the extremeness of the child’s actions. This article will explore the three main ways that you could be liable for your child’s actions. First,…
READ MOREYour Fifth Amendment right to an attorney explained
The right to counsel is ingrained in every single person’s mind who ever watched Law and Order, NYPD Blue or the other classic “cop shows.” The good guys slap the cuffs on the bad guys and “read ’em their rights.” Those rights are called “Miranda rights.” One of those rights is the right to counsel….
READ MOREOnus on defendant when using the insanity defense
It is a common assumption that whenever you don’t like your odds at trial you can just plead insanity and get away Scott-free. This isn’t necessarily true. Proving an insanity defense means convincing the jury that you either did not understand what you were doing, could not control your actions or even that you failed…
READ MOREThere is a federal death penalty
Most every state has some sort of capital punishment, or “death penalty,” for certain crimes. In addition to the state criminal statutes, the federal government also has a death penalty. The death penalty is a punishment for certain felony crimes. It usually involves a lethal injection of a cocktail of drugs designed to peacefully kill…
READ MORETelling the truth is the best defense
There are gradient versions of the “truth.” Sometimes it will be exactly how the prosecutor portrays it and other times it is how the defense attorney explains it. Many other times it is a gray area between these two extremes. Your defense attorney should be honest and upfront with you about the realities of your…
READ MOREUnderstanding criminal charges in South Carolina
When clients come to the Greenville law firm of Beasley Law, many of them are scared and confused because they do not understand the criminal charges they face and are unsure of how to defend themselves against those charges. A large part of our job as a criminal defense law firm is to support our…
READ MOREYour attorney may be able to coach you before your trial
No one wants to have to deal with criminal charges, yet it is a sad fact that many people in South Carolina become the subjects of criminal investigations at some point in their lives. Sometimes this can simply involve a few routine questions as part of a wider investigation, but what happens if you are…
READ MOREMan arrested in connection with shooting
In South Carolina, it is a well-known fact that criminal charges can dramatically affect your life, especially if you are young. A conviction does even more damage, leaving a permanent mark on your record and affecting your chances of employment, college and even getting a loan. As a result, if you have been charged with…
READ MOREWhat is entrapment?
In South Carolina, it is no secret that being charged with a crime can be a very serious matter. No matter the severity of the charges, a conviction can still damage your future as the mark on your record can remain for the rest of your life. This may mean you struggle to find work…
READ MOREThe legal system can be hard to navigate alone
When you are faced with criminal charges in South Carolina, your first concern may be what you can say in your defense. There are many details that may be relevant to your case, but saying the right thing at the right time is essential and how you structure your defense can make a huge difference…
READ MOREAct quickly when faced with criminal charges
Throughout South Carolina, the authorities do all they can to keep the peace and protect the residents of the state. Of course, this is not always an easy job and when crimes occur the investigative process is often drawn out and taxing for all concerned. In fact, it can be so difficult to get to…
READ MORESometimes the truth is the best defense
When you are faced with criminal charges in South Carolina, your immediate instinct might be to deny everything in order to protect yourself as much as possible. However, this is not always the wisest course of action. Being caught out on a minor detail could undermine your future testimony as authorities may be less willing…
READ MOREYour attorney may coach you before your trial
Many residents of South Carolina will find themselves in a court of law at some point in their lives. Some will be serving on the jury, while others could be faced with charges. If you fall into the latter category, the first step is to think about your defense. A criminal conviction of any kind…
READ MOREBe aware of implication in wire fraud
Working in a position of power in South Carolina is a double-edged sword. While your job may be well-paid and interesting, it can also mean that you come under a lot of scrutiny. If you make any kind of mistake, there may be suspicions that it was a deliberate action intended to benefit yourself or…
READ MOREWhen can you claim self-defense?
Being charged with any kind of crime in South Carolina can have serious consequences and violent crimes are no exception. Whether you have been accused of assault, battery or even murder, authorities recognize the importance of identifying the truth behind the incident. If you injured the alleged victim, you may worry that there is no…
READ MOREIs pleading insanity the right choice for you?
When you are faced with criminal charges and the threat of conviction in South Carolina, it can be an extremely traumatic experience. You may worry about the future, the effect a conviction could have on your employment and accommodation options and whether you will receive a prison sentence, taking you away from friends and family….
READ MOREWhat are the benefits of negotiating a plea deal?
Every year in South Carolina, countless people are investigated for criminal offenses. These can range from violence or disorderly conduct, to fraud, conspiracy, drug use or even drunk driving. Whatever the case, a criminal investigation can be an exhausting and distressing thing to go through, not to mention time-consuming. In the meantime, you could be…
READ MOREYou have the right not to testify during your defense
It is often difficult to know what to do or say when faced with a criminal charge, especially if the matter goes to court. If your defense is inadequate, you could face serious penalties, including a prison term or hefty fines. However, as we discussed in a previous article, you are innocent unless proven guilty…
READ MORECommon defenses when faced with a criminal charge
Being faced with a criminal charge can be distressing and difficult. It can be hard to know what to do and how to face the allegations against you. We have discussed in the past how serious the penalties can be for certain crimes. One of the charges against a man accused of stealing the footprint…
READ MOREMultiple arrests made in South Carolina
If you have ever been investigated in connection with criminal charges, you will know how distressing and exhausting it can be. Regardless of your involvement with the crimes you may have been accused of, such allegations can have a dramatic effect on your work, relationships and even your personal well-being. Furthermore, worries about possible conviction…
READ MOREMultimillion dollar fraud charges threaten South Carolina duo
Business transactions often involve large sums of money and for some it is all too great a temptation. So when something goes wrong, or that money goes missing, people soon want answers. Unfortunately, it is all too easy to make mistakes that can ultimately appear incriminating. This in turn can lead to charges of fraud,…
READ MOREMan accused of stealing priceless dinosaur footprint
It can be difficult to know what to do when faced with a criminal charge in South Carolina. Perhaps you made a mistake, or unknowingly got into trouble. Perhaps the accusations are completely unfounded. Getting your side of the story across is essential if you wish to reduce the risk of conviction and criminal charges….
READ MORECouple charged with felony fraud over welfare payments
Filing for tax refunds, welfare and other such benefits can be a complicated process. Furthermore, if you misrepresent yourself, you could face criminal charges if your mistake is deemed intentional. Both defrauding the government and tax evasion are federal crimes carrying hefty penalties. Residents of South Carolina should take care in such matters and be…
READ MORESouth Carolina sheriff fights back against misconduct charges
Facing a criminal charge of any scale can put a great strain on both you and your family. The process of building a strong defense can often be drawn out and exhausting. However, it is also essential because a conviction can have serious implications for your future. In South Carolina, a Chesterfield County sheriff facing…
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