Blog Posts - Federal crimes
What is Title IX and How Does it Apply to Educational Institutions?
Title IX of the Civil Rights Act is integral to students receiving a fair and equal education. The federal law prohibits sexual discrimination in any educational programs or athletic activities that are federally funded. Title IX allows both men and women equal opportunities, underscoring the rights conveyed to all citizens by the Fourteenth Amendment. If…
READ MOREWhat Is Title IX Harassment?
While you likely know that Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex in those institutions of learning that receive federal funding, you may not realize that sex-based discrimination extends to sexual harassment and sexual assault. An experienced Greenville, South Carolina, Title IX attorney can help you keep your educational institution compliant and can help you…
READ MOREWho Is Protected under Title IX?
Title IX is designed to protect everyone who participates in education programs and activities and receives federal financial assistance. And the protections included focus on discrimination based on sex, which extends to sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy and beyond. If your institution of learning is facing an issue related to Title IX, consulting with an…
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 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 MOREHelping To Hide A Crime Is A Crime
Recovering the money is often a chief priority in fraud investigations Just like the proverbial person who helps bury a body, a person who helps conceal a white collar crime can likewise be charged with fraud, wire fraud or conspiracy. Five former executives of a credit card processing company are accused of siphoning more than…
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 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 MOREChild pornography lands man in 10 year prison sentence
A 72-year-old Minnesota man was convicted last week on one charge for possession of child pornography. He was sentenced to an unusually harsh 10 years in prison and 10 years supervised release. His sentence was possibly made longer because this was his second child exploitation related offense. He was tried and convicted in the District…
READ MORETwo Georgian men charged in interstate armed robbery case
The Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida filed charges against multiple defendants earlier this week. The complaint alleges that a team of four people conspired to and actually robbed several jewelry stores in multiple states. Specifically, they planned and executed robberies against stores in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and North Carolina….
READ MOREAn overview of gun regulation laws
Gun laws are regulated by both the state and federal governments. This means you often have two regulatory schemes with which to comply. Additionally, just because it is permitted under federal law, does not mean that your local state government does not include additional restrictions. There are several federal laws that regulate the ownership of…
READ MORECan you be charged for abducting your own child?
If you are a birth parent, then your child is your own flesh and blood. As such, you will typically have parental rights over her or him. However, if you take your child somewhere without first getting the consent of the child’s other parent or guardian, does the act constitute kidnapping? Well, in the age…
READ MOREInnocent acts could lead to cybercrime charges
Cybercrime and cyberterrorism are all the rage in the media these days. It is very easy to run afoul of computer-related laws if you don’t make yourself aware of where the legal lines are drawn. You have your standard offenses like larceny or fraud, like using a computer to steal money or information. But sometimes…
READ MOREEx-federal worker may face prison time for workplace lie
It is terrifying how quickly a workplace disagreement can spiral out of control and implicate racial, police and hate crime matters. A former U.S. Army Corp of Engineers employee pleaded guilty to making false statements to a federal officer. The statements in question were in regard as to how a picture of a Confederate battle…
READ MORESexting involving minors is a federal crime
As cellular networks evolved, it was probably inevitable that they would be used to send explicit photographs. Sexting, as it is colloquially referred to by mass media, is the digital transmission of sexually explicit or suggestive photos via cell phones. This phenomenon is not limited to adults; there are dozens of stories of teenagers sending…
READ MORESouth Carolina politician agrees to plea deal for federal crimes
A former member of the South Carolina General Assembly has finally been sentenced after signing a plea agreement several months ago. Thad Viers will serve over three years in prison and must pay restitution in the amount of $875,000 for his involvement in federal crimes. His sentencing marks the end of criminal proceedings that began…
READ MORESouth Carolina men face turtle-trafficking penalties
Federal charges are generally a serious matter, and a conviction could turn your life upside-down. Aside from the possibility of ending up in prison or being fined huge sums of money, the mark on your criminal record can heavily impact your future. You might even find that friends and family treat you differently once they…
READ MORECan an insanity plea spare you from conviction?
Every year in South Carolina, innumerable people go through the criminal justice system. Some have been accused of misdemeanors while others face more serious charges. Many are even charged with federal offenses, which can carry particularly hefty penalties. Being convicted of a crime of this nature can severely impact your future, so the first thing…
READ MOREEvidence acquired in breach of your rights may be invalid
As most residents of South Carolina know, the penalties for a federal crime can be extremely severe, often outweighing the consequences of an equivalent charge tried on a state level. On top of this, if you have been charged with such a crime, you also have the worry of the effect conviction could have on…
READ MOREWhat is double jeopardy avoidance?
As many people in South Carolina know, criminal charges can drastically affect all areas of your life, even before you can get to your trial. Some people will make decisions ahead of time as to whether they believe you are guilty or not. You may be suspended from your job and the emotional strains and…
READ MOREMany hate crimes prohibited by federal law
As most families in South Carolina will teach their children, it is important to do to others as you would have them do to you. Promoting this sort of kindness and tolerance will not only help them have happy lives, but may also help to protect them from legal trouble in the future. It is…
READ MORESouth Carolina sheriff faces prison time
Criminal charges are never good news. No matter how minor the alleged offense, being the subject of a criminal investigation can have a dramatic impact on your day-to-day life, your reputation and even your home environment. This in turn can put you under great emotional stress, which can in turn have a negative effect on…
READ MOREGreat responsibility can lead to serious accusations
Any form of criminal charge can change your life indefinitely. However, as many residents of South Carolina are aware, federal charges can be even more severe. In many cases they carry greater fines, longer sentences and harsher repercussions. However, something that not everyone realizes is that it is not only individuals that can be charged…
READ MOREFederal convictions can often be far more serious
Crime is taken very seriously in South Carolina and officers are extremely dedicated to tracking down offenders and seeing that they are held accountable for their actions. Unfortunately, this can mean that innocent people occasionally come under suspicion as investigators work to get to the bottom of a crime. However, you are considered innocent unless…
READ MOREFederal charges can be life-changing
Being charged with any sort of crime is a serious issue in South Carolina. Depending on the nature and severity of the crime, you could face anything from fines or community service to a lengthy prison sentence. The damage to your reputation could affect the way you are treated within your local community, while the…
READ MORESheriff accused of federal corruption
Criminal charges are a serious matter, particularly if you work in a position of power or influence. Even being suspected of a crime can be extremely damaging to your reputation. Furthermore, if you are convicted, you could lose your job altogether. On top of all this, a conviction could even affect your chances of future…
READ MOREDrive-by shooting leads to 2 arrests
Federal charges are not to be taken lightly, as they often arise from serious accusations and can be punished severely in the event of conviction. Whether a crime is tried on the state or federal level can depend on a number of factors. Furthermore, while federal penalties are often more severe, this can vary from…
READ MORECan an online scam constitute a federal crime?
Federal charges are not something to be taken lightly. The penalties for such crimes are often severe, so it is important to act quickly in your defense if faced with such allegations. Furthermore, it is important to bear in mind that federal offenses cover a broader range of crimes than you might think. For example,…
READ MOREFast action may help when faced with federal charges
A federal charge is a serious matter with potentially life-changing consequences. The punishments for such offenses are often severe, while the mark on your record can be detrimental to both your personal and professional life. Furthermore, the prosecution in such cases can gain substantial leverage from federal sentencing guidelines. Many federal charges fall into the…
READ MORESouth Carolina duo face federal charges
Federal convictions often come with weighty penalties. Not only may they lead to jail time, fines and a blot on your criminal record, but they can be damaging to your professional and personal life. The pressures of a federal investigation can take their toll and, unfortunately, they can be quite drawn out. Even when a…
READ MOREAnother South Carolina sheriff faces criminal charges
Coming under suspicion for involvement in a federal crime can be damaging to anyone’s prospects. However, for someone in a position of power or influence, it can be particularly devastating. Even suspected criminality can be highly damaging to their reputation and may even cost them their post. Furthermore, all this is before you even consider…
READ MOREWoman charged with credit card fraud in South Carolina
Being faced with a criminal investigation is seldom easy. You may experience negative treatment at work or in your personal life as a result of the charges against you. You may even be suspended from work during the course of the case. Even so, if you become involved a federal investigation, it can be helpful…
READ MOREFederal agents apprehend South Carolina man on drug charges
Federal charges can leave a mark on your record that is difficult to ignore. Even if they don’t lead to a conviction, you may be greatly affected by the worry and strain associated with any criminal investigation. From fines to jail time, the penalties for federal crimes can be severe, as has become all too…
READ MORELawmaker battles charges of fraud
In South Carolina, charges of federal crimes such as fraud are taken very seriously. Unfortunately, some people fall foul of such allegations through no fault of their own. Mistakes on tax returns, missed payments and other such errors can all come into play in a fraud charge. The consequences of a conviction can be severe,…
READ MORETwo South Carolina tax preparers convicted on tax fraud charges
One of the goals of tax preparers is to provide the best possible tax outcome for their clients. It is very important for tax preparers to exercise great care to stay within the bounds of the law when pursuing this goal. Accusations of having prepared fraudulent returns for a client in order to benefit a…
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