Lying on Paperwork to Buy Guns for Someone Else Can Lead to State and Federal Charges
Lying on Paperwork to Buy Guns for Someone Else Can Lead to State and Federal Charges In New York, a woman was sentenced to four years in state prison for purchasing weapons for a man who used the weapons to kill two people. She also faces significant prison time for federal charges. In 2010, Dawn Nguyen purchased a shotgun and a semiautomatic rifle for her neighbor, William Spengler, Jr. Spengler…
Read MoreConsequences of Filing a Fraudulent Claim for Student Financial Aid (20 U.S.C. section 1097)
Consequences of Filing a Fraudulent Claim for Student Financial Aid (20 U.S.C. section 1097) Students seeking admission to college know how expensive tuition can be and often apply for financial assistance using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA helps eligible students by providing access to federal grants and loans to pay for their college education. Unfortunately, the temptation of receiving “free” financial aid may lead some people…
Read MoreDistribution of Mislabeled Products in Interstate Commerce is a Federal Offense (21 U.S.C. § 331)
Distribution of Mislabeled Products in Interstate Commerce is a Federal Offense (21 U.S.C. § 331) Can you be prosecuted if you participate in interstate commerce involving mislabeled or misbranded consumer products? Absolutely. Recently, federal prosecutors charged an Iowa egg company and two of its executives with violating federal food and drug safety laws after allegedly selling poisonous eggs to consumers. The charges stem from a 2010 salmonella outbreak that caused…
Read MoreIs Mail Theft a Federal Offense?
Is Mail Theft a Federal Offense? The United States Postal Service (USPS) moves billions of pieces of mail every year. While some pieces of mail may consist of advertisements, coupons or personal letters, the Postal Service also ships valuable items including credit cards, debit cards, personal checks, prescription medication and expensive merchandise. If you steal mail, you could be facing serious punishment under US Code Section 1708. Because the USPS…
Read MoreHow Moving a Bird’s Nest Can Lead to Federal Charges
How Moving a Bird's Nest Can Lead to Federal Charges When doing home improvement work, it may entail trimming or cutting down brush, bushes or trees. While you might not give it much thought, the trees may be home to birds protected by federal law. Disturbing the habitat of these birds in any way can lead to federal charges, as two recent cases show. In Oakland, tree trimmer Ernesto Pulido…
Read More5 Dumbest Federal Crimes Committed
5 Dumbest Federal Crimes Committed Federal crimes carry significantly more severe punishments than state-level crimes. Despite the seriousness of federal charges, people continue to commit crimes that are in violation of federal law. Sometimes, the circumstances involved in the crimes are so ridiculous you wonder why they are committed in the first place. The following five cases may very well be some of the dumbest federal crimes ever committed: 1.…
Read MoreFederal Extortion Charges May Not Always Be What They Seem (18 U.S. Code Section 1951)
Federal Extortion Charges May Not Always Be What They Seem (18 U.S. Code Section 1951) Alfred Nash Villalobos was an attorney serving the needs of his client Orit Anjel. Angel was fired from her job as a religious worker for the Los Angeles Chabad Israel Center. As a worker at the Center, Anjel was allegedly participating in a scam wherein she would give her paychecks back to the director, Rabbi…
Read MoreConsequences of Federal Healthcare Fraud (U.S. Code 18 Section 1347)
Consequences of Federal Healthcare Fraud (U.S. Code 18 Section 1347) Healthcare fraud is a common type of fraud crime that can be charged at both the state and federal level. While a healthcare fraud conviction at the state level can result in prison time and fines, the penalties of a federal healthcare fraud conviction are considerably harsher. If you or a loved one is charged with healthcare fraud at the…
Read MorePiracy on the High Seas: True Crimes Depicted in “Captain Phillips”
Piracy on the High Seas: True Crimes Depicted in “Captain Phillips” Imagine yourself as the captain of a commercial cargo ship, transporting emergency food aid to starving Africans across international waters. Suddenly, on the horizon, you spot two skiffs rapidly approaching your ship. Foreign gunmen fire automatic weapons at you as they commandeer the vessel, taking you and your crew members hostage. They demand millions in ransom and threaten to…
Read MoreWhat Should I Do if I am Being Investigated for Federal Tax Evasion? (26 U.S.C. § 7201)
What Should I Do if I am Being Investigated for Federal Tax Evasion? (26 U.S.C. § 7201) Many people confuse “tax avoidance” with “tax evasion.” Tax avoidance means legitimately reducing your personal or business tax liability by structuring your financial transactions to reap maximum legal tax benefits. Tax avoidance is lawful and it is encouraged by the Internal Revenue Service. However, tax evasion is a deliberate attempt to escape a…
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