Over the years, in representing individuals involved in grand jury proceedings, we’ve found that most people don’t have the clearest understanding of what a grand jury is or how it works. That’s why we decided to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about...

If you’re involved in a federal investigation, then it’s something you should take extremely seriously. Even if you think you did nothing wrong, do not assume you can ignore the situation in hopes of making it go away. Regardless of the reason for your involvement...

After being placed in custody for a crime, everything seems to move fairly quickly. You appear before a magistrate judge, where you are advised of the charges being made against you; your attorney argues for bail (see August blog), and then you need to be arraigned on...

After being placed in custody for a crime, everything seems to move fairly quickly. You appear before a magistrate judge, where you are advised of the charges being brought against you; your attorney argues for bail (see August blog), and then you need to be arraigned...

Credit card fraud is a term used to refer to a broad range of crimes - involving theft or fraud committed while using a credit card, or other similar payment mechanism, as a fraudulent source of funds in a transaction. Generally, the purpose of these crimes is to get...

To an outsider, guilty pleas and no contest pleas often look identical. When it comes to sentencing and conviction, they are treated the same way. However, each option can produce substantially different outcomes, so it’s important to understand how either choice will...

You’ve probably heard of being released on bail, but have you heard of being released on your own recognizance? Read on to find out what this type of release means for you as the defendant. Release on your own recognizance is often shortened to ROR.  To understand...

Unlike what some people think - “cutting a deal” with the prosecution is not just for the guilty. An innocent person may decide to enter into an advantageous agreement with the government because it is in their best interest; because the risk of losing at trial and...

Criminal law is a complex topic, especially when you’re considering your options as the defendant in a criminal case. Many legal terms are similar or even interchangeable, and it’s crucial to consider the consequences of every possible verdict. One question that...

You’ve been arrested on federal charges—what now? Unless you plan on staying in custody, you (and your attorney) must be familiar with the federal bail process to plan out your next steps. What You Can Expect at Your First Hearing After you’ve been arrested, you’ll be...