Category Archives: Criminal Law
New Federal Sentencing Guidelines
Federal sentencing guidelines have been updated and took effect in late 2025, with a focus on resolving circuit splits, streamlining procedures related to sentencing, and giving judges more discretion by promoting the idea of sentencing based on individual situations, as well as by revising various other sentencing rules. The Guidelines Manual is now available… Read More »
What to Expect at Your Parole Hearing
You’ve served a portion of your sentence in prison and are hoping for an early release. As your parole hearing date nears, you have the jitters just thinking about how things will go. You know that you’ll be allowed to make a statement, and that victims will have that opportunity, as well. There’s nothing… Read More »
Dealing with ICE During a Car Stop
If you’ve been taken aback when seeing the aggression of ICE agents recently, you’re not alone. These agents have been seen blocking cars with their black SUVs, smashing the car windows of vehicles passing through, spraying chemicals into vehicles, dragging people from their vehicles and throwing them to the ground, and even shooting into… Read More »
Understanding Grand Juries
Anyone who has been charged with a federal crime, and many who’ve been charged with state crimes, understand a little about the grand jury process. For the rest of America, they are something of a mystery. We hear terms like “grand jury” and “indictment” in relation to high profile cases, but what does it… Read More »
New Hate Crime Legislation in Florida
Across the nation, political violence has shocked and appalled Americans. From gun attacks against President Trump during the last campaign, to the more recent murder of Minnesota state representative Melissa Hortman, and to the arson attack on Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro’s residence, there is no question about the determination of would-be assailants in the modern… Read More »
Voter Intimidation is Illegal
Although you thought you were acting patriotically when you chatted up fellow voters, you’ve been arrested and charged with voter intimidation. What constitutes voter intimidation, and what should you do about these charges? Defining Voter Intimidation Voter intimidation is a federal crime, and is spelled out in U.S. code as intimidation, threats, or coercion… Read More »
Questions You Should Ask When Stopped by Police
You’ve been stopped by police in your car, on the corner block, or maybe you’re even being questioned at the police station. It’s the kind of situation that causes your blood pressure to rise, partly because you’re unsure of your rights. Here are some things you really should ask in any situation involving law… Read More »
Is Jury Nullification Possible in Your Trial?
Jury nullification: is it a way to dodge a guilty verdict at the end of a trial? Actually, maybe it is. What is jury nullification, and what makes it so attractive in some cases? Jury Nullification Defined There are sometimes cases in which juries believe that a defendant may be guilty, but they opt… Read More »
Can You Get Your Charges Dropped or Dismissed?
If you are facing criminal charges, you’re no doubt hoping for an outcome other than a guilty verdict. An acquittal would be fantastic, although it’s possible you could have the charges dropped or dismissed before the case ever makes it in front of a jury. How is that possible? Having Charges Dropped When a… Read More »
Witness Tampering has Consequences
Sam Bankman-Fried had been staying at his parent’s home under a $250 million bail deal, but lost the privilege after the prosecution accused him of witness tampering, and the judge agreed. That landed him in a jail cell, despite objections he would not be able to prepare for his upcoming trial properly. What, exactly,… Read More »