Federal courts treat fraud offenses with heightened scrutiny, especially when they involve extensive identity theft, exploitation of government programs, and multi-jurisdictional activity. Individuals convicted of such offenses often pursue sentence reductions under newly enacted sentencing amendments or seek compassionate release based on post-conviction conduct or personal circumstances. However, these requests…
Federal law enforcement agencies often conduct searches based on complex, ongoing criminal investigations. When those investigations involve serious allegations like stalking, attempted murder, or drug and firearm offenses, the legal justifications for search warrants are often contested in court. A recent Florida decision demonstrates how federal courts evaluate motions to…
The federal government staunchly prosecutes fraud crimes. However, they must do so within the statute of limitations, which is a crucial safeguard against indefinite legal jeopardy. The statute of limitations may be tolled in some cases, though, as discussed in a recent Florida federal court fraud case. If you are…
In criminal trials, it is essential for judgments to align with the jury’s findings, ensuring defendants are sentenced according to the actual charges proven in court. If they do not, it may result in an unjust outcome and may be grounds for pursuing an appeal. This was demonstrated in a…
When defendants are sentenced to imprisonment, they may, in certain situations, request compassionate release based on extraordinary and compelling circumstances. Courts evaluate such motions against rigorous legal standards, ensuring that claims are substantiated and consistent with sentencing goals. A recent Florida drug case in which the defendant sought compassionate release…
Florida law provides mechanisms for correcting illegal sentences; however, such challenges must adhere to strict procedural and substantive requirements. This was demonstrated in a recent Florida ruling in which the court addressed a defendant’s attempt to use a procedural motion to contest the validity of his underlying conviction for burglary,…
People convicted of sex crimes will often be sentenced to supervised release after their incarceration. Typically, the court will impose standard conditions as terms of the release. In certain instances, they may impose additional parameters, such as financial restrictions, to prevent the defendant from engaging in further criminal activity. As…
Sex crime convictions can devastate people’s lives. In order to convict a person of a sex crime, though, the State must produce evidence sufficient to establish each element of the charged offense. Notably, they must do so based on the statute at the time the alleged crime was committed, not…
Parents involved in custody disputes will often disagree with how the courts divide parental rights and parenting time. Regardless of whether a parent agrees with a court’s decision in a custody case, however, they must abide by it. If they do not, and take or retain a child without permission,…
People convicted of violent offenses will typically be sentenced to years in prison. Not all convictions are based on adequate evidence, though, and in many cases, there are grounds for challenging a jury’s verdict. People who wish to seek appellate or habeas relief must comply with the proper procedure, though,…