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The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has broad statutory authority to investigate and audit taxpayers. Often, the IRS attempts to fulfill this statutory authority by seeking communications made between taxpayers and third parties, such as tax return preparers and certified....

Federal criminal cases often involve complex procedures aimed at gathering sufficient evidence to support prosecution. This can sometimes conflict with the statute of limitations deadline for one or more offenses. To this end, when evidence is situated in foreign....

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are digital assets that certify ownership or authenticity of unique digital items, such as digital art, music, or virtual real estate. Stored on blockchain networks, NFTs have not only gained significant attention for their innovation and investment potential....

When facing federal criminal charges, you might assume that being acquitted of a charge means it's left behind entirely-and indeed, that's how it should be. However, until recently, federal judges could consider actions for which a defendant had already been acquitted....

The rise of cryptocurrency has introduced opportunities for innovation but has also created fertile ground for various forms of fraud. Operating largely within a decentralized and, at times, under-regulated market, bad actors have capitalized on these conditions to engage in schemes like market m...

Round tripping, a financial maneuver that involves the repetitive buying and selling of the same or similar financial assets, often between related entities, is a deceptive practice. It is often used to create a misleading impression of financial health or generate artificial....

The rapid advance of technology over the last decade has brought about significant changes in how businesses operate. Companies are increasingly using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and third-party algorithmic tools to streamline operations, optimize pricing strategies, and gain....

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Entity List, a crucial tool used by the U.S. Department of Commerce to safeguard national security and foreign policy interests, serves a significant purpose. The repercussions for companies or individuals on the BIS Entity List can be severe....

When you're involved in litigation or facing criminal charges, and you require information or testimony from a government agency not directly involved in your case, a Touhy request becomes crucial. It's often more effective than a subpoena in acquiring the necessary information...

A Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) is a valuable legal tool in corporate criminal enforcement. It allows the federal government to hold companies accountable for criminal conduct while avoiding the potentially devastating consequences of a criminal conviction, such as significant financial penalties, loss of...

Fraud for profit is a type of mortgage fraud that involves deliberate misrepresentation, misstatements, or omissions in the mortgage lending process to reap financial gains. Unlike fraud for housing, which typically involves individuals attempting to secure housing they otherwise could not afford, fraud for profit is...

Upon your arrest on federal charges, a crucial series of legal proceedings begins, with the initial appearance playing a pivotal role in protecting your legal rights and advancing the judicial process. The initial appearance, which follows shortly after your arrest, is not a determination of guilt or innocence. Instead, it serves...

Let's review the SDN List-what it is and how to get removed from It. The Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List is a critical tool used by the U.S. government to combat terrorism, drug trafficking, human rights abuses, and other forms of criminal activity. While this list is not directly linked to...

Let's examine the weighty federal law governing the illegal sale or false representation of military medals or decorations, as outlined in Title 18 U.S. Code 704. Given the immense sacrifices made by American servicemen and women in the line of duty, the federal government upholds a profound respect for the awarding...

The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) control the export and import of defense-related articles and services. Established under the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), ITAR's primary goal is to ensure that U.S. defense technologies do not fall into the wrong hands, protecting national security interests. ITAR...

The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), enacted in 1938, is a U.S. law designed to uphold transparency. It ensures that individuals and entities engaging in political or advocacy activities on behalf of foreign entities are transparent about their actions, thereby contributing to a more open and informed political...

A key component of national security is safeguarding the country's secrets. To that end, if you have been accused of disclosing classified information under 18 U.S. Code 798, you are likely facing serious prison time if you are convicted. This statute, a crucial part of The Espionage Act, is designed to protect the United States' national...

Compassionate release is a mechanism within the federal prison system that allows inmates to be released early for "extraordinary and compelling reasons." It is designed to provide a ray of hope and relief to those whose continued incarceration would be unjust due to unforeseen circumstances that arise after sentencing...

Federal law provides certain protections for U.S.-held lands designated as either belonging to sovereign American Indian tribes or reserved for their use. These lands, often preserved or undeveloped, hold significant cultural and historical value for the tribes. Respecting these lands and the rights of the tribes when considering...

The United States Sentencing Commission (USSC) recently released its Tax Fraud Report for fiscal year 2022. The report provides valuable insights into current patterns and outcomes in federal tax fraud cases that resulted in convictions. The term "tax fraud" includes the common crime of tax evasion, a violation under 26...

It's natural to feel uncertain and dread if you're facing federal criminal charges. Even if you genuinely believe you have enough exculpatory evidence in your favor for a jury to acquit you, the fact that there are no guarantees can create a sense of unease about your case going to trial. As it turns out, that feeling of unease is...

Hawala, an ancient money transfer system that originated in South Asia and the Middle East, is steeped in history and operates on the foundation of trust, independent of conventional banking systems. Despite its long history and widespread use, this informal method of transferring money has garnered significant attention in...

Let's review whether a civil investigation by the federal government can result in criminal charges. Having your business dealings investigated by the federal government can be disconcerting at any level. In many cases, if not most, these investigations are conducted at a civil level, meaning...

Corporations operating in industries regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) must adhere to a broad set of strict regulations. The USDA plays a vital role in overseeing various agriculture, food production, and animal health sectors. The USDA is among the many government...

Let's review some important legal considerations for physicians who bill the United States Government for medical services. Billing the U.S. government for medical services comes with a unique set of legal requirements and challenges. Physicians who serve Medicare, Medicaid, and other government...