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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...

A congressional subpoena is a powerful tool the United States Congress uses to gather information and testimony as part of its legislative and oversight responsibilities. Congress might issue a subpoena to compel individuals or organizations to provide documents, records, or personal testimony....

Let's review what to look for in a criminal defense attorney when facing federal white-collar crime charges. As a CEO or high-ranking executive with a company, you bear responsibility for your actions and your company's actions. That's why it can be so unnerving to discover that you're the target...

Tax evasion is not a matter to be taken lightly. It is a serious federal offense that can lead to severe consequences, including substantial fines, interest on unpaid taxes, and even potential imprisonment under 26 U.S. Code 7201. While criminal charges are not typically filed unless the IRS believes...

In the context of federal crimes and penalties, particularly for financial crimes, asset seizures of the defendant are among the most controversial and hotly contested penalties. While legal, this procedure can sometimes feel overwhelmingly punitive, especially when the value of seized assets seems...

Are you aware of the signs that could indicate you're being investigated for a federal white-collar crime, such as fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, or similar offenses? These often involve complex investigations by federal agencies and can sometimes go on for years, often under the radar...

Tax evasion, a violation under 26 U.S.C . 7201, is a serious federal offense in the United States. It involves deliberately misrepresenting or concealing information to reduce tax liability. Tax evasion can take many forms, but it primarily falls into two categories: evasion of assessment and payment...

Consumer fraud is a broad term that encompasses various deceptive practices that wrongfully deprive consumers of their money or property. In today's digital age, the sophistication and frequency of consumer fraud have escalated, posing significant challenges to individuals and businesses alike...

Many Americans have money in financial accounts overseas in our increasingly global economy. Unfortunately, this also makes it more difficult for federal regulators and investigators to track shady financial activities such as tax evasion or money laundering. The law states that U.S. persons...

A “Terry Stop,” also known as a “stop and frisk,” is a specific type of police encounter in which law enforcement officers temporarily detain an individual based on reasonable suspicion of criminal activity, which might violate their Fourth Amendment rights. Stemming from the landmark Supreme...

While most criminal offenses are prosecuted at the state level as violations of individual state laws, federal law precedes certain types of crimes. This includes crimes that cross state boundaries, involve interstate or foreign commerce or federally controlled infrastructure, and crimes committed...

In the United States, the conservation of wildlife, fish, and plants is governed by a comprehensive legal framework designed to protect these natural resources from illegal exploitation.  These rules are embodied in Title 16, Chapter 53 of the U.S. Code, Sections 3371-3378, called the Lacey Act...

In the digital age, cell phones, and computers are not just personal devices but reservoirs of personal and sensitive information. It should be no surprise that digital forensic evidence has become a cornerstone of many federal investigations. It involves collecting and analyzing data from electronic...

The government relies heavily on private sector companies to perform functions, acquire supplies, complete projects, etc. Government procurement involves the process by which governments acquire goods, services, and works from third parties. This complex process typically involves awarding...

Ever since the stock market emerged, people have been attempting to manipulate the market to their advantage—often to the harm of other investors. Stock market manipulation involves intentionally distorting the financial market for personal gain. Typically, these manipulative tactics are designed...