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The criminal justice system has many checks, balances, and safeguards in place, all intended to ensure justice is administered appropriately, that defendants are truly considered innocent until proven guilty, and to prevent wrongful convictions whenever possible. However, the system itself...

A photo array, a photographic lineup, is a procedure law enforcement agencies use to identify crime suspects. It typically consists of photographs, including the suspect and several fillers, individuals not suspected of the crime, presented to an eyewitness. A lineup is when a witness is...

In the legal context, immunity is a powerful tool wielded by federal prosecutors. It can serve as a lifeline to those accused of crimes, especially if you have information to help them obtain convictions on other, perhaps more serious crimes. At the same time, an offer of immunity is not...

Lolicon (sometimes called "loli" for short) is a controversial genre of anime or manga that features explicit sexual depictions of underage female characters. The male counterpart of lolicon is shotacon. The name "lolicon" is derived from the novel Lolita and is sometimes also used to refer to...

Suppose you've been charged with a federal crime, and you committed the crime because someone threatened, intimidated, or forced you into doing something you would not have done otherwise. You may claim duress or coercion as a valid defense in that case. Suppose you and your...

The Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA) is a controversial federal law that imposes severe penalties on repeat offenders convicted of unlawful firearm possession. This law aims to deter so-called "career criminals," particularly those specializing in violent or serious drug offenses, from further...

Parallel construction is a legal strategy often used in federal criminal investigations. It's a complex and somewhat controversial practice that can significantly impact the outcomes of cases, often not in favor of the defendant. Parallel construction occurs when the federal government learns...

Let’s review what happens if your federal criminal case is "remanded for further proceedings. If you are convicted of a federal crime and decide to appeal your case, the Court of Appeals may either uphold the lower court's decision or overturn the verdict. But on occasion, the appellate...

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a comprehensive, strategic approach to reducing gun violence and promoting safer neighborhoods in the United States. Initiated in 2001, PSN leverages local, state, and federal resources to create a broad network of law enforcement and community...

If you're accused of a crime, depending on the nature of the offense and where it allegedly occurred, you'll either be charged with a state or federal crime. This determines the court where your trial will be held and where you may serve time if you are convicted. Federal prisons and state...

Let’s review why seeking a post-conviction attorney for your appeal is so important. If you are convicted of a federal crime, it is not necessarily the end of the road. The United States justice system gives defendants the right to appeal their convictions. If the appeal is successful, it offers a...

With advancements in forensic science, DNA testing of biological evidence has become an increasingly powerful tool in criminal investigations and trials. It can provide a definitive link between a suspect and a crime scene or victim or conclusively exclude someone from suspicion...

If you're charged with a crime and federal prosecutors intend to bring in expert witnesses to testify against you, your federal criminal defense attorney may file a Daubert motion to keep potentially substandard testimony from being presented to the jury. Named after the landmark...

The death penalty, commonly called capital punishment, represents the highest form of punishment within the United States legal system. Simply put, “capital punishment” is a legal punishment under the criminal justice system of the United States federal government. It is a sentence...

In this article, we will review a motion in limine. Specifically, what it is and when it is appropriate to file one. They are used at state and federal levels and often at pre-trial hearings or trials. A motion in limine is asking that certain evidence be found inadmissible and that it not be...

All Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities have leisure and law libraries, but the scope and quality typically vary. Both are generally within the Education Department at each facility and accessible to all incarcerated general population inmates. There is no cost to use the libraries except...

Suppose you are a foreign national serving a prison sentence in the U.S., either state or federal prison, or an American citizen serving time in a foreign prison. In that case, you may be eligible for a prison transfer under the International Prisoner Transfer Program (IPTP). Sometimes also...

In the federal prison system, inmate counts are a routine and crucial part of institutional operations. These counts are vital for maintaining these facilities' security, order, and accountability. However, these counts can also be intimidating, especially for someone new to the system...

What does it mean to “take the Fifth?” The Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees that the government cannot compel someone to provide incriminating information about themselves. This is the infamous “right to remain silent” phrase so often used. Simply...

The prospect of federal agents knocking on your door can be an incredibly daunting and anxiety-inducing experience. The confusion and stress accompanying such a scenario could easily lead one to make mistakes that exacerbate the situation. Knowing your rights in this situation...

When you're facing federal criminal charges, the stakes are high, and the consequences of a conviction can be severe. Your choice of legal representation is not one to be taken lightly. Most people are unfamiliar with the process of a federal criminal case filed by the United States...

As part of the war on drugs, the United States in the 1980s enacted a set of laws that greatly expanded its jurisdiction into the high seas in an attempt to curb drug manufacturing and trafficking aboard vessels. These laws are contained in the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act (MDLEA...

All forms of currency in the United States, including bills and coins, are protected by federal law. Most people are familiar with the illegal practice of printing counterfeit money, but that isn’t the only way to devalue U.S. currency. Under Title 18 U.S. Code 331, it’s a federal crime to fraudulently...

Not only is it a federal crime to use the United States Mail or a private or commercial carrier to carry out a fraudulent scheme defined under Title 18 U.S.C. 1341, but if you utilize a fictitious name or address for the purpose of carrying out such a scheme, you could also be...

The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution guarantees us the right to privacy—specifically, the right "to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures." However, with the advent of computers, digital communication, and electronic...