Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Probation Violations and Detainer Hearings

Probation violations and detainer hearings are terms that are often heard together. This is simply because when terms of probation are violated, then the individual will frequently have a detainer hearing to tend with. Probation violations and detainer hearings can quickly become a serious situation that involves heft fines and even jail time. To list some of the most common technical violations include the following:
  • Fines or court costs not being paid
  • Failure to appear in court
  • The violation of a restraining order
  • Being tardy to a probation meeting
  • Failing a court ordered drug or alcohol test
  • Not attending a scheduled probation meeting
  • Failing to complete court mandated counseling, rehabilitations or classes
  • Various others
Probation violations and detainer hearings that a judge chooses to lodge against an individual that has violated their probation will depend a great deal on the specific circumstances that surround the violation. This will often end in steeper fines and longer time added to a jail sentence.
 
When a person is facing probation violations and detainer hearings, their best bet is to consult the best criminal lawyer familiar with this specific procedure. They are often able to convince the judge to lift detainers that have been set.

Monday, October 24, 2011

When Police Brutality Happens, Call a Criminal Lawyer

When police brutality becomes an issue at hand, there are several things that will generally take place. Depending on the specific situation that surrounds the accusations that are being made and any charges that may be filed, the police officer in question may be put on paid leave from work until the issue is completely resolved. In situations where police brutality is an accusation, there is generally quite a bit of investigation work that takes place. This is frequently done by members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In some cases the investigation that is required also involves the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division as well.

In the event that an officer of the law is convicted on charges they have received for police brutality, there are a number of different forms of punishment that they may end up facing. Not only is it likely that they will be liable for various fines but depending on the severity of the crime they may also be looking at jail time as well. Another problem they will also face is losing their job.
When a person has been convicted of police brutality, it is a must to consult with criminal lawyer that has a vast knowledge in this area to ensure they obtain the least amount of fines and punishment.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

The Punishment for Juvenile Crime Is Nothing to Laugh At

There is a wide range of different juvenile crimes that can result in all sorts of punishments that are passed down through the family courts of the juvenile justice system. To list just a few of the most common juvenile matters that numerous teenage delinquents are often charged with include the following:
  • Delinquency
  • Vandalism
  • Petit larceny
  • Robbery
  • Burglary
  • Drug offenses
The specific punishment and fine penalties that are handed down through family court systems in regards to juvenile matters depend a great deal on the specific crime that has been committed. A teenager that commits any of these or other crime could face such punishment as community service, time spent at a rehabilitation facility, probation, time spent at a juvenile detention facility or even time spent in jail. When a trial is the chosen direction, a jury is not an option available in family court. This means that the guilt or the innocence of the defendant is a verdict that is determined solely by the judge.
In many situations, relying on the expertise of a skilled juvenile crime attorney is all that is needed to get the charges of juvenile matters completely dropped or at least get felony charges reduced to a misdemeanor.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

What Are White Collar Crimes

White collar crimes can include a wide spectrum of different charges and a list of a few of these charges includes the following:
  • Money laundering
  • Fraud – This includes credit card, bank and social security fraud
  • Forgery
  • Illegal financial or business transactions
  • Identity theft
  • Counterfeiting
  • Insider trading
The punishment that a person may end up facing for white collar crimes such as the ones listed above will often include house arrest, a number of fines, prison time and fulfilling obligations of community confinement.
 
In many situations when a person has been charged with white collar crimes, their case is often presented to the courts by any one of several different federal agencies. These can include such agencies as the FBI, US Customs, SEC, IRS, EPA and even the Secret Service.
 
If you happen to be facing any type of white collar crimes, it can be a huge relief to know that there are a large number of white collar criminal defense attorneys that truly do all they can to get charges like this completely resolved. In the event that this is not possible, most experienced attorneys can at least provide a strategy of defense that will result in a lesser form of punishment.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Accidental Vehicular Homicide is a Serious Charge

Vehicular homicide is a very serious charge that a person will often receive when the untimely death of another person occurs simply because of the negligence they’ve shown while operating an automobile. An example of this type of crime would be when the accidental death of a person happens as the result of such unlawful acts as another person being under the influence while they are operating a motor vehicle.
The specific penalties that a person might wind up facing for serious charges that involve vehicular homicide is going to depend a great deal on the state the charges have been incurred. In some states and depending on the circumstances that surround the situation, the driver can face a sentencing of as many as 15 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. There are also some states that look at vehicular homicide as a class A felony that is punishable by as much as $50,000 in fines and up to life in prison.
When a person has been charged with vehicular homicide in teh state of Pennsylvania, hiring the right Philly criminal lawyer is a step in the right direction that can actually result in decreased charges and fine penalties that are not nearly as expensive.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Are Sex Crimes a Criminal Offense

There is a wide range of different types of criminal activities that are placed in the category of being sex crimes. There are some that are considered to be a misdemeanor crime and others that are considered to be a felony crime. An example of a crime that is considered to be a misdemeanor would be the distribution of material that is obscene. A list of some of the most common felony sex crimes would include rape, the sexual assault of a child, the possession or distribution of child pornography, human trafficking and numerous others.
The degree of severity of the crimes that are committed will play a large role in the type of punishment that a person committing this type of crime will receive. Sex crimes that are considered to be a misdemeanor can result in hefty fines, probation, as much as a year in jail or any combination of these punishments. Felony convictions can result in each of the above penalties and a term of life in prison.

An expert criminal attorney with years of experience in dealing with cases involving sex crimes knows the strategic planning that is required to possibly reduce fines and other punishment their clients face.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Do People Really Get Pardons

The eligibility people have for pardons can vary a great deal from one state to the next. This is also true for any convictions they have received from any type of military or federal offenses that have been committed. Any type of conviction that is considered to be a state offense is one that can be pardoned by the governor of that specific state. However, any type of conviction that is considered to be a federal offense or a military offense such as a court martial is one that can only be pardoned by the President of the United States. In quite a few states, pardons for a person’s criminal records are not an option that is available at all.
In a number of situations where convicts have acquired serious criminal offenses on their record, the only chance of them being able to move ahead in life and have their rights restored is by obtaining pardons for their actions. This is something that is not always an easy achievement and simply is not possible without the skill of an experienced attorney that specializes in pardons. They can advise clients on the best course of action to take to successfully acquire a pardon.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Online Solicitation - The "Catch a Predator" Offense

While the charges of the online solicitation of a minor may vary somewhat from one state to another, it is regarded as a very serious crime in all states and is punishable by hefty fines and jail time. When a person is charged and convicted of a third-degree online solicitation it is considered as a third-degree felony offense. This type of crime can result in the punishment of as much as $5000 in fines and as long as five full years spent in prison. When a person is charged and convicted of a second-degree online solicitation, it is considered as a second-degree felony offense. This type of crime can result in the punishment of as much as $10,000 in fines and as long as 15 years in the state penitentiary. Penalties like this are the result of each individual online solicitation that a person becomes involved and is convicted of. Another stiff penalty that will also be required of the convicted party is they will have to register as a sex offender as well.

The best step that a person facing online solicitation charges can make is to consult an top criminal lawyer. In some cases they can get penalties reduced to house arrest or even electronic monitoring.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Punishment Levels for Manslaughter Charges

Manslaughter charges are those that are given to a person that has been involved in some type of accident that has caused the accidental death of another person, without having any type of malice or intention for causing the loss of life. There are also varying levels of this particular kind of charge, which includes involuntary, voluntary and vehicular manslaughter.

There are also a variety of other factors that are generally taken into account when a person is charged with this crime. An example would be if a person were driving while intoxicated by alcohol or some type of illegal drug substance when the death occurred.

When a person has been convicted of this crime, they can end up facing fines of no less than $500. In many cases, the individual will also face a jail or prison sentence as well. The length of the term a person will have to serve in prison will depend a great deal on the degree of manslaughter that they are charged with, along with other factors that surround the case.

Consulting an experienced criminal defense attorney can in many cases get a person’s manslaughter charges dropped from a felony down to a misdemeanor.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Internet Sex Crimes Are a Serious Offense

Internet sex crimes are being looked upon as extremely serious offenses and the laws that surround these types of crimes are getting tougher all the time. There is also a very broad spectrum of different criminal acts that fit under the description of Internet sex crimes. A person that is caught trying to arrange a meeting with someone who is not of legal age for sexual reasons can end up facing as much as $5000 in fines and as much as three years in prison.
If a person arranges a specific time and place and then goes to meet a minor for sexual reasons, they will generally face as much as four years in prison and a felony conviction. Internet sex crimes also describe situations where a person contacts a minor that they know for sexual reasons. This is a serious crime that can result in a lengthy stay in jail, which will depend greatly on all of the factors that surround the case.

In cases like this it is imperative to consult an attorney familiar with every aspect of Internet sex crimes. They can help get bail requirements eliminated and in some situations suggest electronic monitoring or house arrest instead of a jail term.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Facing Internet Fraud Charges?

There are quite a few different criminal activities that are actually included in the crime of Internet fraud. To list just a few of these would include identity theft, credit cards, misrepresentation, investment schemes, auction purchasing, wire fraud, wholesale purchasing and a wide range of others. Any one of these forms of Internet fraud is considered to be a serious felony offense and there are also some very still penalties that are associated with this kind of crime. When a person is charged and convicted with Internet fraud, they can find themselves facing fines that are as high as $250,000. Another punishment that many people who are convicted of this type of charge often face is a sentence of as long as 20 years in prison. Depending on the type of situation it is, a person may also face federal consequences with this crime is committed. While there are specific laws in place for each state in regards to this crime, the prosecution of these charges is usually put in the hands of the federal government.

Because of the seriousness involved in charges like Internet fraud, a person needs to hire a local attorney. For instance, if facing criminal prosecution in Philly, you will want to consult with an experienced Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer. In many situations the legal plan of action they put in place will be the only possibility of obtaining lesser charges.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Possible Outcomes for Child Pornography Charges

Internet child pornography is a serious problem that seems to continuously grow even larger. There are also some very harsh penalties that a person that is charged and convicted of this type of crime will end up facing. There is a variety of levels of this type of crime that a person can be charged with.
The most serious level of Internet child pornography is the making of pornographic material that involves children and this serious crime also carries some very harsh punishments. Another level of this crime is the distribution of materials that involve child porn. The specific level of punishment a person will receive for charges like Internet child pornography will depend a great deal on the particular crimes that are being committed. A person that has pornographic material in their possession involving children face a jail term of up to almost 5 years. This is not to mention all the fines they face and the requirement of registering on the national registry of sex offenders. The creation and distribution of materials such as this result in penalties that are much steeper.
Even if it is a first offense, a person that has a charge of internet child pornography against them will want to consult an expert criminal attorney with thorough knowledge of charges and convictions like this.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Penalties & Internet and Computer Crime

There is a wide range of different criminal activities that fall under the category of being considered as an Internet and computer crime. Threats that are related to hacking, scams involving email addresses, traditional types of criminal threats, cyber stalking, ideology threats, hacking, phishing and identity theft are just a few examples in the Internet and computer crime category. There are also other crimes that target large computer networks such as computer viruses, malware and various others.

When a person commits a type of Internet and computer crime, they risk receiving some very tough penalties that include some very step fines, as well as the possibility of a lengthy amount of time spent in prison. Depending on the circumstances that surround the crime that is committed, a person could be looking at as much as 10 years in prison and fines that are in the amount of up to $250,000.

When a person faces the charges of an Internet and computer crime, an experienced criminal defense attorney is the first person they’ll want to contact. They have the skill to strategically plan a course of action that could lead to a reduction in fines, jail terms and other penalties being faced.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Advice if Charged With Gun Possession

Gun possession is a charge that can result in a varying degree of penalties that can range from enormous fines to a stay in prison. If there have been any types of violent crimes committed when a person is charged with the crime of gun possession, then they can automatically expect to have five years added onto the sentence they are punished with. In the event that the crime involves a machine gun or assault weapon, an additional 20 years will automatically be added to the sentence they receive.
The amount of fines or jail time that a person receives for gun possession charges is largely determined by the specific state that they live in. This is simply because they can vary a great deal from one state to the next. They are also independent of federal firearm laws that exist.

In many cases, the charges that a person faces for gun possession can be reduced, simply by consulting a leading Philadelphia criminal attorney with experience in cases like this. The biggest determining factors that can help a criminal defense attorney build a case in the defendant’s favor are the force, fraud and intent that may have been used when the charges occurred.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Fraud & Avoiding the Maximum Sentence

Fraud is a serious charge that results when a person has been suspected of deceiving another person deliberately in order for them to gain money, goods or some type of service. This may not be a crime that involves any form of violence but it is certainly considered to be an extremely serious crime. Some of the areas that tend to be a problem in regards to fraud include securities, insurance, credit cards, banking, healthcare, mortgage, Internet, US mail and phishing.
The penalties of this kind of charge depend a great deal on the amount of the benefit that the individual has received. For example, if a person obtains an amount that is $500 or lower in services, goods or cash, it is considered a class A misdemeanor. However if a person commits fraud that exceeds the amount of $500, it is then considered to be a class C felony offense. The punishment for a crime of this magnitude could result in as many as 5 years in prison, as much as $5,000 in fines or both.
To avoid facing the maximum sentence allowable by law, any person charged with fraud should not waste a minute in consulting professional representation familiar with cases of this nature such as a qualified Philadelphia criminal lawyer.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Forfeiture & Getting Your Property Back

When a person’s property happens to be connected to a crime that they have committed, the individual faces the strong possibility of the state claiming and taking possession of the property. This type of action is what is commonly referred to as a criminal forfeiture. It is also a penalty that is in addition to any other penalties such as fines, jail time or criminal prosecution that the person may already be facing.
You will find that each state has their own specific set of rules that are in place when it comes to the types of circumstances that actually justify the action of a criminal forfeiture. Another element that can vary greatly from one state to the next is the specific types of property that can be taken as a penalty for criminal forfeiture. In some states the possession of a person’s vehicle can even be taken over when they have received a charge for driving under the influence.

When a person has been given notice that seizure of their property is going to take place, the best chances of possibly having charges like this lowered would be to contact a Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer with experience in criminal forfeiture.