Airport Searches: When are they Legal? We all know that when we fly out from the airport, we have to have our luggage checked, and we’ll have to pose inside full-body scanners. Perhaps because of these measures, people may believe that their rights related to search and seizure do not apply in airports. Moreover, people…
Continue reading ›What is a Target Letter? A target letter is a letter from a federal prosecutor informing you that you are the focus of a federal criminal investigation. It indicates that the government possesses substantial evidence linking you to a federal offense and is considering charging you. A target letter will contain key information for your…
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Not Guilty on all counts! Our team won a jury trial in the Middle District of Georgia this month. The jury came back with NOT GUILTYs on all counts. Our client was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute and Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute narcotics. He was facing a 10 year mandatory…
Continue reading ›Charges for child pornography (also known as CSAM) can range from possession, receipt, distribution, manufacturing, or other related charges in both the state or federal courts. Under the various statutes, the material can include online files, videos, print materials, photos, and other online materials. There are multiple ways in which a person can find themselves…
Continue reading ›This week, the U.S. Supreme Court will decide if law enforcement needs to be more specific in their applications for search warrants for phones. At issue this week specifically is whether law enforcement can use broad geofence warrants to gather information about an alleged crime. In the case before the Supreme Court, the issue is…
Continue reading ›What is AI-Generated CSAM? Synthetic child sexual abuse material (CSAM) may not involve a camera or physical contact but it will depicts a child in a sexual context and thus is subject to regulation. Artificial intelligence is used to create realistic images or videos of children in sexual situations. Sometimes, these materials depict completely fabricated…
Continue reading ›Being charged with a federal crime can result from allegations of violating a federal criminal statute. All cases are prosecuted by the Department of Justice prosecuted by a “AUSA” – Assistant United States Attorney. All cases are investigated by agencies like the FBI, ATF, or DEA. STEPS IN THE FEDERAL CRIMINAL PROCESS (Note: this blog…
Continue reading ›I. How Does a Sex Crimes / CSAM Case Get to Law Enforcement? The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTipline is a centralized reporting system for the online exploitation of children. Facebook/Meta, Google, Instagram, Snapchat, Yahoo, Microsoft, X, etc are required to report suspected CSAM detected on their platforms. These providers make…
Continue reading ›I. What charges can the government use to allege money laundering? 18 U.S.C. § 1956: This is for laundering monetary instruments and carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the funds involved, whichever is greater 18 U.S.C. § 1957: This applies…
Continue reading ›Professional license defense is vital. Various professionals must have a valid, active license. When there are allegations of an arrest, substance abuse issues, misconduct or compliance failures, this can lead to disciplinary actions. Understanding what is involved and knowing how to navigate this is crucial for any professional facing such challenges. Over the past three…
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