Wednesday 22 October 2008

It's Not Just the Godfather's Problem

Racketeering is not a common word. In fact, most Americans only hear the word in the context of late-night legal dramas, as actors portray DAs devoted to stopping the Mafia in cut-and-dried cases where guilt is obvious. Regardless of how it’s presented in the media, racketeering is a complicated allegation and a costly crime, impacting the financial security of millions of Americans, whether or not they’re aware of it.
The legal definition of racketeering is fulfilled when a group or organization that is centrally controlled, through a clearly hierarchical system, knowingly engages in criminal activity.
RICO--the short name for the legislation that governs racketeering investigations and prosecution—was passed in 1961 as the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. RICO’s primary area of concern is to break up organized crime, including protection scams, gambling schemes, or prostitution and theft rings disguised as legitimate business ventures. But these were not the greatest threat posed by organized crime; a more serious threat—the protection of American pensions--still flies under the radar of those who draw their knowledge of organized crime from movies like The Godfather.
Beginning in the early twentieth century, the membership of American labor unions grew extremely rapidly—and as membership soared, the amount of money funneled into retirement pensions and other employer incentives for those workers also increased dramatically. With millions of dollars up for grabs, organized crime and labor unions began a complicated relationship, with union leadership encouraged, coerced, and often threatened into handing pension management contracts off to Mafia interests.
RICO’s role has changed somewhat since 9/11, as it is now used to prosecute a wide range of criminal allegations in the federal government’s effort to stanch the flow of cash to terrorists. These prosecutions are typically viewed uncritically, and lauded as a valuable part of our defense against terrorism. Yet some critics, many of whom are criminal defense attorneys, insist that the current climate of absolute anti-terrorism hysteria contributes to a win-at-all-costs mentality, resulting in the prosecution (and sometimes conviction) of innocent individuals.
And the critics may have the data on their side. The Office of the General Inspector’s website offers the following numbers: racketeering cases referred for prosecution have remained basically stable from 2001 to 2005, while the number of indictments has shot up by more than 75%. Additionally, the number of cases actually prosecuted has increased by nearly three-fourths. It stands to reason that, if the number of allegations remains steady, the number of cases actually tried should as well; the statistics, then, indicate an obviously alarming trend.
This trend makes a cautionary point: as prosecutors move cases toward court with abandon, and jurors are deluged nightly with news about terrorist concerns, an experienced and effective white collar defense lawyers is absolutely necessary to any racketeering case.
Doug Slain is a sex crimes lawyer and sex crime criminal defense lawyer in San Francisco and Oakland California. To learn more, visit http://www.sexcrimescounsel.com
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Racketeering laws are being aggressively used to prosecute new crimes in the modern era. Critics allege that hysteria over terrorism has led to an abuse of existing statutes.
Doug Slain is a sex crimes lawyer and sex crime criminal defense lawyer in San Francisco and Oakland California. To learn more, visit http://www.sexcrimescounsel.com.

Tuesday 21 October 2008

All about Domestic Assault Lawyer

Taking The Help Of Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney
The criminal defense attorney must provide a compassionate ambiance for the clients as they pursue their case aggressively for defense, freedom and acquittal. They must provide complete understanding of the different options available to them and the realistic outcomes that they can expect.
There are often cases of domestic violence that are brought about by your spouse of other member of your family. There could be a variety of domestic violence that could be charged against a person. These include restraining orders, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Child endangerment, Spousal abuse and Battery.
This may lead to the person against whom the charged has been leveled to stay away from these people. In these cases the clients faces severe challenges as most of the time it is misunderstandings marital problems or false accusations that are the causes of these domestic violence. The verdict in these cases may result in destructive future reputation, as there are some uncalled-for allegations against the person being charged. In such instances, the domestic violence lawyer comes to much help as he or she strives to save the reputation of the client as well as the criminal record.
If one is faced with criminal offence of felony, it is wise to take the help of Minneapolis criminal lawyers. The domestic violence in Minnesota are charged as misdemeanor assault and battery. One may face penalties of misdemeanor assault if found guilty.
In addition to the criminal penalties, one faces the stigma and family consequences while the reputation of the person convicted is in jeopardy.
An experienced Minneapolis criminal defense must evaluate the true picture of the case. To go about it, the attorney must find the truthfulness of the incident, whether there has been filing of prior orders for protection, if the person concerned has any history of finding unwarranted OFPs or has the history to make false accusations.
If there have been charges of a serious assault, it could affect the individual devastatingly. In these circumstances, it is very important to contact immediately an experienced criminal defense lawyer. The lawyer must provide the individual with immediate advocacy and represent for the individual’s personal defense.
The assault charges that are leveled can be broken down into different categories. The first degree assault is those that inflict great harm to the body or use some deadly force. In the second degree comes assault made with some dangerous weapon. The third degree assault charges result from assaulting a minor or causing considerable body harm. The fourth degree assault is to assault an officer at the time of arrest. Domestic violence and abuse come under fifth degree. The first three degree assaults come under felony while the fourth assault is gross misdemeanor and the fifth assault is taken as misdemeanor.
The penalties in the case depend on the severity of injuries that has occurred along with the number of different offences committed by the individual. The defense lawyer must investigate, utilize the witness and suppress unlawful evidence to resolve the charges of assault leveled against the client.
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Taking The Help Of Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney The criminal defense attorney must provide a compassionate ambiance for the clients as they pursue their case aggressively for defense, freedom and acquittal. They must provide complete understanding of the different options available to them and the realistic outcomes that they can expect.
Judith Samson is author of this article on Minneapolis DUI Lawyer. Find more information about Minnesota DWI Lawyer here.

Taking The Help Of Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney

Finding a suitable Criminal defense lawyer in Minneapolis
People may need the help of the criminal defense lawyers in several situations of life. A person can be accused of crimes like domestic assault, theft, felony, drug charges, sex crimes and many others. Some people may also face drunken driving cases in their life. They may have to pay compensation to the victims and their cars can be forfeited.
The service of a criminal defense attorney is useful in saving a person from the legal charges slapped against him. If a person fails to prove his innocence in a criminal case, he may face severe consequences like imprisonment, fines etc. Above all such a person also faces tremendous mental agony and humiliation. His self esteem may take a nosedive in such situations.
Hence, a person accused of serious criminal offences should seek the best criminal lawyer to protect his legal rights. He should try to locate a veteran and reputed criminal attorney who has a successful track record to his credit. It would be advisable for him to talk with his friends and colleagues who have benefited from the services of a criminal attorney.
The residents of Minneapolis who have been slapped with criminal charges can search for veteran Minneapolis criminal lawyers in the Internet. One can search for a suitable lawyer using the popular search engines. Most of the lawyers are engaged with law firms that have their websites. A person can compare between several law firms before choosing a lawyer for his need.
A person looking for a reputed Minneapolis lawyer can resort to the services of Judith A. Samson. This law firm has years of experience in dealing with various types of criminal cases including the drunken driving cases. This lawyer provides compassionate yet professional services for his clients and tries his level best to get them justice. A person facing accusation in criminal cases can have a talk with this veteran lawyer for free of cost.
This Minneapolis criminal defense lawyer is known for his aggressive and logical litigation skills that can turn a case with low prospects of winning in to a successful one. A person who has been slapped with criminal assault charges may not be able to act logically because of his mental trauma and pain. This lawyer advises his clients regarding the ways to deal with police and administration properly. He also informs the clients about the available legal options for them.
This lawyer has in depth knowledge about the myriad aspects of Minnesota law and also has a thorough understanding of courts and their way of functioning. He interviews the clients in details for finding clues and proofs that may help winning their cases. The clients also learn about the existing legal rules about juvenile crime, drunken driving, family violence and many other subjects. If a person wants to find more information on the services provided by this law firm he can browse its site samson-law.com.
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Areas of Expertise of the Minneapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer Judith A Samson is one of the most famous Minneapolis criminal defense lawyers who function mostly in the Twin cities of Minnesota and Minneapolis. With experience of solid 10 years, to count for, Samson simply goes his best in all the cases he takes up. Like all the lawyers he definitely assesses the merits of the case before and warns the client against all the probable mishaps and discuses the most realistic outcomes.
Judith Samson is author of this article on Minneapolis Criminal Defense. Find more information about Minnesota Criminal Lawyer here

Boston Accident Lawyer - Aviation Lawyer - Los Angeles Criminal Lawyer 120

That's why it's crucial that you find a criminal defense attorney who is experienced in all facets of the appellate process. He or she becomes a person who seems to be protecting the accused or even trying to set that person free by producing evidence that contradicts what the prosecution has presented before a court of law. Fair in his dealings and will always be honest with the client on how the case is faring and what to expect. Pure lack of money could make a big difference to the outcome of the charged brought against you, and for many people this can change their lives completely.
In criminal cases the most important thing is to know your rights and options. These are what you should ask yourself if you are in the stages of hiring a criminal defense lawyer. Friendly with detectives, police, and other lawyers and can ferret out information that will help the case. They are more than willing to protect you, your family, your properties, your freedom, as well as your reputation.
So what is the role of a criminal defense attorney? He or she will hire investigators and check the truth of the case to verify if the accused is really guilty of the crime. But you've got to request for a mentor for that lawyer should you feel uncomfortable with him handling your case single-handedly. If the crime has been committed, he will formulate sentencing programs tailored to a clients specific needs, often helping defendants avoid future brushes with the criminal justice system. When it comes to finding a criminal defense lawyer Pennsylvania residents can enjoy a choice of lawyers with experience and expertise in criminal law.
And the expertise of a lawyer is usually either of the two. That's why it's crucial that you find a criminal defense attorney who is experienced in all facets of the appellate process. These are what you should ask yourself if you are in the stages of hiring a criminal defense lawyer. A person can be charged with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) if they exhibit at least .08% alcohol per 100 milliliters in their blood or .08% alcohol per 210 liters of breath. A criminal defense attorney is there when times get tough to guide you through the legal process.
AppealsIf you are convicted of a crime, an experienced attorney can review the charges and trial to determine if there is cause for appeal. A great actor with emoting skills to gain the favor of the jury and convince them of his clients innocence or despair. Has he won a lot of cases lately? Do you have faith that he can take your case towards acquittal or settlement? A good criminal defense lawyer is a winning lawyer.
Although it is important to get the advice and expertise of a lawyer, hiring the services of a criminal defense lawyer in Pennsylvania could prove costly. But that requires quick thinking, a great knowledge of the judicial system and a top attorney. He will shoulder the responsibility of advising you on procedures and give recommendations on what is the best action or path to take. Criminal law involves prosecution of a person by the government body for an act that has been classified as a crime by the state laws.
In the legal world one aspect is more serious than others, criminal cases. The lawyer must know the inside out of the laws and comprehend clearly the intricacies of the case. Perhaps a sentence was imposed that was an abuse of the trial court's discretion, or a prior conviction was inappropriately used to justify a harsher sentence. A successful appeal could mean the difference between maintaining your livelihood and having to start your life over again in a new profession.Probation ViolationsYou can experience severe consequences if you are arrested while on probation or if you have violated your probation after conviction and a suspended sentence. What matters is the main person who will handle your case.
The ideal way to choose a criminal defense lawyer is to find out his reputation from unconnected sources, check out his rating, see whether you are comfortable with him and feel you can trust him with your innermost secrets. Legal advices and representations are what you require during these trying instances.
Better answer these questions right now, than do it when necessary, as you might not have time to prepare. This information is absolutely vital for defendants trying to decide whether to accept a prosecutors offer of a plea bargain. For the services of an experienced Portland criminal defense attorney, visit where the principal attorney has over 30 years of experience serving the people of Oregon. If the lawyer is passionate about his work and adventurous enough to seek new strategies and facts then you can be assured that the lawyer will do more than his best for you.
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That's why it's crucial that you find a criminal defense attorney who is experienced in all facets of the appellate process. He or she becomes a person who seems to be protecting the accused or even trying to set that person free by producing evidence that contradicts what the prosecution has presented before a court of law. Fair in his dealings and will always be honest with the client on how the case is faring and what to expect

What Is A Criminal Defense Attorney Doing?

Criminal defense attorneys must install unrecognizably into the minds of the jury any amount of reasonable doubt his client is guilty. Any small possibility the defendant is innocent of the crime is sufficient to swing a not guilty. This type of defense requires a specific and structured method of strategy. First the defense must make the prosecuting team turn over every piece of evidence, report and testimony in use on the case.
The evidence supplied by the police and the prosecution are aimed at conviction, therefore will eliminate all aspects useful to the client. The defense attorney must go back and look for possibilities that would have been likely to have been eliminated. Then the defense attorney will pour over it, looking for clues. It is important that the defense then conduct an investigation in order to disprove the evidence being used by the prosecution.
It is also important to research the law and look for any interpretation that will help the accused. Laws do sometimes change and the attorney must also be aware of them. Additionally, perhaps even more importantly, a good defense attorney will go over similar trial cases looking for precedents that will help his client. A defense attorney then has a stack of tools to use to defend his client; he will then assemble them into a story line, a motif, which will suit his client.
For example, a client arrested for possession, the defense motif may be that the drugs were not his. This is a simple motif and not usually the best angle, simply used here for example purposes. A good motif will be one that is engaging, interesting, believable and very uncommon while appearing to be irrefutable at the same time.
An attorney's client who was arrested for possession cannot possibly be guilty with evidence and testimony given that his client had that very day, that very hour, been through a high security checkpoint where drug sniffing canines were in use, and none were found on his client. A defense attorney will also file a series of motions whose purpose will be to expose every little thing the prosecution has and is planning on using. Once that is done, more motions will be filed in order try to dismiss as much of the prosecutions evidence as possible.
Preparing for trial means preparing for the worst case scenario as well as preparing clients and other witnesses. A defense attorney will give a second hard interview to his client in order to reveal any untold items the defendant may not have revealed. Throughout the trial, flexibility and fast thinking are paramount to a good criminal defense.
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Useful information when someone wants to hire a lawyer.
Martin helps people learn about law. You can read more of his work like his article about Finding a Criminal Lawyer in LA on his Criminal Attorney Los Angeles website.

Monday 20 October 2008

Criminal Defense Attorney

Nobody wants to be a criminal. Everyone knows it better that being a criminal will disturb one's personal life. A person is terminated from the job. The society will start looking at him with questionable eyes. US laws against crime are very strict. The punishment of any type of crime is very severe. The fines of all the crimes are unaffordable.

A person indulges in any anti law activity just because of the prevailing circumstances. Either he deliberately does the crime or does the crime due to mistake.
A person kills anybody in an anger or dispute.
Once a person was going somewhere with his friend in a train. On the way a dispute among them occurs. In anger one of them kills the other person. He didn't do the crime deliberately. In the similar way there was a person who was very poor, don't have money for the treatment of his mother and also to fulfill the basic needs of the family. In order to meet all these requirements he shakes hand with the criminal.

Crimes in US are categories as under:
1. Federal Crimes
2. State Crimes

Federal crimes:

1. The drugs related crimes like-growing of marijuana and selling of drugs
2. Medical related crimes
3. Fraud in credit card, insurance, bankruptcy e.t.c.
4. Immigration and
5. Smuggling e.t.c.

State crimes:

1. Drug crimes- sale and possession.
2. Theft crime.
3. Alcohol and license crime-Driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or driving without the license.
4. Sex crimes -prostitution, child abuse e.t.c.
5. Violent crimes -kidnapping, robbery, assault, bribery, corruption e.t.c.

Crimes are held due to mental tension, depressions or under stress. If you are in the shackles of any of the crimes the first step you must do is to hire a defense attorney so that you may come out of the situation. There are so many criminal defense attorneys in United States from whom you can take help. But the condition is that you should have perfect and clear knowledge about an attorney who is going to assist you in the case. Your attorney must investigate about your case personally. Attorney must be fully aware of your case. Things will go positive if he always keeps in touch with you and informs you about the weak and strong points of your case. You also work according to the guidelines given by the attorney. Only then the best outcome can be achieved. The cases of the criminals are represented in state court and in federal courts. The cases in both the courts are serious matter. The winning of your case depends 100% on the attorney you hired.

During investigation by the state or the federal government you must refer to your attorney before giving any statement and do accordingly. DEA, FBI, IRS are some of the investigating authorities. Attorney who is looking after your case must be experienced in handling case in both prosecutions. While choosing an attorney one must keep in mind the following points:
1. Well qualified in laws.
2. Bold and confident while in court.
3. He should be a great actor in order to gain the favor of the jury and to convince him about his client's innocence.
4. Has handled and won such type of cases.
5. Capable to find clues and facts.
6. Attorney must be honest with the clients.
7. Friendly with detectives, police, and other lawyers.
8. Lawyer should be bold and never be afraid of threats.

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About The Author:

The Abreu Law Firm is a full-service criminal defense firm. For more detail visit Miami Law Firms and Attorneys.

Trying to define criminal law

We hear about law everyday whether we realize it or not. It's in our Government, in our work, and even in our houses. One type of law is Criminal law, which is also known as Penal law. This is "The body of statutory and common law that deals with crime and the legal punishment of criminal offenses."

We hear about law everyday whether we realize it or not. It's in our Government, in our work, and even in our houses. One type of law is Criminal law, which is also known as Penal law. This is "The body of statutory and common law that deals with crime and the legal punishment of criminal offenses." Inside of criminal law there is four major theories of criminal justice: - Punishment - Deterrence - Incapacitation - Rehabilitation This form of law is essential in many cases because it can distinguis between crimes from civil wrongs. Criminal law has been around for ages, and is seeing as the fundamental system of regulating the behavior of individuals and groups relatively to what is defined as the social norms. This differs between civil crimes, where the difference is between two individuals and their individual rights and obligations under the law which is ruling the entire society. An example of a civil law case is a dispute between two individuals over a contract that they made to for example sell an automobile. In that case one individual feels that their individual rights for a fair automobile sale have been breached by the other party. Where as in a criminal case, you would have for example a murderer, who is infringing on the right of safety that we all have. Given those two examples I'm sure you can appreciate how important Criminal law is, and the important role that it plays in everyone of our societies.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Feel free to reprint this article as long as you keep the article, this caption and author biography in tact with all hyperlinks. Ryan Fyfe is the owner and operator of Good Criminal Lawyer - http://www.good-criminal-lawyer.com, which is the best site on the internet for all criminal lawyer related informatio