You’ve probably heard about the important role of the grand jury in major news stories or legal dramas. But what exactly is a grand jury, and what do they do in federal cases? You may be surprised to learn that grand juries are one of two types of juries that operate at the federal level, each serving unique functions. Learn more about the grand jury’s purpose, powers, proceedings, and its role in the federal justice system. When Is a Case Brought Before a Federal Grand Jury? The right to grand jury indictment is constitutionally required in federal felony cases. Felonies that can be charged a ..read more

The COVID-19 pandemic brought a lot of uncertainty with it. Businesses shut down and employers sought relief. The federal government provided an avenue for relief with the Paycheck Protection Program. With $800 billion set aside, the PPP loans were intended to be low-interest, forgivable loans to help businesses keep employees paid through closures and to avoid layoffs. In its first year, more than $2.2 billion in loans were approved in New Mexico, covering 270,000 jobs. The program ended in 2021, but the federal government is working to uncover fraudulent loans. Officials within the Small Bus ..read more

Have you recently received a federal target letter? If so, you may initially feel intimidated, overwhelmed, and unsure of your next steps. Although a federal target letter is not something you need to be overly concerned about, it is essential to understand what this letter means and what the court system expects of you. What is a Federal Target Letter? A federal target letter is a formal notice from the United States government that you are being called to testify before a federal grand jury. This could be because the prosecutor believes you have information or knowledge of the criminal activ ..read more

When criminal organizations or enterprises commit certain offenses, they can face charges under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). RICO charges can carry some of the most severe consequences of all criminal charges. Suppose you face allegations under the RICO Act. In that case, you must understand the extent of the charges you are facing, your potential penalties, and which defenses are most likely to produce a favorable outcome. With that in mind, check out this complete guide to RICO charges. What is a RICO Charge? RICO charges reduce the number of crimes committe ..read more

The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects the privacy of all citizens. You have a right against unreasonable searches and seizures of your personal property from your person, home, business, and other places where you can reasonably expect privacy. There are legal safeguards to protect your privacy against illegal searches and seizures. New Mexico Search and Seizure Laws Both state and federal laws protect you against illegal searches and seizures. You cannot be searched, and your property cannot be taken unless law enforcement has probable cause to believe that a crime has been c ..read more

Drug conspiracy includes an array of drug-related activities. Federal charges result in decades in prison, significant fines, and other severe penalties. You should avoid these charges at all costs. Types of Drug Conspiracy Charges Federal drug conspiracy is a crime that may or may not actually involve handling drugs. The government must simply prove that: There was an agreement between two or more people to break a federal drug law You knew about the conspiracy and knowingly joined it You don’t need to have completed the criminal offense to be convicted of drug conspiracy. You must have had ..read more

Money laundering is a federal white-collar crime that can result in significant penalties, including decades in prison. The Money Laundering Control Act of 1986 establishes details of this crime and consequences that defendants may face for violating the law. Under federal law, you could face up to 20 years in prison and hefty fines. What Is Money Laundering? Money laundering occurs when an individual disguises the source, amount, or destination of money obtained by illegal means. This often happens through bank transfers and interactions with legitimate businesses. Funds are usually obtained ..read more

If you or a loved one has been federally indicted (charged with a federal crime), you need to quickly hire an attorney you can trust. Whatever you do, don’t talk to the feds without your federal criminal defense lawyer present. You can make some considerations to ensure you get the right person on your side. Tips for Hiring the Right Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer No one wants to hire an attorney. However, working with the right federal criminal defense lawyer can help you avoid the worst parts of the entire situation. Ask About Their Experience You should ask all potential lawyers about thei ..read more

Many federal agencies are authorized to carry out investigations. If you think you may be under federal investigation, you should contact a federal defense attorney immediately. Those agencies will collect evidence against you, and you need someone on your side to protect your rights and prevent federal charges or arrest. Who Conducts Federal Investigations? Many federal agencies may conduct investigations. They may be tipped off by an informant, or your actions may seem suspicious. No matter the reason for their investigation, you need to find out who they are and what they want. Some of the ..read more

You might think all crime is the same – involving guns, gangs, and violence. However, crime commonly depicted in media is usually what is called “street crime” or “blue collar crime.” There is another type of crime called “white-collar crime.” These terms sound confusing, but they are very descriptive of the kinds of offenses involved in each. Defining White Collar and Street Crimes There are many similarities and differences between street crimes and white-collar crimes. Street crime, also called “blue-collar crime,” is often thought to be committed by stereotypical criminals. These crimes of ..read more