21 USC 841

An overview of federal money laundering statutes

February 6, 2011
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The United States government keeps close watch on financial activity both for tax collection purposes and also for law enforcement. Tracking the flow of cash through small businesses has proven to be a useful tool for federal agents investigating large scale criminal organizations. Money laundering, generally, is the practice of using a business to conceal [...]

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Federal sentencing guidelines for possession of firearm with prior felony convictions

December 16, 2010
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In prosecutions for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, the United States Attorney may seek a sentence based on the defendant’s Armed Career Criminal status. When this occurs, sentencing is severe. The offense of possession of a firearm by a felon is established by Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The statute [...]

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Accountability for acts of another during conspiracy

December 8, 2010
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In a federal prosecution for conspiracy, the defendant is typically charged with two offenses. First, he is charged with conspiracy. Second, he is charged with the offense that he and his co-conspirators were conspiring to commit. This is known as the object of the conspiracy. For instance, a person charged in connection with a drug [...]

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Federal court jurisdiction over criminal conduct

December 2, 2010
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Many people believe that crossing state lines is what determines whether conduct can result in federal criminal charges. However, the issue of federal jurisdiction is more complicated than that. Activity that occurs in one state can be subject to federal prosecution. Understanding federal criminal jurisdiction requires a look back at history. The United States is [...]

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