crime of violence

A summary of federal firearm laws

September 26, 2011
Thumbnail image for A summary of federal firearm laws

A person who possesses a gun can be charged with a crime if he is disqualified from legally possessing the weapon. The charge can be based on state law where the gun is possessed within the boundaries of a state. Or the charge can be based on federal law whenever the gun travels interstate. Federal [...]

Read the full article →

An overview of federal money laundering statutes

February 6, 2011
Thumbnail image for An overview of federal money laundering statutes

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 [...]

Read the full article →

Federal law prohibiting instructions for making or using bombs

November 26, 2010
Thumbnail image for Federal law prohibiting instructions for making or using bombs

Federal law criminalizes any information that teaches how to make a bomb where the intent is for the information to be used to commit a federal violent crime. Despite the First Amendment to the Constitution protecting freedom of speech, it is a criminal offense to distribute this information if there is criminal intent. The federal [...]

Read the full article →

Types of criminal cases in which the court must hold a detention hearing

October 25, 2010
Thumbnail image for Types of criminal cases in which the court must hold a detention hearing

Federal criminal law differs from state law on the issue of bail. In almost all state courts, if the accused is held in custody pending trial, he has a right to post bail in order to secure his release. Some states call it posting bail, and others call it posting bond. Generally, when a defendant [...]

Read the full article →