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A summary of federal firearm laws

September 26, 2011
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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 [...]

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Civil RICO actions: victims are compensated regardless of outcome of prosecution

February 14, 2011
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The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) is a powerful weapon in the arsenal of federal prosecutors. The statute is often used to prosecute organized crime. Racketeering, basically, is engaging in criminal activity for the purpose of financial gain. A textbook example of RICO would be using violence to collect an unlawful debt (such [...]

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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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Definition of firearm under federal law

November 30, 2010
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Possession of a firearm without a license or permit can be a criminal offense under state law. A violation of state firearms law may result in probation and forfeiture of the weapon. For example, in Illinois, possession of a firearm without a Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) Card is a Class 4 felony offense called aggravated [...]

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