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Federal Fraud Sentencing Guideline 2024

Federal Fraud Sentencing Guidelines

To be charged of a federal false statement means you have violated title 18 of the United States Code, section 1001 whose penalty is a prison sentence not more than 5 years and a fine of $250,000. If the false statement charge is terrorism related the conviction can go up to 8 years. This charge is commonly used by prosecutors to throw a spanner in the works of federal criminal proceedings so they can have a bit more leverage.

A federal false statement means any information that you willfully or knowingly falsify, conceal or cover up by use of trickery, device or scheme. It also states that material fact or making material false, or makes a fraudulent or fictitious statement or misrepresents with an aim to deceive. Subsection (b) of that section however does not apply to any other party to the proceeding or that party’s counsel. Even if the defendant gave misleading information to safeguard another person’s rights, its interpreted as concealing information and many notables have faced jail time in that respect.

Making use of a document that with an absolute knowledge that its contents stand contrary in falsity, fiction and fraud to a federal proceeding; using that document to then mislead any federal jurisdictional official falls under the charge of federal false statements. Any written or spoken communication to a federal judge therefore, such as a written notice or a motion to suppress evidence; needs to be looked at for any falsity or interference that may be construed as deceiving.

Federal Fraud Sentencing Guidelines

George FernandezGeorge Fernandez
14:16 30 Apr 24
Excellent 10 out of 10, Helped resolve my case. Jeremy explained everything and made everything easy to understand.
RajRaj
21:33 24 Apr 24
If you are looking for a lawyer that listens, is aggressive where needed, and holds his word above all else, Todd is the best pick. I had hired multiple attorneys prior to hiring the Spodek Group for a white collar case. The first thing that stood out to me was the cost, as anyone going through the process and dealing with the system, money was tight at that time - especially after hiring and firing multiple lawyers. The cost was not as high as others which was definitely a plus. Todd's intake process was also unlike other attorneys. He took the time to actually listen. He cared. He was trying to put himself in my shoes while I was explaining the situation to him and he really took the time to understand the whole situation. Other lawyers will give you 15 mins and send you a retainer agreement. Not Todd, I think he spent almost two hours with me as I was explaining everything.Not only was he great during the onboarding process, he was supportive and very informative through the entire plea process and eventually sentencing. After hiring him, I asked if I should hire a prison consultant, he told me to save my money as he would do everything they would. He was right and held up to his word. Later on I would hear from others that went with the prison consultants that they were a waste of money - I am glad I listened to Todd!When it came time for sentencing, two days prior to sentencing, the prosecutor tried increasing my proposed prison time by almost double - apparently a normal move. Todd and his team worked with me non-stop through the weekend prior to sentencing to ensure that I was not given additional prison time. Again, he took the time to listen and came up with a strategy to explain the case with great detail.Unfortunately, I did plead guilty as that was my best option. Todd and his whole team wrote up nearly 300 pages of a summary of what happened and why I should not be given prison time. If I breakdown the amount I spent with Todd versus the amount of work that I saw being done, I am shocked I was not charged four times as much. The other benefit was, a lot of criminal defense lawyers were just a single attorney with a paralegal or two. Todd had a team of people that I dealt with (5-7 people that I interacted with), but he was ALWAYS accessible. It would never take him more than an hour to reply unless he was in court.I was sentenced to prison and I was emotionally distraught. Todd and his team did whatever they could even after sentencing to make sure I was alright. He personally stayed in touch with my family to ensure I was doing alright and offered support to them. Most lawyers would consider the job complete at sentencing, not Todd.After prison, Todd still spent time with me to make sure I was on the right track and avoiding any potential risks in the future. He has also been giving advice on how to navigate probation etc and has not been looking at the clock for billing.Although I wish I had never been arrested in the first place, I am glad I had Todd and his team in my corner. Without them I likely would have had to spend a lot more time in prison than I did.Thank you, Todd, and the entire Spodek Law team, for helping turn what was a nightmare into a manageable situation!
Yelva Saint-PreuxYelva Saint-Preux
19:26 19 Apr 24
I am immensely grateful to the entire team at Spodek Law Group for their unwavering dedication and exceptional expertise throughout my case. From our initial consultation to the final resolution, their professionalism and tireless advocacy made all the difference. Their strategic approach and attention to detail instilled confidence in me every step of the way.Thanks to their hard work and commitment, we achieved a truly favorable outcome that exceeded my expectations. Not only did they navigate the complexities of my case with precision, but they also provided invaluable support and guidance during what was undoubtedly a challenging time. I cannot recommend Spodek Law Group highly enough, especially attorneys Todd Spodek and Claire Banks; they are beacons of excellence in the legal profession.YSP.
Katherine SunKatherine Sun
18:08 18 Apr 24
my lawyer is Alex Zhik. Efficient, patient and professional
Nun yaNun ya
17:48 18 Apr 24
Todd, Ralph and Alex are amazing. Helped my husband get from a double digit number with multiple charges to a single digit, by the time I blink he will be out. They very professional and help with all your needs. They dealt with my anxiety and worry very well and they understand that your family member needs to get home as soon as possible.
Keisha ParrisKeisha Parris
20:45 15 Mar 24
Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.
TaĂŻko BeautyTaĂŻko Beauty
16:26 15 Mar 24
I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence.Thank you team!
K MarK Mar
01:37 25 Jan 24
I recently had Spodek Law Group represent me for a legal matter in NYC and I am thoroughly impressed with their services.Alex Zhik secured the best possible outcome for my case.It was a seamless journey from the initial consultation to the resolution of my legal matter. From the moment I spoke to Todd about my case, his enthusiasm to help was evident, setting a positive tone for the entire experience. The efficiency and professionalism displayed by the team is commendable.A particularly noteworthy aspect of their service is their user-friendly portal to upload your documents/evidence. This not only simplified the process, but showcases their commitment to streamline the client experience.Lastly, in an industry where legal fees can often be a concern, I found their pricing to be very reasonable, making needing legal assistance feel accessible and stress-free.I am grateful for their support and wouldn't hesitate to turn to them again in the future.
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There exists a lesser offence known as giving a false report which; depending the authority you are dealing with, e.g. police or fire services, can be tried as a misdemeanor or an infraction. However, giving false statements under oath to any federal agent or in a federal courtroom for that matter is a serious federal crime. This is called Perjury; which is a felony contrary to federal law 18USC §1621. Perjury as a separate crime is punishable with a fine or an imprisonment of up to 5 years. www.wikipedia.org states that ‘perjury is an intentional act of swearing a false oath or falsifying the truth, whether in writing or spoken; concerning matters material to an official proceeding.’

If you are under a federal investigation, the sensible thing to do when under the interrogation is refer all questions to a criminal defense attorney. All federal agents by rule; work in pairs, one of whom subjects the interviewee to a barrage of questioning while the other records it. They may strike with a house visit, or call at your place of work; warrants and all. The defendant is however within their rights if they keep quiet or refer to legal counsel; they can also plead the 5th Amendment of the US Constitution. The amendment go the Bill of Rights states in partiality that; ‘no person shall be held answerable for infamous or capital crimes unless on presentment or indictment of grand jury; except in a military, militia or active duty capacity’‘.

The prosecution of federal false statements may hit a legal snag if there are issues with proving that the falsity and deception lies within the content of 18 U.S.C § 1001. If it was given in simple denial of guilt i.e. in a commission of inquiry or a senate committee hearing; then it cannot be tried under section 1001. Before an amendment to this section in 1996, it stated broad that; ‘within a US departmental or agency’s jurisdiction if whoever knowingly or willfully’… therefore any voluntarily given information to a federal agent applies to this section.

Rulings by some courts however, have upheld than the refusal to accept responsibility, has no impairment on the effectiveness of the investigating agency. This is known as the ‘exculpatory no’; a doctrine that’s not applicable in cases where the aforesaid statement go further to mislead affirmatively, a federal investigation. United States v. North, 708 F. Supp. 364,369 (DDC 1988)

All information that you are about to give an official from any federal jurisdiction must not be false or fraudulent in any way to ovoid the charge of federal false statements. Think carefully if confronted by a Federal Bureau of Investigations agent or an Inland Revenue Service investigator. Consider the fact that if you say something false or provide altered material evidence and it falls under the broad scope of section 1001; you risk a large fine or a very long federal penitentiary visit.

What Happens Before A Sentence Is Imposed In Federal Court?

Prior to a sentence being imposed in a federal criminal or white-collar crime case, there’s a lot that happens. The judge, prosecutor, your attorney, a probation officer, and other parties are all involved. It can take several months before the convict’s sentencing hearing. It may be a period of exceptional stress due to the very nature of the process and the potential results of such. Depending on the type of crime committed, background, and other aggravating or mitigating factors, the sentence can vary considerably. In some scenarios, there may not be any jail time at all.

Meeting with a probation officer is the first step:

A probation officer prepares a presentencing report. This report is a comprehensive listing of the subject’s background. It takes many different factors into consideration such as social background, work history, criminal background, financial status, and potentially more.

After the presentencing report is completed:

The presentencing report is distributed to everyone involved in the matter including the convicted party. The convicted patty and their attorney will review the report together, typically. This is to determine if the report is accurate and if any objections need to be raised. This is a very important step as it is one of the biggest determining factors in the convict’s sentencing.

Behind the scenes:

There’s a lot that’s happening behind the scenes. The judge works with assistants to research past sentences in similar court cases. The judge tries to gather this information from as many sources as possible to ensure that they have a fair and objective understanding. The judge also takes into consideration the testimony that’s been given in court. He or she reviews the documents, evidence, and anything else that would help in determining what type of sentence would be appropriate.

The death sentence:

The death sentence is reserved for cases that warrant it such as capital murder. It’s only given if a jury decides it’s an appropriate consideration. Other factors that are considered include whether the convicted party is mentally competent and if they’re over the age of 18. Otherwise, the death sentence is a form of “cruel and unusual punishment.” Protections against this type of practice are guaranteed by the US Constitution.

The sentencing memorandum:

A sentencing memorandum is a comprehensive document that’s composed by the convict’s attorney. The document speaks to the character of the convicted and their reputation in general. It may also include references by the convict’s friends, family members, coworkers, members of the community, and more. The intent of this memorandum is to give the judge and everyone else involved one last push for a more lenient sentence. This technique has been highly successful in many cases.

The sentencing trial:

During the sentencing trial, the judge will announce the sentence that is to be imposed. The judge has already done their homework; however, the final sentence isn’t set in stone quite yet. The judge will listen to the prosecution, the convict’s attorney, and the convicted. It’s important that the convicted work with their attorney to prepare what is to be said and rehearsing it prior to the sentencing trial. This gives the greatest chance of success in getting the most lenient sentence. After the information is presented, the judge will then speak on the matter. He or she will also announce the final sentence. If the attorney and the convicted disagree with the sentence, they may file post-trial motions or an appeal, depending on the particular action requested and the circumstances. The Department of Justice, Offices of the United States Attorneys website offers great insight on the sentencing process and much more. Click here to visit the Department of Justice’s website.

Selecting an attorney or hiring a new attorney:

If you’re in need of an attorney or were dissatisfied with your old attorney, it’s imperative that you seek one out. An attorney is an absolute necessity in any federal court matter and especially during the sentencing process. During this time, they’ll help you more than ever before in getting you the best possible sentence and terms. A no-risk consultation will give you the chance to ask questions and have your questions answered. We’re available whenever you happen to need us. Get in touch online or by telephone to get the representation you want and deserve, today.

How Can You Challenge A Federal Criminal Conviction?

When you or your loved one have been charged with a federal crime, you may want to know your options in appealing the conviction. You may feel that the judge or jury made an improper decision based on the evidence presented, and you want to overturn the case. It could be your lawyer that made a mistake, and you want to have a fresh set of eyes look at your situation and appeal of the matter.

Your Rights to Appeal A Federal Crime

Under the United States Constitution, you have the right to appeal any decision that was handed down. You must show that you were not given a fair trial due to one or more factors. It can be because the judge or jury was given information that was false, or you could have been given a court-appointed or had another attorney that did little to help you.

You, also, have the right to competent counsel in any crime. If you feel that your rights have been infringed upon due to the trial’s outcome, then you can try to get your conviction overturned under code 28 U.S.C. § 2255, a petition can be filed for an appeal.

Two Ways to Overturn A Conviction in Federal Court

Two basic appeals can be filed in a federal court to have the appellate court review your case. The circumstances will depict if it’s best to file a direct appeal or a 2255.

•Direct Appeal

One of the most common methods of appealing your case is called a direct appeal. After sentencing has been handed down, you have fourteen days to file the documents for this type of appeal. To have sufficient grounds, you must be able to prove one of the following:

•The Trial Court Acted Incorrectly
•The Judge Did Wrong
•The Jury Acted Erroneously
•Judge or Jury Was Bias in The Case

You can’t just say that they didn’t like you or other things of that nature. You must prove to a federal judge that they didn’t act within the law and did you wrong. Establishing what happened in the courtroom can be quite challenging, especially when you are saying that the judge or jury was biased or not following legal protocol.

•Petition 2255

A habeas petition is called a 2255, and it gets its name from the section of the Constitution where it originates. You can find this at 28 U.S.C. section 2255. When you have an attorney file this petition on your behalf, it means that you have been locked up unjustly. It means that something has occurred that has violated your rights. The most common reason to file this appeal is because of a lack of effective legal representation.

If your lawyer didn’t conduct a proper investigation of the evidence, didn’t file necessary documents or motions, and messed up your chances of a fair trial, then you may consider submitting a 2255.

You must keep in mind that using a 2255 is a very different kind of appeal than going about it directly. In a direct appeal, you are stating that the court or its agents did something wrong in your case, but when you file a 2255, you are blaming everything on the lawyer that represented you.

Deciding the Proper Method To File Your Appeal

When it comes to the legal system and most courts, the timing of the appeal means everything. Traditionally, you file a direct appeal followed by a 2255. However, when you are dealing with the federal court circuit, everything is different. You and your attorney must figure out what you want the court to address, and then you can file the appropriate documentation. The “vehicle” you use in your appeal can mean everything to the outcome. Before slinging accusations at the judge, jury or an attorney, you must have sufficient evidence to back up your statements.

Having a crime on one’s record can have far-reaching negative consequences for the private life and career of the convicted person. And this is especially true for people indicted for federal crimes, as they are frequently harsher and therefore are punished more severely. Check out this article written by federal criminal defense attorneys at Spodek Law Group to learn about the peculiarities of this type of offenses, how they differ from state ones, what consequences and penalties they may result in, and what a person should do if investigated or charged with a federal-level offense.

Definition and Types of Federal Crimes

A federal offense is a violation of the U.S. federal legislation. These are the crimes committed against all U.S. citizens, citizens of two and more states, and the U.S. federal government.

For example, tax fraud and evasion results in all U.S. taxpayers getting overbilled, and thus the crime is considered federal. Similarly, fraud and abuse of federally funded healthcare programs results in a waste of all the U.S. taxpayers’ money, and thus Medicaid and Medicare fraud is not just a state-level offense. Other types include the following:

  • drug-related crimes;
  • mail fraud;
  • kidnapping;
  • immigration fraud;
  • theft of an artwork;
  • counterfeiting;
  • damaging mailboxes;
  • possession and sales of banned firearms;
  • child pornography;
  • sexual exploitation of children;
  • identity theft;
  • credit card fraud;
  • public corruption;
  • hate crimes;
  • racketeering;
  • bank robbery;
  • computer crimes;
  • intellectual property crimes violations;
  • assassination or conspiracy to assassinate the U.S. President, Presidential or Vice Presidential candidate, member of Congress, Cabinet, Supreme Court;
  • murder of a relative of a U.S. judge or a U.S. official;
  • etc.

Difference between state and federal offenses

State-level criminal offenses are prosecuted by the local and state law enforcement authorities. Mostly, these are the crimes committed within the boundaries of a single state and they do not relate to the citizens of other states, at least not directly. Federal crimes in their turn, as it has already been said in this article, are the crimes committed against all U.S. citizens or citizens of two and more states. Sometimes the two types of crimes overlap, in which case the federal government is most likely to take over the case.

Consequences and Penalties for Federal Offenses

State and federal offenses differ in the way they are prosecuted and penalized. First of all, the federal government has much more resources to investigate crimes, and in some cases several investigative agencies will join forces to investigate a charge. Therefore, the more investigators working on the case, the more evidence collected, and thus the prosecution case is likely to be very strong and extremely difficult to challenge.

Secondly, federal and state judges have a different level of discretion when determining penalties and sentences. In federal courts, judges use special sentencing guidelines, which are quite strict and straightforward and among other things have a point system to determine the impact of the person’s previous criminal history on the current sentence and additional punishment enhancements. In state courts, a judge may be guided by either sentencing guidelines or by sentencing ranges with no specific guidelines, depending on the legislation of a particular state.

Thirdly, state and federal legislatures have different sentencing laws for similar crimes, and the latter has harsher and higher maximum penalties.

What to Do If You’re Investigated or Accused of a Federal Offense?

As you see, federal criminal charges are much more challenging to handle and therefore require the expertise of an attorney who has years of experience in the law area your case belongs to. However, even before a lawyer sets to your case, there are some things you can do to make it easier for the legal counsel to build a strong defense. If you need help with federal appeals, our federal appeals lawyers can assist with this as well.

  • Don’t talk to the government officials before talking to your lawyer. In most cases, by the time the person learns that he or she is under investigation, the agents have already gathered an extensive amount of evidence, and anything you say may serve as proof of whatever information they already have. Sometimes the agents may tell the interrogated person that it’s not he or she who is targeted and that they’re asking for information about some other individual. This may also make you tell the officials some incriminating information.
  • Don’t talk or write or text to anyone about the case except for a lawyer who’ll be handling your defense. The investigators have the authority to review your online activity and your phone may be wiretapped.
  • Always ask for a search warrant or a subpoena. Without these documents the agents can’t force you to give them any papers or search your home or office.
  • Call an attorney who specializes in your kind of cases as soon as possible.

Prompt assistance of an experienced legal counsel can help you get the dismissed, lower criminal penalties, change the degree of the crime you’re charged with to a less severe, even change the court your case will be prosecuted at from federal to state.

How Do The Federal Sentencing Guidelines Work?

It’s very crucial that you familiarize yourself with the federal sentencing guidelines if you are having been convicted of a federal crime. It’s also just as important if you have a friend, loved one or family member who is awaiting sentencing. These guidelines form the basis of the range of months one can be sentenced to for every crime.

The guidelines were created by Congress and are issued out by the United States Sentencing Commission. The Congress comes up with the maximum penalty, and at times the minimum penalty an offender of a federal crime should be handed. The United States Sentencing Commissions mandate is to look at the circumstances of an offence and create guidelines for sentencing. The goal of these sentencing guidelines is to ensure that there is consistency in federal sentencing nationwide. This translates to ensuring that offenders with similar criminal records and convicted of similar crimes get to serve similar sentences. For an overview of the guidelines, click here.

There are two major frameworks under which the federal sentencing guidelines work. The frameworks are;

The offender’s criminal history

The offender’s criminal history is a significant part of how the federal sentencing guidelines work. It would be unfair to punish a first-time offender the same as a chronic offender in some instances. If the offender has a clean criminal record and has never committed any crime, then they are put under criminal history category one. If the offender has committed many crimes before the one that they are being convicted for in the present, they are placed in the criminal history category six. The higher the criminal history of the offender, the more the months of sentencing they will face in a federal prison. This first framework of federal sentencing guidelines is meant to discourage convicted felons from committing another crime.

The crime committed

Different crimes have different levels of severity. It would be very unfair if a murderer was sentenced for less time than the common thief. The federal sentencing guidelines analyze the crime committed and its severity in determining the appropriate sentencing for it. The offense level of a common thief is much much lower than that of a murder according to these guidelines. When we add bank fraud to the equation, it takes a position in the middle of common thievery and murder. Since they have a higher offense level, a murderer will spend much more months in a federal prison than the person who committed bank fraud and that who committed common thievery. Despite bank fraud and common thievery both being forms of thefts, the former is a much more severe crime than the latter. This means that a person who is convicted of bank fraud will spend more months in federal prison than the common thief.

The departures and exceptions in the guidelines

You should first note that the Supreme Court clarified that judges do have to make their sentencing adhering to the guidelines. There are numerous departures and exceptions from the guidelines both out and within the guidelines to the framework mentioned above. These departures and exemptions are:

A guilty plea

According to the federal sentencing guidelines, if an offender pleads guilty to the offense, they get some leniency. Some levels are taken off their offense level which means they will get a slightly reduced sentencing. This departure is meant to help discourage guilty offenders from wasting the courts time by pleading innocent.

The number of victims

Let’s go back to the banking fraud scenario. If an offender is accused of defrauding just one financial institution, it will be unfair to hand them the same sentencing as an offender how has defrauded numerous financial institutions. In this case, the less the number of victims, the less the offence level one has. This means a little less time in a federal prison. This departure aims to discourage and offender from committing more offenses.

For more insight into the departures from the sentencing guidelines, click here.

The statistics

According to statistics, more than 75% of federal criminal case rulings in the last quarter of 2014 adhered to the federal sentencing guidelines. This means that despite it not being mandatory for judges to make their verdict according to the guidelines, most rulings still follow it. This is why it’s essential you understand how the guidelines work.

Financial fraud: Definition and Types of Fraud

Financial fraud is a white-collar crime that is defined as a form of theft committed by an individual or a business when they either take resources or use them illegally in order to obtain profit. Often those who commit financial fraud act deceitfully and abuse the position they hold at work, and that is what makes this type of crimes different from robbery and theft.

Types of financial fraud:

  • securities and investment fraud;
  • credit or debit card fraud;
  • money laundering;
  • tax fraud;
  • extortion;
  • bribery;
  • embezzlement
  • bank fraud;
  • accounting fraud;
  • pyramid schemes;
  • etc.

Tips on How to Avoid Financial Fraud

Most victims of related crimes have a distinctive feature – a desire to accumulate wealth quickly and effortlessly. Unscrupulous investment advisers, stockbrokers, insurance agents and pyramid schemes have a nose for such persons’ naivety. And the Digital Revolution has made it easier than ever for a scammer to take advantage of people. The means by which fraudsters contact their victims are plentiful: from door-to-door sales and cold calls to social media and email. And with all the technologies available, sometimes deceived people won’t even be able to learn the real name and the location of the criminal, making it difficult and in some cases impossible for law enforcement authorities to track down the fraudster.

So in order not to become end up in such a situation, we recommend that you follow these guidelines:

  • Be wary of anyone promising you investment returns and other benefits that sound too good to be true. Never trust salespeople who rush you into making an investment or a purchase immediately.
  • Always double-check before making a decision. Take your time to learn more details about the salesperson, the firm they represent, and the venture they are trying to convince you to invest your money in. A simple Google check can save you from becoming a victim. Other sources include the finra (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) BrokerCheck online service and the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) website. You have all the right ask for records of the person’s professional conduct, inquire into the company’s background, audits, investigations, lawsuits and other details.
  • Ignore unsolicited emails, messages, phone calls and Internet banners asking you to invest your money in some venture or to wire money as a processing fee for a lottery you won but had never signed up for. Set up spam filters for your email box and install an ad blocker in your browser to save you the trouble of even paying attention to such things.
  • Never provide your personal financial information, your ID, Social Security card number, PINs, etc. and stay alert when using your credit card in public. Regularly check your credit card charges for transactions you never did.

What to Do If You Become a Financial Fraud Victim

Sadly, despite the informative measures the government takes in order to prevent people from falling victims to financial fraud and all the media coverage about scandalous Ponzi schemes, people are still largely exposed to such crimes. This is especially true about senior people. Moreover, the elderly frequently feel embarrassed about reporting crimes, as they are afraid to come across as not capable of managing their finances. Therefore, it is advisable that young people educate their elderly relatives about the guidelines mentioned above.

If you or someone you know still ended up falling for a scam, it is necessary that you report the crime right away. You can find the contacts of the authorities charged with attending to your specific type of situations on government websites, for example, you can visit the stopfraud.gov website. And in case the scammers have done their homework and it seems like there is no chance that you can prove that a crime has been committed against you, hire a legal counsel immediately. Timely and competent assistance of an experienced financial fraud lawyer can make all the difference and help you get your money back.

Steps for People Investigated or Accused of Financial Fraud

A recent spike in financial crimes and their scale has put law enforcement authorities on guard against such crimes. This has given way to a large number of investigations and prosecutions against business professionals and companies that provide services related to investment, securities, insurance, etc., who meant nothing but good to their clients. If you have found yourself under investigation or someone you know was arrested for this crime, you should hire a financial crimes attorney as soon as possible. Mind that you should avoid speaking to the enforcement officers without legal representation as any details provided may be used to incriminate you. This will make it much more complicated for your securities or bank fraud defense lawyer to defend your case successfully.

Federal Sentencing Guidelines for Criminal Copyright Cases

You could go to jail for violating copyright law especially if the violation is willful and involves certain kinds of infringement. The copyright owner, on the other hand, benefits more when more people are facing penalties for breaking this law. A recent study found out that the number of people getting convicted of intellectual property violation has increased to 61% for the past ten years. On another thought, it is highly unlikely for one to go to jail for copyright infringement. The numbers of those who go to jail for this crime is significantly low even with the cases being on the rampant. Take an example of 2010; there were a paltry 200 criminals who were convicted for intellectual property violation, some of those cases being trademark cases.

What is Criminal Copyright Violation?

If you infringe the copyright laws, you will be sued civilly and at times prosecuted criminally for the infringing act. The civil statute of limitation is up to three years; however, there is also a five years statute of limitations for the federal prosecutor to bring the case against the offender. For one to successfully bring the copyright infringement suit, they must have registered the copyright. The prosecutor needs to table evidence that the accused knowingly infringed for their commercial advantage or to gain financially. The prosecutor should demonstrate that the offender distributed one copy or more, or phone records of more than one copyrighted work with a total retail value exceeding $1000 in the past year. They may also have distributed works that were being commercially being prepared for commercial distribution. Therefore they made the work publicly accessible on a computer network even though they know that the work was for retail distribution by the owner.

Evidence of “willfulness”

Courts say it is willfulness when a person charged with infringing copyright is given legal notice that his conduct was infringing the law. Also, if they knew that his conduct was illegal but went ahead to do it. You would be committing a crime when you pull out your phone or camera and start screening movies and recording what is playing on the screen then upload it online while ignoring many desist warnings that screening and sharing it is illegal. In such a case, the court will see that your conduct was willful.

How federal Governments Decide to Criminally Prosecute Copyright Offenders

If you have ever received the cease letter that notes criminal penalties for willful infringement you may wonder how the federal court would prosecute you for copyright infringement. You need to understand that the federal court makes these rulings carefully. All meritorious cases which fall within the parameters of the statute are seriously considered for trial. The courts more seriously consider the seriousness of the offense and if they can be a successful trial.

To know whether the offense is serious, they consider the number of copies you distributed and their worth. Federal prosecutors usually give special attention to offenders who are successfully charged civilly but continue to violate the law. If the case is to be prosecuted successfully, it will depend on the existence of legal issues or evidentiary. The prosecutor, on the other hand, needs to explain the evidence and legal issues and advocate them despite them.

Guidelines for Copyright Cases

You could refer here for some terms that may find hard to comprehend.

(a) Base Offense Level: 8

(b) Specific Offense Characteristics

1) If the violation amount (A) is over $2000 but did not exceed $5000, by the increase of levels, property destruction, theft and fraud corresponding to the amount.

2) If the crime involved publication, display, performance, reproduction or distribution of the work that is being prepared for commercial distribution, increase by two more levels.

3) If the offense, (A) involved importation, uploading, manufacture of the infringing items, or (B) the defendant would be convicted under 17 USC. The resulting offense is less than 12 levels, increase to twelve levels.

4) If this crime was not committed for commercial advantage or private financial gain, decrease by two levels but should not be less than level 8.

5) If this crime involved (A) the risk of death or bodily harm, or (B) possession of a dangerous weapon, e.g., firearm, together with the offense increase by two levels. If the new offense level is less than 14, make it level 14.

Do you need A Lawyer?

You need a federal defense lawyer by your side when you are charged with copyright violation. They will explain the law on copyright infringement much better and represent you in court. They know their way around this law and will do everything to ensure you get a fair trial, less harsh penalty or equally negotiate for an out of court settlement.

How Do The Federal Sentencing Guidelines Work?

Sentences imposed on federal crimes are majorly based on the federal sentencing guidelines. These guidelines form the foundation for federal sentencing in numerous cases. They provide the basic standard on which the reasonableness of any imposed federal sentencing is judged. According to statistics, more than 75% of the sentences imposed by federal courts in the last quarter of 2014 fell within the recommendations of this particular guideline. The United States Sentencing Commission drafts these guidelines. These guidelines are purposed to help direct the sentencing of persons who have committed crimes in moths in relation to the crime they have committed. The federal sentencing guidelines are based on three critical parts. These are;

The criminal history of the accused

The number of months an accused person is sentenced to stay in a federal prison hugely relies on their criminal history According to the federal sentencing guidelines. If the accused has never committed any crimes prior to that particular one, they are recognized as a criminal history category one. On the other hand, if the accused has previous committed numerous crimes, they are recognized as a criminal history category six. According to the federal sentencing guidelines, the punishment in months goes higher the more the criminal history the accused has.

The kind of crime the accused has committed

The federal sentencing guidelines also take into consideration the kind of crime the accused has committed. Each crime has a different offense level depending on its severity. For instance, if the crime committed is bank fraud, the offense level will be a little less than murder. The offense level will still have to put bank fraud ahead of other less severe crimes and below more severe crimes like espionage and murder.

Departures and adjustments

Departures and adjustments from the federal sentencing guidelines are allowed to happen to a given range depending on a number of factors. For instance, if an accused person happens to plead guilty to their crimes, they can have several levels off their offense level. This translates to somewhat fewer months in a federal prison. On the other hand, if victims of the offender’s crimes are many, levels get added to their crimes, and this translates to more months in a federal prison. For more information on this departures and adjustments, click here.

You should keep in mind that according to the Supreme Court, the federal sentencing guidelines are not mandatory. The judge is not required to follow these guidelines when issuing a sentencing for a federal crime. Despite this, they form a foundation for which many judges issue out their sentences. As mentioned earlier, the majority of judges still issue their sentencing based on these guidelines. There are several other factors that despite not being the basis of federal sentencing guidelines, they still influence how the work. These are;

The role of the accused in the offense

The federal sentencing guidelines also puts into consideration the role of the accused in the crime of conviction. There are five sections considered in this criterion, these are:

– Aggravating roles

– Mitigating roles

– Abuse of position of trust and use of special skill: As the accused, you are likely to get a two-level enhancement to your offense if you are convicted of abusing a position of public or private trust or a special skill. The same enhancement of offense level applies if the position of trust, for instance, impersonation of an attorney or doctor, was obtained through deception.

– Use of a minor: If you as the accused is proven to have directed, commanded, encouraged, intimidated, solicit, or trained a minor below the age of 18 years to commit a crime you will get a two-level enhancement in your sentencing. This guideline does not take into consideration whether you were aware of the minor’s age as the accused or the minor was aware that they were committing a crime.

– Use of body armor in a crime of violence or drug trafficking: For more information on this subject, click here.

The guidelines allow for the adjustment of the accused’s crime level depending on their level of participation in that particular offense. This adjustment doesn’t apply if the offense of conviction is a one-person crime or if the accused is of average culpability for the crimes involving more than one offender. Further more, there is an increase of four offense levels if you as the accused are a leader of large criminal endeavor – with five or more participants – or its organizer. If you were among the managerial subordinates – including managers and supervisors – you will be handed three levels increase in your offense.

Terrorism

If any of the crimes that you have been accused of fall under the more than 41 crimes defined as terrorism then you will land a 12-level enhancement in your sentencing according to the federal sentencing guidelines. The guidelines instruct that the offense level for this crime must add up to 32 and criminal history set to category five.

Officials who work for the American judicial system have a great deal of power over the lives of the people they interact with each day. They have the power to determine if someone goes to jail or prison. They also have the power to impose fines both large and small. Those who may be hearing a capital sentence even have the power to determine if the imposition of a death sentence is warranted. Under these circumstances, it is understandable that officials who work for this system are closely monitored both by sources inside the system and those who watch it from afar. They must be able to meet certain standards and adhere to specific guidelines. This is true in all they do. Of particular concern is the issuance of a criminal sentence. A single criminal conviction can make it hard for anyone to operate or own a business. A person who has been sentenced to a term in prison may ultimately face the loss of their job, the loss of custody of their children and the loss of many of their existing financial assets.

Federal Sentencing Guidelines

Over time, officials have developed a series of highly specific sentencing guidelines that apply in the federal court system. These sentencing guidelines are intended to help any judge decide how to respond to the defendants in front of them. The ultimate goal is to make sure that any sentence the judge imposes are not vastly different from a sentence imposed for a similar crime in another court. While these are guidelines, they are also not binding. The guidelines also allow the judge a certain ability to make choices based on the individual’s highly specific circumstances. These guidelines were originally created by Congress. Officials at the United States Sentencing Commission are entrusted with making sure such guidelines are created in ways that allow the judge to consider such factors. At the same time, they are also created to help the judge make sure they have a specific document they can use in order to help craft what may be a very important decision.

Basically the sentencing guidelines take many factors into account. Three of the most important factors are the: criminal history, the type of crime and the type of response the plaintiff has to the crime they’ve been found guilty of at this point in time. Of these factors, a person’s criminal history is one of the single most important considerations. Someone who has a long and extensive criminal history is someone who will generally be facing a much longer sentence that someone who has never been involved with the criminal justice system before. For example, if someone has a history that includes prior arrests and convictions for crimes of a serious nature. The same is not true for someone who has never been involved in the criminal justice system. Someone who has a minor conviction for driving without a license or jaywalking will not face the same charges. The age of the offense at the time may also be considered during this process. A judge has the right to see the person’s criminal history before making a decision about the sentencing they want to hand down.

Another thing that the judge will take into account is the type of crime. Certain crimes are deemed more dangerous than other crimes and may warrant an increased sentence. In general, many crimes are grouped together in the same category. For example, all those who commit bank fraud will be considered in the same sentencing category as others who commit the same type of crime. They will not generally be lumped in with same person who engaged in tax fraud or another crime that is only minimally related.

Other Factors

Other factors will also be taken into account. For example, a defendant pleas guilty that can also be taken as a form of remorse and considered in the sentencing guidelines. A judge may be more lenient on someone who admits to their behavior rather than someone who denies it even the face of overwhelming evidence. The same is true if the person used a firearm in the course of the crime.

Someone who has never been involved with the law, has admitted to guilt and shows remorse will generally fare better. The guidelines are intended to help. It’s important to keep in mind they are not mandatory. Good counsel can help make sure you present your case in the best possible light. They can prepare numerous documents for you that enables you to make sure that the judge keeps in mind every positive thing you’ve done as well as factors such as a lack of violence during the crime. Effective legal counsel can make sure that all necessary federal guidelines are followed.

How Do The Federal Sentencing Guidelines Work In Fraud Cases?

Whenever a fraud case is in court, the accused always want to know their fate. They may have admitted to having committed the crime but still not knowing the direction the case will take.

Some guidelines dictate how the judges should make their verdict concerning the fraud cases presented before them. They have to follow them to determine whether to deliver maximum sentencing or minimum sentencing. Such guidelines are known as Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

You could be asking yourself what they are and to whom do they apply? Don’t worry. This article elaborates on the various issues you may want to know. Keep reading to understand better.

What are the Federal Guidelines?

In the past, the Government and prosecutors realized that those who committed white-collar crimes were getting away with them easily. An independent, bipartisan agency within the US called the United States Sentencing Commission came up with recommendations on how federal offenders’ sentencing should be.
However, it’s not mandatory for the judges to follow those guidelines strictly. They can always use their judgment skills in determining the verdict. The sentencing guidelines, although, are persuasive at the verdict stage. They play a significant role in the final verdict. Read the next section to understand.

What is Federal Fraud?

Federal Fraud can be defined in many ways depending on the context. However, it refers to a form of crime committed by a person who steals money and uses it for an unlawful intent that serves a personal interest. Also, fraud can exist in many ways. Below are the common forms of federal fraud

1. Embezzlement

Embezzlement refers to the theft of money or property one is entrusted with for personal intent. The fraud mostly occurs in public offices and is majorly committed by public servants.

2. Tax evasion

Tax evasion is commonly associated with business persons and other people who decide not to share their income with the Federal Government. They mostly do that intentionally, thus justifying why they are generally subjected to harsh sentencing when found guilty.

3. Money laundering

Understanding crime can be complicated, especially if you are knowledgeable about financial matters. Precisely, it’s channeling illegally acquired money through a legal medium to thwart the tax officials and do away with any traceable paths to the illegal sources. Money launders are also subject to harsh sentencing.

4. Bribery

Bribery refers to a valuable offer to a person in power or someone capable of influencing a decision. It’s majorly committed in public offices by people who want favorable decisions towards them. Ironically, some people also try to commit this crime in the courts.

5. Mortgage Fraud

It is mostly associated with home homeowners or lenders. It happens when one of the parties tries to alter information on the mortgage documents. The main aim can be to defraud the other party attached to the mortgage plan.

Above are the examples of common fraud practices people do engage in. It would be best if you avoided them because the consequences associated with them are dire.

How do Federal Fraud Sentencing Guidelines work?

As stated, before the Sentencing guideline commission came up with the sentencing guidelines, the Government realized that sentencing the US fraudsters was becoming easier and allowed them to walk away easily. As a result, it ensured that policies are put in place to establish the minimum and maximum sentencing level for fraudsters.

Since then, the sentencing guidelines on fraud became dire to the offenders such that when one thinks of committing it, they first think of how hefty the consequence will be. The sentencing guidelines mainly focus on the loss amount and the characteristics of the crime. The loss amount in that matter does not necessarily mean the amount of money involved in the fraud. It refers to the potential amount.

The characteristics of the offense may include some things. First, it may want to establish whether you have had a past criminal record and if the accused committed the crime. It is the characteristics that determine the weight of the case.

What should you do in case you are involved in a fraud case?

You never know when you will be ina fraud. Remember, even if you are not directly involved, you may find yourself in it indirectly. What matters is what you do immediately, you realize.

The essential thing you should do is seeking legal representation. If you have an attorney who can represent you in court, you can be sure of defending yourself in the best way possible. A lawyer will also guide you on what you should avoid as the case progresses.

Conclusion

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