Not Guilty After Cross-Examination of Chicago Police Officer
A criminal case can turn on the credibility of a single police officer.
Police officers often testify as important government witnesses. Jurors may naturally give significant weight to an officer's testimony because of the officer's training, experience, and position.
But police testimony is still evidence.
Honest Services Fraud and Official Acts in Federal Corruption Cases
Federal prosecutors have powerful statutes available to prosecute public corruption. But federal criminal law does not make every unethical act, political favor, gift, or exercise of influence a federal crime.
The Supreme Court has repeatedly placed limits on federal public-corruption prosecutions.
One of the most important...
Anticipatory Search Warrants and Triggering Conditions
Police may obtain a search warrant before evidence arrives at the location to be searched. This is known as an anticipatory search warrant. The warrant is generally executed only after a specified future event, called the triggering condition, establishes that the evidence is likely to be present.
If federal...
Zero Point Sentencing Amendment Explained
Federal defendants with zero criminal history points may qualify for a two-level reduction in their offense level under USSG §4C1.1, commonly known as the zero-point offender adjustment.
Federal sentencing attorney Michael J. Petro represents...
Earning First Step Act Time Credits
The First Step Act Time Credits program allows eligible federal prisoners to earn credits by participating in qualifying programs and productive activities. Those credits may permit an eligible prisoner to transition from a federal prison to prerelease custody earlier or, in appropriate circumstances, transfer earlier to supervised release.
Federal...
Federal Criminal Forfeiture and Third-Party Property Claims
Federal criminal forfeiture can reach far beyond cash found in a defendant's possession. The government may seek forfeiture of real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, businesses, firearms, jewelry, and other property allegedly connected to criminal activity.
But what happens when someone other than the defendant claims to own the property?
Brady Evidence and Hidden Exculpatory Information in Federal Cases
Federal prosecutors have a constitutional duty to disclose material evidence favorable to the accused. That obligation includes evidence that supports innocence, reduces culpability, undermines a government witness, or supports a defense theory.
A Brady violation can affect whether a defendant receives a fair trial. If you believe federal prosecutors...
Federal Medicare Fraud Defense Attorney
Federal Medicare fraud investigations can expose physicians, health care professionals, medical providers, and business owners to serious federal criminal charges. A conviction can result in imprisonment, substantial financial penalties, restitution, forfeiture, and consequences affecting professional licenses and participation in...
Federal Motion to Suppress Evidence Granted
A federal court in Tampa recently granted a motion to suppress evidence after finding that police lacked probable cause to arrest a driver and search his vehicle.
The case involved a very narrow Fourth Amendment...
Federal Price-Fixing Attorney
Federal price-fixing investigations can expose business owners, corporate executives, employees, and companies to serious criminal consequences. These cases often involve extensive business records, electronic communications, cooperating witnesses, grand jury subpoenas, and complex questions concerning whether competitors actually entered into...