Criminal Defense Attorney in U.S. Federal & Florida and Illinois Courts

Zero Point Sentencing Amendment Explained

Zero Point Offender Sentencing Attorney Michael J. Petro Explains  New Guidelines Amendment Introduction to the Zero Point Sentencing Amendment The United States Sentencing Guidelines are the backbone of the federal criminal justice system, providing a structured framework for sentencing offenders. In the ever-evolving landscape of criminal justice, Zero Point Sentencing Attorney Michael J. Petro stays…

Federal Sentencing Guidelines

Federal Attorney Michael J. Petro Knows the United States Sentencing Guidelines In the complex world of federal criminal law, one critical aspect that can significantly impact the outcome of a case is the United States Sentencing Guidelines (USSG). These guidelines are a cornerstone of the federal sentencing process, and understanding them is essential for anyone facing…

U.S.S.G. § 2B1.1 Loss Amount: Money Paid Back to Victim Before Fraud Detected NOT Counted

US v. Christian Peterson.  No. 14-3716. Before running into legal trouble, Christian Peterson, an entrepreneur doing business in Madison, Wisconsin, owned several manufacturing and realestate development firms. He misused corporate finances, frequently making unauthorized intercompany loans and occasionally using corporate funds to pay off his personal gambling debts. Eventually all of his business ventures failed,…

Residential Drug Abuse Program – BOP Changes Make Allow Greater Inmate Participation

SUMMARY: The Bureau of Prisons (Bureau) revised the Residential Drug Abuse Treatment Program (RDAP) regulations to allow greater inmate participation in the program and positively impact recidivism rates. DATES: This rule is effective on May 26, 2016. 550.55(b) Inmates not Eligible for Early Release. As an exercise of the Director’s discretion, the following categories of…

USSG 2B1.1 – Honest Services Fraud “Value of Benefit Received” Explained

United States v. Harper, No. 14-2701.   The defendant pleaded guilty to fraud consisting of her having abused her position as a member of a Chicago public-school board by accepting kickbacks of more than $500,000 from bus companies to which she steered transportation contracts worth $21 million. The parties stipulated that the value of the benefit received from…