According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, there were 327 reported cases of blackmail in the state in 2022. If you are being accused of blackmail, you should act quickly but carefully to make your case. Definition of blackmail Blackmail is broadly defined as the...
The Law Office of Brian J. Lockwood, LLC Legal Blog
How the federal and state court systems differ
The United States legal system consists of two distinct court systems: the federal court system and the state court system. These systems serve different purposes and handle various types of cases. The Department of Justice reports there are 94 district courts, 13...
4 ways a criminal charge elevates to a federal case
When individuals find themselves facing criminal charges, it is important to understand that these charges can sometimes escalate to become federal offenses. Federal crimes are typically more serious than state-level charges, and they can lead to harsher penalties. 1....
The key elements of wire fraud charges
Wire fraud is a serious federal offense that involves the use of electronic communications to engage in fraudulent activities. This crime typically falls under the jurisdiction of federal law enforcement agencies, and its investigation and prosecution can lead to...
What is the First Step Act?
In December 2018, the United States took a significant step towards reforming its criminal justice system with the passage of the First Step Act. President Donald Trump signed this landmark legislation. It marked a substantial shift in the nation's approach to...
Is a DUI a misdemeanor or a felony?
In Alabama, driving under the influence is a serious offense that can have long-lasting consequences. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, there are over 4,000 DUI arrests made in the state each year. If the police arrest you for a DUI, it is important to...
How are appeals courts different from trial courts?
According to the U.S. Supreme Court, the justice heard 60 cases in the 2022-2023 term. As the country's highest appeals court, it does not hear every case that comes before it. Appeals courts are quite different than trial courts in several specific and important...
What are the consequences of federal insurance fraud charges?
Federal insurance fraud is a serious offense and is not taken lightly in the U.S. judicial system. When someone manipulates or lies to an insurance company to receive benefits or payouts they are not entitled to, they commit insurance fraud. This includes faking...
How embezzlement charges can turn into a federal crime
Embezzlement, a form of financial misconduct, leads to serious legal consequences. In certain situations, embezzlement charges can elevate from state-level offenses to federal crimes. If that happens to you, you face a much more complex legal process. Understanding...
What are the steps in the federal criminal process?
If you face a criminal charge at the federal level, you will have to go through the federal criminal justice system. This is different than the state system, so it can be confusing. All criminal prosecutions begin with an investigation. At the federal level,...