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...
The Law Office of Brian J. Lockwood, LLC Legal Blog
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,...
Instances that can lead to federal kidnapping charges
Understanding the scope and consequences of federal laws is a part of being an informed citizen. One such law that holds severe penalties is the federal kidnapping law. You need to know the actions that can lead to federal kidnapping charges to stay within the bounds...
Federal identity theft charges: Your rights and the consequences
Identity theft is a serious crime that can have devastating effects. When identity theft crosses state lines or involves federal offenses, it may result in federal identity theft charges. If you or someone you know is facing these charges, it is important to...
What to know about drug paraphernalia charges
Using illegal narcotics, as well as permissible ones without a prescription, is an absolute crime. What may be less obvious is that possession of items that society associates with drugs can also result in federal charges. Simply because an officer discovers someone...
Federal wire fraud charges and social media communications
Allegations of felony wire fraud could result from actions taken while using social media networks. The United States Department of Justice notes that using electronic communications as part of a “scheme” may fall within the elements of wire fraud. When faced with...