If you are facing a criminal charge based on a homicide, you should pay attention to the specific nature of the charge. Murder is not the only criminal offense based on a homicide. A prosecutor may decide that manslaughter is the more appropriate charge. Whether...
Internet Crimes
Do you have to serve time for tax evasion?
When you earn income by working or investing, you have a legal obligation to pay taxes on the income you receive each year. If the IRS believes that you underreported your income or understated what you owed, it may charge you with tax evasion. According to H&R...
Money laundering: What you need to know
Money laundering is a crime based on the concealment or disguise of the proceeds of illegal activities. It is a complex process that typically involves a number of transactions designed to hide the origin of the funds and make them appear legitimate. How money...
Understanding the difference between assault and battery
Many people think that assault and battery are the same charge. However, California treats them as separate crimes and their definitions vary. Although one can face both an assault and a battery charge, one will only face a penalty for the greater crime, which is...
How companies are implicated in internet crimes
The damage cybercriminals inflict does not always stop with the direct victim of the crime. Companies that have not sought to hurt anyone can nonetheless become caught up in an internet crime scheme. If law enforcement suspects that a business willingly allowed...
Questions about mail fraud and wire fraud
Mail fraud occurs when a person uses the mail to pursue a scheme that involves lies or omissions with the intent to defraud others of money, property or services. Wire fraud is an attempt to obtain money or goods through fraud or false pretenses through the use of...
Common types of healthcare fraud
Healthcare fraud is common. It occurs in various ways. Healthcare providers may face fraud charges because they purposely take illegal actions. However, simple mistakes or inattentiveness may also result in charges. Providers are not the only ones who might face...
Understanding the difference between tax avoidance and evasion
Taking steps to reduce the taxes you owe is not necessarily a crime. There are many legal avenues available to minimize tax liability. There is a difference, however, between tax avoidance and tax evasion. The penalties for a tax evasion conviction can be severe. Tax...
What are the two types of tax evasion?
Most people know that tax evasion is a white-collar crime that the IRS investigates and prosecutes against individuals and businesses. Tax evasion generally means not paying your taxes or not paying all that you owe. But unless you have been charged with tax evasion,...
Racketeering charges and the RICO Act
When you hear the word "racketeering", what comes to mind? Odds are that it's gangster movies and television shows or real-life figures like Al Capone and John Gotti. But what is the crime of racketeering, and how would it cause a person to face federal charges under...