Information and Insight on Criminal Law and Civil Rights
I love to check out the "Case o the Week" over at the 9th Circuit Blog to see just what little gem of a case makes the grade – and this week the Court did not let me down. At issue – what does possession mean? In United States v. Nevils, __ F.3d __, 2008 WL 4937030 (9th Cir.
Continue Reading Possession Means Knowing Possession – Not Passed Out Possession
It’s that time again – when lawyers have to renew their yellow pages advertising. I have joined with my pals over at Gerry Spence’s law firm, the Spence Law Firm to change the focus of our advertisement. For years we have advertised our work in Idaho and Wyoming on catastrophic accident and wrongful death cases. If you are cruising down…
Continue Reading Off Topic: Truck Wrecks Injure and Kill Idahoans Every Day
In an article today in the Idaho Statesman, a federal agency the investigates transportation accidents says Idaho could do better fighting drunk drivers if it would adopt its eleven (11) "best practices." The bottom line – the law and its enforcement would get tougher making the crime even more – well – criminal. DUI laws in Idaho are tough, and…
Tis the season for increased traffic patrols – and DUI arrests in Boise, Idaho. The Statesman reports that between Friday night and Sunday afternoon forty-nine persons were arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Suppose for a minute that you are one of those forty-nine. Any criminal charge is expensive and the outcome important enough…
Continue Reading Five Questions To Ask The Lawyer Before You Sign That Retainer
If you think that white colar crime results in a slap on the wrist, consider the recent sentencing decision in a case of mortgage fraud, in Georgia. The Georgia United States Attorney reports that last week Adriene Newby-Allen was sentenced to 135 months imprisonment and ordered to pay $5,278,703 in restitution. Newby-Allen pled guilty in July to charges arising from…
Continue Reading Mortgage Fraud Sends Defendant To Prison For 135 Months
As reported here DBSI, a locally prominent real estate investment company is in serious financial trouble, having been named a defendant in civil lawsuits alleging fraud. Investors yesterday were dealt the next card in this hand – the BK card. DBSI has now filed for protection under the bankruptcy laws in hopes of keeping its fiscal head above water. The…
Once in a while a lawyer blogger needs to talk about something besides lawyering – so I confess: I am a Mac, not a PC. Truth is I have always used Macs to make it easier to organize for trial. I think I am a better lawyer because I have an easier time with the technology. I am not alone –…
Here’s the other thing we need to remember – there is no “guaranteed investment.” Any investment carries risk, and risk makes “promised returns” nearly impossible to count on. So be careful out there as you invest. If you buy a “share” of a promise, make certain that the promise could be fulfilled.
Continue Reading Investor Lawsuit Against DBSI Claims Fraud – Ponzi Scheme?