Federal Crimes

Recent Cases

Federal Marijuana Sentences May Be Reduced Based on Changing Marijuana Laws

August 18, 2021

Since the First Step Act of 2018 became law, thousands of federal inmates have been released early from prison through the “Compassionate Release Program.” The First Step Act allows inmates to request early release or a sentence reduction if they present “extraordinary and compelling reasons.” Most of the inmates released since the First Step Act […]

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Travel Act Prosecutions on the Rise in Federal Court

August 16, 2021

Federal prosecutors are initiating cases under the Travel Act more frequently in recent months. The latest conviction announced on such charges may also signal that the Department of Justice is beginning to use this legislation to prosecute a broader spectrum of criminal activity Eric Samuel Jarvis, a defense attorney in Texas, was charged by information […]

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Law Enforcement Now Using Wiretaps for Facebook, Instagram

August 10, 2021

Investigators in at least one state have sought and received court authorization to wiretap communication apps and social media sites rather than traditional landlines or cell phones. Popular social media websites such as Facebook and Instagram (which is now owned by Facebook) have continually been updated over the years to add new ways people can […]

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Reduced Sentence in PPP Fraud Case

July 27, 2021

Our firm represents a number of people and small businesses who have been charged in federal PPP Loan Fraud cases. In this case, Attorney Page Pate represented Andrew Tezna, a former NASA senior executive, who was accused of fraudulently obtaining PPP loan funds in connection with three different businesses. The Washington Post covered Mr. […]

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How Law Enforcement Uses ANOM and Other Encrypted Devices

July 25, 2021

Anom, which was advertised as “designed by criminals for criminals,” was supposed to be the newest encrypted device service of the criminal underworld. What it turned out of be, however, was a device the FBI used to monitor, investigate, and understand criminal enterprises around the globe at a level never seen before. In an investigation […]

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