Statutory rape is classified as any act that involves sexual relations taking place with someone that is underage or below the specified age of consent. This is classified as rape because someone under the age of consent cannot legally give their consent to a sexual...
Month: March 2017
Identity theft and how you may be guilty of it
Identity theft and fraud entail all those activities where a person's personal data is obtained and used without their permission for nefarious means. In almost all states it is considered a crime for a person to unlawfully acquire and misuse another's personal...
How do prosecutors decide to prosecute a case?
When authorities believe a crime has been committed and make an arrest, charges are not always a guarantee. Before pressing charges, the police will write an arrest report and have it looked at by a prosecutor. The prosecutor will then make a judgment: should I send...
What are the limitations of police in drug searches and seizures?
In the United States, we have the right to privacy, but this right also comes with a limit and, in certain circumstances, a person must give up their privacy when law officials are involved. Police officers have the authority to conduct searches and seizures if there...
Common forms of defense against voluntary manslaughter
A voluntary manslaughter conviction can have very severe consequences which can include massive fines, decades of jail time as well as the irreparable damage to your reputation. Voluntary manslaughter defenses are very similar to those of other homicides. To avoid...
What’s the difference between first and second degree Murder?
There are few charges more serious than murder. The mere accusation can completely ruin your life. If convicted, the penalties can range from a few years in prison to a life sentence or the death penalty. However, not all murder charges are the same. The law...
What are some forms of defense for first-degree murder?
First-degree murder charges can have extremely severe consequences that can include extensive jail time and large fines. To avoid these penalties, there are several forms of defense that can be used. Defenses for first-degree murder come in two main categories. First,...
What is a Ponzi scheme?
You may have heard the old cliché, "if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is." Such is the case with Ponzi schemes. A Ponzi scheme is commonly known as a pyramid scheme. It involves intentionally scamming investors into believing they will make a profit....
Common forms of defense used against sexual assault charges
When faced with a sexual assault charge the defendant has access to several forms of defense. The defendant must look at the circumstances and factors surrounding his/her case and decide which defenses they utilize. The defenses include the following: Innocence: The...
Understanding computer fraud charges
Computer fraud is a widely used term that constitutes of a broad category of offenses. These offenses require a computer or an internet connection otherwise they are quite similar to non-computer crimes such as fraud or theft. Computer crime laws primarily prohibit A...