• Federal Criminal Justice System–More Prison, Less Probation.

    Since the advent of the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984, imprisonment has been the dominant sanction in the federal criminal justice system. In 2014, 90% of defendants convicted of federal crimes went to prison whereas 50% went to the pokey in 1980. Federal courts sentenced 2,300 fewer offenders to probation in 2014 than in 1980, […]

  • Examining Sentencing Memos

    Examining Sentencing Memos

    Both state and federal crimes require assistance from an experienced criminal lawyer near Columbus who is well-versed in the differences between these types of laws and has experience in both kinds of court. One of the most important features of both state and federal criminal law is the sentencing memo. A sentencing memo is an […]

  • A Look at Ohio’s Statute of Limitations on Sexual Assaults

    Currently, the statute of limitations in Ohio for rape and sexual battery is 20 years. This means that, under criminal law in Columbus , prosecutors cannot bring charges against a suspect when this deadline expires. However, criminal law is ever-evolving and lawmakers have recently approved a bill that would extend the statute of limitations to […]

  • Who Makes The Next Move At Malheur National Wildlife Refuge?

    Remember when the Native Americans occupied Alcatraz for several years in the late 1960s? How about the Ruby Ridge debacle or even the Waco imbroglio? There are a number of chapters in our country’s recent history when groups have become fed up with Uncle Sam’s bullying behavior and penchant for over-regulation and made a statement […]

  • Fiscal Year 2015 Statistical Trends In Federal Court

    Most of us spent New Year’s Eve watching dreadful football games and hoisting adult beverages—not John Roberts. No, the Chief Justice of the United States worked through the night and disclosed the annual report on the federal judiciary. Here are some fun facts that you might find of interest for Fiscal Year 2015: (1) the […]

  • Immigration Code’s Definition of “Aggravated Felony” Is Vague!

    Most lawyers defending illegal reentry cases are frustrated with the limited issues those cases present for litigation. Let it be known that Johnson v. United States, 135 S. Ct. 2551 (2015) has opened up a Pandora’s box of issues that can be exploited. The Seventh Circuit’s recent decision is illustrative. Raul Vivas-Ceja pled guilty to […]

  • What to Expect if You Are Arrested for a Violent Crime

    What to Expect if You Are Arrested for a Violent Crime

    Any arrest may involve a unique set of circumstances. However, defendants can generally expect certain steps to follow an arrest for a violent crime, including being booked at the precinct. If you’re arrested for allegedly violating criminal law , your criminal justice lawyer serving Columbus will help you navigate the legal justice system and build […]

  • Defending Against Mortgage Fraud Charge by Scott and Nolder

    Defending Yourself Against Mortgage Fraud Charges

    Criminal charges such as mortgage fraud allegations should not be taken lightly. If you’ve been charged with fraud, you could be facing substantial fines, restitution payments, and a prison term ranging from a few years in state prison to a few decades in federal prison. Your first step in defending yourself is to contact federal […]

  • Understanding Federal Drug Charges & Sentencing Guidelines

    Understanding Federal Drug Laws and Sentencing Guidelines

    Drug offenses may be prosecuted in state or federal court, depending on the nature of the alleged offense. Defendants accused of drug crimes are often confused about why they are facing charges in federal court, rather than state court. Your best source of information about your case is your criminal defense attorney serving Columbus. Since […]

  • IMPACT OF MILITARY SERVICE ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM INVOLVEMENT

    In 2011–12, an estimated 181,500 veterans (8% of all inmates in state and federal prison and local jails) were incarcerated. This represented a decline from the 206,500 incarcerated veterans (9% of the total incarcerated population) in 2004. While the number of veterans in prison and jail increased along with growth in the overall number of […]