Articles Posted in Uncategorized

What Is an “Illegal” Currency Exchange Under Federal Law? Under U.S. law, many businesses that exchange money are classified as Money Services Businesses (MSBs), which include: These businesses are regulated by the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and must register with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), implement Anti-Money Laundering (AML) programs, and comply with record-keeping…

Yesterday, the jury in the Sean “P. Diddy” Combs federal trial in Manhattan announced that it had reached a verdict as to four of the five counts on the indictment, but could not agree as to the top count, RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act). The judge did not do a formal Allen charge,…

Arson is a serious criminal offense in New York State, governed by Article 150 of the New York Penal Law. The law categorizes arson into five degrees, ranging from a misdemeanor to a Class A-I felony, depending on factors such as intent, risk to human life, and the use of incendiary devices. 🔥 Degrees of…

In New York State, when there is doubt about a criminal defendant’s mental capacity to understand the proceedings or assist in their own defense, the court may order a mental competency evaluation pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law (CPL) § 730. This process ensures that a defendant’s due process rights are protected and that they are…

Criminal Defense Attorney explains Desk Appearance Tickets issued to protesters at Columbia University. On May 7, 2025, approximately 75 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested at Columbia University’s Butler Library after occupying the reading room in a demonstration organized by Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD). The university cited safety concerns and the presence of non-affiliated individuals as…

Flying drones in New York City is a complex endeavor, governed by a combination of federal, state, and local regulations designed to ensure safety, privacy, and security. Violating these laws can lead to significant legal consequences, including fines, criminal charges, and even drone confiscation.​ 🛬 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulations At the federal level, the…

New York State has enacted comprehensive legislation to address the proliferation of ghost guns—untraceable firearms assembled from parts lacking serial numbers. These laws, primarily codified under Penal Law Article 265, criminalize the possession, sale, and manufacture of such firearms and their components. 🛠️ Defining Ghost Guns and Unserialized Components Under New York law, a “ghost…

Mon 4/28/2025 4:25 PM Money laundering is a serious federal offense, particularly when linked to narcotics trafficking. In these cases, the U.S. government pursues aggressive prosecution under multiple statutes designed to dismantle drug operations and seize illicit profits. Understanding the legal framework and associated penalties is essential for anyone involved in or defending against such…

Public lewdness is a criminal offense in New York State, encompassing acts where an individual intentionally exposes their private or intimate body parts in a lewd manner in public spaces or under circumstances where they can be readily observed. This article provides an overview of the legal framework surrounding public lewdness, including the relevant statutes,…

A federal grand jury subpoena is one of the most powerful legal tools used by prosecutors in the United States to gather evidence during a criminal investigation. These subpoenas compel individuals or entities to provide documents, records, or testimony that may be relevant to an ongoing probe. When someone receives a subpoena from a federal…