Legal Information Center

There are three major international airports in the New York City area – Newark, JFK, and LaGuardia. The attorneys at the Law Office of Matthew Galluzzo PLLC have represented many individuals arrested at these airports and accused of federal crimes based upon searches of those individuals’ electronic devices (cell phones, laptops, tablets etc.). Oftentimes, these…

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,…

On June 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), in coordination with the FBI, DEA, HHS–OIG, and more, brought criminal charges against 324 individuals—including 93–96 licensed medical professionals—accusing them of orchestrating fraudulent schemes that targeted federal healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Those cases include federal criminal charges in the District of Connecticut and…

The illegal sale of firearms is a serious federal offense in the United States, governed by various statutes under Title 18 of the U.S. Code. These laws are enforced by agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Department of Justice (DOJ). Violations can lead to substantial fines and…

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…

On May 8, 2025, multiple protesters were arrested at Brooklyn College during a demonstration. Many of those detained were issued Desk Appearance Tickets (DATs), requiring them to appear in court at a later date to face various misdemeanor and felony charges. The charges include Obstructing Governmental Administration, Resisting Arrest, Trespass, and Criminal Mischief, among others.…

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…