Bid rigging for federal construction contracts

When businesses in the construction industry collaborate to fix prices on bids for federal contracts, they tread into risky and often illegal territory. Bid rigging is a serious criminal offense under federal law. Bid rigging undermines the principles of fair competition, which are essential to a healthy economy. It distorts the market, often leading to … Read more

3 things to know about Ponzi schemes

Ponzi schemes are a type of investment fraud that are complex and deceptive, luring investors with the promise of high returns with little to no risk. Understanding the mechanics of a Ponzi scheme is crucial for anyone navigating the intricacies of white-collar crime. A Ponzi scheme operates on a simple yet effective principle: using the … Read more

Is drug possession a felony offense in New York?

In the intricate landscape of the New York criminal justice system, drug offenses are among the most common. Contrary to belief, violating drug possession laws here in New York can result in felony charges, not just misdemeanor ones. Felony crimes carry heavier penalties, including potential incarceration, fines and long-lasting consequences that can impact your life … Read more

What to do (and not to do) if under investigation by the SEC

Allegations of securities fraud, such as insider trading and manipulating market prices, can pose significant legal and financial threats. If investigators find incriminating evidence, you could face civil and criminal penalties, costly fines, injunctions or even imprisonment. Taking immediate action may help you avoid the most unfavorable outcome in your case. The following dos and … Read more

Understanding disgorgement

When a person or organization is found guilty of obtaining funds through illegal or unethical means, the consequences can include fines and other sanctions and even prison time. They’re typically required to “disgorge” or repay the money they improperly received (often referred to as “ill-gotten gains”). Often, this disgorgement is accompanied by interest and other … Read more

The basics of construction bidding compliance concerns

Navigating the world of construction bidding in New York can be a complex task. It’s not merely about submitting the most attractive price. Behind the scenes, compliance with myriad regulations and standards is a necessity, often making the difference between securing a project and being sidelined. At its core, bidding regulatory compliance helps to ensure … Read more

Felony charges and social media don’t mix

Over the last decade or so, sharing life’s triumphs, challenges and even mundane moments on social media has become second nature for many people. However, if you are facing felony charges, this instinct to share or even simply browse these platforms can result in serious, unintended consequences. It can be notoriously difficult to detach from … Read more

How a lawyer’s conflict of interest could lead to an appeal

Criminal defendants who go to trial generally believe in their own innocence or that the state has misinterpreted the situation in some significant way. They rely on their lawyers to give them proper guidance and to help them secure the best outcome possible. Sadly, for a small percentage of criminal defendants, something that their lawyer … Read more

Self-dealing allegations can lead to public corruption charges

Allegations of public corruption often make people think of scenarios involving direct financial gain. People may think of a police officer or regulatory official accepting a bribe instead of enforcing the law. Sometimes, they may also think about kickbacks, which are scenarios in which one party arranges for another to receive financial benefits for sending … Read more