Is your business being investigated for money laundering?

As a business owner, you can agree that financial transactions are the lifeblood of any organization. That said, businesses should be keen to avoid unintentionally associating with people or entities that launder money to maintain cash flow. These interactions may trigger money laundering investigations. Such an investigation can severely threaten your reputation, financial stability and … Read more

How your business can avoid legal compliance lawsuits

In today’s increasingly regulated business landscape, staying on the right side of the law is crucial. Legal compliance goes beyond avoiding fines; it’s about safeguarding your business’s reputation and helping to ensure its long-term sustainability. Lawsuits related to non-compliance can be costly and damaging. Thankfully, there are a number of strategies available to help your … Read more

Elon Musk, Tesla reportedly under investigation for a glass house

It would probably surprise no one that Tesla and its controversial co-founder Elon Musk are currently under investigation on two separate fronts by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) is investigating whether the electric vehicle manufacturer … Read more

Can your mug shot become public?

If you’ve been watching the news even sporadically in recent weeks, you’ve likely seen some mug shots you never expected to see – including one of a former president and a former New York City mayor. Mug shots are part of the criminal process that people have to submit to – whether they’re arrested for … Read more

What are public corruption charges, and what are some defenses?

When someone works for the government or holds a public position, they’re expected to act with honesty and integrity – not abuse their position or power for their own personal benefit. When they fail, the potential harm to the public trust and the way the government functions is extreme, which is why public corruption charges … Read more

What is bid-rigging? Why is it illegal?

A competitive market is necessary for a healthy economy, but a practice called “bid-rigging” can undermine the free market. Companies in certain industries, including government suppliers and construction, generally vie for contracts, by submitting bids on each job. The competition encourages each company to offer the best possible price. Bid-rigging occurs when multiple companies in … Read more

What is entrapment, and does it apply in your case?

When law enforcement agencies (local, state or federal) believe that criminal activity is going on or being planned, they may use undercover officers or agents to obtain evidence they can use to prove that criminal activity. Sometimes, they also use confidential informants (CIs) who are not in law enforcement for this purpose. People often become … Read more

SEC steps up “greenwashing” actions

It has become increasingly common for corporations, financial institutions and investment firms to prominently promote their commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals. The “E” in ESG is typically seen as the most important one. It’s also the easiest to measure. That’s important to regulators and investors alike. That’s because a commitment to ESG, … Read more

What are your Fifth Amendment rights?

Most people have heard mention of “pleading the Fifth.” Yet, they might not understand the full scope of its coverage. Here are the five rights your Fifth Amendment gives you: 1. Protection against self-incrimination This is the element you should consider if stopped or arrested by the police. It’s the reason the police must give … Read more

The trouble with “trace DNA” evidence

DNA or “genetic” evidence has revolutionized the way that forensic science is used in the courtroom, particularly when there’s a violent crime involved. These days, juries almost expect to see DNA evidence as part of the prosecution’s case – something that wasn’t even permissible before 1987 in the United States Since that time, however, not … Read more