In order for federal prosecutors to obtain a criminal conviction, they must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. They may try to achieve this in a number of ways: calling witnesses, cross-examining the defense's witnesses, and introducing evidence. However, there are strict rules that apply to physical evidence and witness testimony, which are put in place to protect Americans from unfair treatment under the law. When those rules are broken, individuals can wind up facing criminal charges that they should not.
Explosives and federal law
The federal government has placed strict constraints on weapons, including explosive. Those who run afoul of the law as it relates to these matters can wind up facing serious penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, fines and a federal criminal record that may haunt them for the rest of their lives. This is why, when accused of a federal crime, an individual should do everything in their power to fight for their legal rights. One of the first ways to do that is to become familiar with the law they are accused of violating.
Criminal copyright infringement and fair use
Previously on this blog we have discussed criminal copyright infringement. In short, this offense occurs when an individual willfully infringes on a copyright for financial gain, reproduces or distributes work with a total value of more than $1,000, or makes an unpublished work available on a computer. This is a serious criminal charge, and a conviction could lead to prison and hefty fines.
The trafficking of children and its penalties
Many Californians do not realize that human trafficking is a major concern for our federal government. Men, women and children are forced into labor and sex trades, often in obscurity. In response, the federal government has tried to crack down on those who participate in this illegal activity by passing strict laws and enforcing serious penalties. However, when the government becomes eager to put a stop to crimes like these, they often wind up accusing individuals who do not deserve it.
