Sacramento Federal Criminal Defense Law Blog

One of the most polarizing issues in the California criminal law arena is the topic of child pornography. This computer crime has become the subject of strident debate within the legal realm, as many consider the current federal sentencing recommendations to be too heavy-handed. At the same time, political figures do not want to appear to be lenient if they revise the sentences.

Over the last 25 years, U.S. Congress has gradually increased the severity of child-porn sentencing. Many judges and attorneys indicate that these moves have only unnecessarily increase prison time for those convicted. In some cases, these Internet crimes carry sentences that are longer than those for rape or sexual assault.

A lot of news has been dedicated to influence of Mexican cartels in the states along the United States' southern border. While federal authorities are putting a tremendous amount of resources into catching those bringing drugs across the international border into California, other unsuspecting people have been hoodwinked into violating drug trafficking laws on behalf of the cartels.

More than 40 people have been convinced by cartel leaders to cross the California border to complete an "important," but unspecified, errand for those who claim to be businesspeople. As these individuals have attempted to cross the border, federal authorities have found drugs on their vehicles. Border agents noticed this trend beginning last year, but have noted that it is still continuing today.

A recent incident at the Sacramento International Airport caused quite a stir. According to reports from federal law enforcement officials, a 45-year-old man was suspected of trying to bring four loaded firearms, ammunition and knives through a security checkpoint. Now, the man is being charged with at least four different federal firearms offenses. The man's family has indicated that he has struggled with severe depression for several years.

The incident began when Transportation Security Administration agents reportedly noticed a gun in the man's carry-on bag as he attempted to pass through airport security. After following up on their suspicions, the agents found several more weapons and ammunition in the carry-on bag and on his person. Soon, the man was taken into custody by the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department. A follow-up search was performed on the man's, which apparently uncovered additional weapons.

Since the financial crisis started several years ago, there has been intense scrutiny place on those thought be guilty of committing white collar crimes in Sacramento and across the country. The Securities and Exchange Commission invests a significant amount of resources into investigating suspected individuals and trying to secure their conviction.

Recently, the founder of a West Coast investment research firm was charged with securities fraud for insider trading in federal court. According to federal authorities, the man provided investment tips to hedge fund managers that were his clients. Apparently, the man "befriended" the employees of various publicly traded companies to gather information pertinent to stock prices. When he came before a federal grand jury, he pled not guilty to charges that could cost him 10 years in prison if he is convicted.