Grand Theft and it penalties

A grand theft is a type of theft accusations that comes under the theft crime. The grand theft occurs when an individual takes another property without the prior permission and if the value of the stolen goods exceeds $500. Grand theft is usually considered a felony in Texas, especially if a weapon was used to commit the theft.

The term "property" in the grand theft definition can include money, labor, real, or personal property that lawfully belongs to another individual or group of individuals.

Credit card fraud, internet fraud, identity theft etc are the few types of grand theft which is rising in the US. It is estimated that 25 million Americans become the victims of consumer fraud, often considered a grand theft offense, each year.

Penalties

• First Degree – Grand Theft
• Second Degree – Grand Theft
• Third Degree – Grand Theft

First degree grand theft If the value of the property is greater than $10,000 or more then the individual may face the following penalties

• Minimum sentence – 21 months in jail
• Maximum sentence – 30 years in prison
• Thirty years of probation
• Fine upto $10,000

Second degree grand theft If the value of the property is less than $100,000 but more than $20,000 then the individual may face the following penalties

• Maximum sentence – 15 years in prison
• 15 years of probation
• Fine upto $10,000

Third degree theft If the value of the property is less than $20,000 but more than $300 then the individual may face the following penalties

• Maximum sentence – 5 years in prison
• 5 years of probation
• Fine upto $5,000

The common punishments include over a year of prison time, restitution, expenses, and probation. Based on the product thieved, the value of the product, and the prior record of the individual charged of huge robbery, the penalties may be improved. Additionally, a huge robbery indictment can seriously impact your popularity, family connections, and job possibilities. Because of the particulars involved with huge robbery expenses, it is vital to have a Houston criminal attorney by your side.

Arizona woman sentenced to 2 years for distributing ecstasy in Montana

Arizona woman was sentenced Thursday to two years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute ecstasyCourtney Cal Gardenier, 25, from Scottsdale, Ariz., was sentenced to 24 months in prison and three years of supervised release by Chief U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen.

Gardenier was sentenced in connection with her Dec. 5 guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute ecstasy.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

On Nov. 3, 2011, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) was notified by agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Chicago that two shipments of ecstasy were received at the mail facility. The packages were sent from Canada and were bound for Bozeman, Mont. One contained 22 grams and the other 23 grams of powder MDMA/ecstasy.

Gardenier was interviewed by law enforcement Nov. 22, following the controlled delivery of the BZP pills. She admitted that she had been involved in distributing both powdered MDMA and ecstasy pills and identified her sources of supply. Based on her statements and the statements of other witnesses, law enforcement estimated that Gardenier distributed about nine ounces of MDMA during the life of the conspiracy, in addition to the BZP pills.

Because there is no parole in the federal system, the "truth in sentencing" guidelines mandate that Gardenier will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, Gardenier can earn a sentence reduction for "good behavior." However, this reduction will not exceed 15 percent of the overall sentence.

This investigation was a cooperative effort between HSI and the Missouri River Drug Task Force.

Joshuwa Diaz Of New Haven Man Sentenced To 78 Months In Federal Prison For Distributing Heroin

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSHUWA DIAZ, also known as “Fot,” 22, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.

DIAZ is one of 108 individuals charged as a result of “Operation Bloodline,” a joint law enforcement investigation targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in the Dwight-Kensington and Fair Haven sections of New Haven. Led by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the New Haven and Hamden Police Departments, the year-long investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps on numerous telephones, extensive physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, execution of search warrants and seizures of narcotics and firearmsThis matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia and Meriden Police Departments. The United States Marshals Service, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, Parole and Community Services and the Milford, Hartford, New Britain, North Branford and Stratford Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys S. Dave Vatti and Marc Silverman.

For more informations log onto : http://www.atf.gov/press/releases/2013/04/040913-bos-new-haven-man-sentenced-to-78-months-in-federal-prison-for-distributing-heroin.html

Reynoldsburg Jewelry Store Armed Robbery

Darnell J. Harris, 25 and his sister Mariah Harris, 19, both of Canal Winchester, Ohio have been arrested based on charges in a federal indictment alleging that they robbed a Reynoldsburg jewelry store in May 2012.

The indictment charges each defendant with one count of obstructing interstate commerce (Hobbs Act) by robbing Heins Jewelers in Reynoldsburg on May 21, 2012. The crime is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Reynoldsburg and Pickerington police officers arrested Darnell Harris following a traffic stop in Pickerington. Mariah Harris surrendered to the Reynoldsburg Police and was arrested there. Both have initial appearances before a U.S. Magistrate today.

Detective Mike Binder did an outstanding job on this case,” Reynoldsburg Chief O’Neill said. “I appreciate the partnership with Pickerington Police in making the arrest.”

U.S. Attorney Stewart commended the investigation conducted by the ATF and Reynoldsburg Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Bosley is representing the United States in the case.An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

For more information's log onto : http://www.atf.gov/press/releases/2013/03/032213-col-siblings-arrested-for-reynoldsburg-jewelry-store-armed-robbery.html

Indiana man charged for child pornography

An Indiana man was charged with producing sexually explicit photos and videos of a minor over a two-year period, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Hogsett, Southern District of Indiana, on Wednesday.

These charges resulted from an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Carmel Police Department, the Fishers Police Department, and the Hamilton County Metro Child Exploitation Task Force.

Daniel Alan Jines, 36, of Whitestown, Ind., was indicted March 20 on federal child pornography charges. These charges include 15 counts of producing child pornography, one count of receiving child pornography, and one count of possessing child pornography. Hogsett said the indictment comes as his office has launched Operation Community Watch, a new effort which aims to reduce the abuse of Hoosier children through new investigative techniques and aggressive prosecution.

According to court documents unsealed March 20, Jines is alleged to have abused a 10- to 13-year-old child between May 2008 and May 2010. The indictment alleges that Jines persuaded, induced and coerced victim Jane Doe to engage in sexually explicit activity, which Jines then recorded. The indictment lists more than a dozen depictions of the victim that were allegedly located by investigators, including both still images and video files.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Brant Cook, Southern District of Indiana, who is prosecuting this case for the government, Jines faces life imprisonment if he is found guilty of producing child pornography.

The receipt and possession counts both carry with them the possibility of up to 20 years in federal prison. In addition, Jines also could be sentenced to years of supervised release, and lifetime registration as a sexual predator.

Informations, indictments, and criminal complaints are only a charge and are not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

HSI is a founding member and the U.S. representative of the Virtual Global Taskforce, an international alliance of law enforcement agencies and private industry sector partners working together to prevent and deter online child sexual abuse.

For more informations log onto : http://www.ice.gov/news/releases/1303/130320indianapolis.htm

Steps in booking process after the person has been arrested

After the individual has been arrested they are usually taken to the cop office where they may be interviewed, and the necessary reports and forms are prepared. The person who is charged with a criminal offence should hire a Houston criminal lawyer with experience in criminal defense to represent them because they are the only person who can help the people to get rid of the false accusations. Hence check out the below steps in the booking process.

Recording the information’s

The first step in the booking process will be the recording of all your personal information’s the personal information may includes your name, date of birth, contact number, address, emergency and security number. After the details has been collected it will saved on the computer for the further use.

Mug shot

The photo will be taken within a minute and it will be worst than the drivers license photo, but the purpose of the mug shots are used to distinguish individuals with the same name and to provide an accurate portrayal of the suspect at the time of arrest.

Collection of personal belongings

Prisoners are not allowed to carry jewels, wallets, money, cell phones into the jail hence they are collected and sealed in the plastic bags to secure belongings. Prisoners are requested to sign off on the list of items detailed after the belongings have been sealed.

Fingerprints

The fingerprints are taken for two reasons

• To compare the fingerprints left at the crime scene
• It must be entered in to the FBI database where it can be accessible to local, state and federal police agencies.

Body Search

A full body check up will be done on the arrestees to prevent the weapons and drugs entering in to the jail. The “strip search” can be an embarrassing experience to undergo

Warrants checking

The booking officer checks to see if an arrestee has any other charges pending, ranging from unpaid parking tickets to murder charges in other states. Suspects with warrants pending are normally not released on bail.

Health checkup

To prevent the other arrestees from infections and diseases the particular person will undergo x-ray and blood test

The booking process can take anywhere from an hour to several hours depending on the cooperation of the individual being booked into jail. If you want to get rid of the cases after the booking process has been done then do not wait to hire a lawyer with topnotch experience and proven results. Contact Houston criminal attorney to solve your problems and queries

Patrick Cody Morgan has been sentenced to 27 years in prison

United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced that Patrick Cody Morgan, 46, of Alvin, has been sentenced to 27 years in federal prison for his convictions on multiple counts of bank fraud. A federal jury sitting in Houston found Morgan guilty on October 30, 2012, of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and nine counts of bank fraud following two days of trial and less than three hours of deliberation. ‪

Today, U.S. District Judge Lynn N. Hughes, who presided over the trial, handed Morgan a total sentence of 324 months, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Morgan was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $25,277,802.

Within the overall scheme, there were more than 100 properties with a loan amount of more than $39 million. The loss amount was determined to be more than $25 million.

‪‪‪Co-defendants John Elias, 44; Reginald Anderson, 41; Viktor Ly, 43; and Christopher Pearson, 34, all of Houston, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and will be sentenced on various dates in March and April 2013. Minh Vu, 41, also of Houston, was sentenced to 60 months prison on February 19, 2013.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Lowery and Carolyn Ferko.

Refer : http://www.fbi.gov/houston/press-releases/2013/alvin-man-gets-27-years-for-multiple-bank-fraud-convictions