Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyers Blog

Cyber Crime: Hackers – trouble cashing out from Bitcoin scams

Published on: January 29, 2018 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

Cyber Crime: Bitcoin is fast becoming a player in the online marketplace. People are starting to make investments in electronic currency in hopes of cashing in on its wealth-building opportunities. Criminals seeking to scam others out of hard earned cash are also in the mix because Bitcoin’s blockchain technology lends itself to anonymous transactions.

Cyber Crime: WannaCrypt hacker‘s malware ransom scheme

What’s new in cyber crime? In May, 2017, hackers stole private data in a large malware attack affecting more than 300,000 computers and taking down systems all over the world. In order to receive a code to “decrypt” their scrambled data, users were asked to send ransom money through Bitcoin.

CyberCrime: Looking over some examples of internet crime

Published on: January 13, 2018 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

CyberCrime: The digital era has transformed life in countless ways, offering new opportunities and greater access to information. However, there are some downsides to newer technology as well, such as the different internet crimes that people have been charged with (which often carry significant consequences). When some people think of internet crime, they might picture identity theft. However, it is crucial to bear in mind that these types of offenses take many forms. In some instances, people have even been accused of an internet offense that they did not commit.

Aside from identity theft, some other internet crimes that many people have been charged with include stalking, cyberbullying, cyberterrorism, online offenses that are sexual in nature, as well as computer fraud, among others. Sometimes, people assume that the consequences associated with these charges are not as serious as those which occur offline or are not related to computers in any way. However, cybercrime charges can bring someone’s life to an abrupt halt and create consequences that will haunt them for many years to come.

CyberCrime: Not only do these charges sometimes result in time behind bars and costly fines, but a person’s reputation might be irreparably damaged as well. This could spell disaster for someone from a professional standpoint, but it could also create serious challenges for someone in other ways, whether they are working through a divorce or some other matter.

Drug Charges: Facing charges over drug paraphernalia

Published on: January 10, 2018 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

Drug Charges: In many posts on this blog, we have written about various drug-related topics, from those involving the manufacturing of drugs to distribution and possession. However, there are other charges involving drugs that people find themselves facing, such as the possession of drug paraphernalia. While some people may not think that these charges are too serious, the consequences can be very damaging in a number of ways. Whether you have been charged with possessing drug paraphernalia or are facing drug-related charges of any other kind, going over your legal options right away is vital.

There are an array of ways in which drug paraphernalia charges can turn your life upside down. For example, you might lose your job and be unable to support your family. Or, perhaps you could experience difficulty in the future when you try to land a new position. Aside from the possibility of financial penalties and even time behind bars, drug charges can also be highly damaging to your good reputation. You might have problems with some of your relatives or friends as a result of the allegations.

To make things even more complicated, some people are falsely accused of possessing drug paraphernalia. For example, someone may have planted the paraphernalia on their person or someone else may have left items behind, resulting in an innocent person facing serious charges. Regardless of the drug charge matters you are dealing with, examining how you will handle the case is pivotal. Our drug crimes section has more related to drug paraphernalia charges.

What is the difference between state and federal prisons?

Published on: January 8, 2018 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

Although the two words are often used interchangeably, jails and prisons are two different housing compounds for inmates. Jails are run by a county or other local government and house people serving impermanent sentences for misdemeanors and the like. Jails are also used to house people awaiting trial that cannot post bail.

Prisons are run by the state or federal government. They are larger, house more inmates, and have higher security. Inmates are serving longer sentences, so prisons tend to have more amenities and vocational opportunities. With high profile trials frequently making news headlines, the ongoing debate regarding the benefits of federal verses state prisons continues.

Federal prisons

What any parent should know about cyber-bullying in video games

Published on: January 2, 2018 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

Video games were a lot simpler when you were a kid. Back then, the only other person involved in your game of Super Mario Bros. was the person sitting next to you on the couch. Nowadays, the gaming experience has moved online, making it much more interactive than before. You can play with friends and strangers around the globe.

This advancement has its benefits. Children can meet and socialize with other players, and they can work together to come up with creative ways of strategizing and problem solving. However, as with anywhere else on the internet, cyber-bullying–using electronic communication to threaten, harass or harm someone–is a problem in the online gaming community.

Here are three things to be aware of in online multiplayer games:

Navigating an antitrust investigation

Published on: November 16, 2017 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

Successful business is essential to the continued growth and stability of any economy. For that reason, the government maintains strict laws against monopolies, and those companies they find to have inappropriate practices may face antitrust charges, which hold stiff penalties.

If your company is facing such allegations, it is important to understand what they entail to mount a proper defense. The investigation process is essential to these cases, and there are a few things you should know about the procedure.

The law

Tax fraud conspiracy leads to sentencing of 8 Georgia residents

Published on: November 9, 2017 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

Eight Georgia residents were recently sentenced in federal court for various convictions following a lengthy investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. According to reports, numerous tax fraud and money laundering conspiracy activities were conducted from 2009 to 2012. A DOJ spokesperson stated that millions of dollars were claimed on fraudulent tax returns.

According to reports, the individuals sentenced claimed $35 million in refunds on over 100 tax returns. The refunds were for the fuel taxes for a number of corporate vehicles. However, during the investigation, it was discovered that the vehicles were never used by the companies listed on the returns. Agents from IRS Criminal Investigation worked with other law enforcement agencies to uncover the activity.

Seven men and one woman from Georgia were sentenced for multiple counts, including theft of government funds, false claims conspiracy and filing false claims. Other charges included conspiracy to steal government funds, using phony identification and attempting to cash checks generated by the scheme. The sentences range from six months to seven years in prison with many followed by several years of supervised released. Several of the individuals have been ordered to pay restitution, ranging from approximately $750,000 to over $5.5 million.

Nine arrested for drug charges in northeast Georgia

Published on: October 27, 2017 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

People who grow marijuana plants in Georgia and in other locations around the country typically try very hard to keep their growing operations concealed. However, sometimes, the growing operations are discovered, leading to serious legal situations for those involved. Recently, an indoor marijuana operation was reportedly discovered in a Gainesville residence. Nine individuals were arrested and now face a variety of drug charges.

An officer from the Hall County Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad reported that over 500 marijuana plants were discovered in the home’s basement. The area had been turned into a greenhouse, according to officials. Evidently, this home was only one part of a larger operation in the northeast Georgia area. Police indicated that five additional houses had been searched as part of the investigation.

Searches of the homes purportedly revealed more than 1,500 marijuana plants and over 300 pounds of the substance, valued over $7.1 million. Police had received a tip in September regarding a suspected indoor growing location. The ensuing investigation led to the discovery of the supposed network of houses in the operation.

Georgia chiropractors charged with conspiracy and insurance fraud

Published on: October 12, 2017 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

Many Georgia residents and others around the nation seek the treatment of chiropractors for relief of back pain and other spinal issues. Much of this chiropractic treatment is covered by the patients’ medical insurance. Recently, two Georgia chiropractors were charged in federal court with conspiracy and insurance fraud after allegedly submitting false claims to providers.

A 38-year-old man and a 50-year-old woman have practiced at a chiropractic clinic in Marietta for the past three years, according to reports. They purportedly filed claims to private health insurance companies for procedures that were never conducted. The allegations have come following investigations by the FBI and the IRS Criminal Investigation unit. Also involved in the case were the Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and the Atlanta Police Department.

The two chiropractors are accused of using personal information from their clients. They supposedly submitted this information in claims to insurance companies for services that were never performed. According to the reports, there were occasions where the patients that were supposedly being treated were out of the country at the time of the service.

Key factors of white collar crime charges

Published on: October 11, 2017 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

Any type of crime is serious, and even non-violent crimes may carry heavy penalties. If you face white collar crime charges, you do not want to take it lightly.

Having an understanding of the process for such charges may assist you with figuring out how to properly fight them. There are a few key factors that you should know about white collar crime.

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