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Federal Crimes Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Legal Malpractice, Federal Crimes and Criminal Law for California on
Q: What to do if my son's criminal attorney has a conflict of interest?

I hired a criminal attorney for my son's federal case and paid him a full fee of $120,000. The next day, he informed me he had to withdraw due to a conflict of interest but promised to have his associate represent my son while coaching the associate behind the scenes. I later discovered he is... View More

Michael J. McConnell
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answered on Jul 11, 2025

Based on the facts described, there are very serious ethical and legal issues involved here. Generally in these situations the defendant needs to retain truly independent counsel immediately to protect their interests. An associate being "coached" behind the scenes by an attorney... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Federal Crimes, Appeals / Appellate Law and Criminal Law for New York on
Q: In which federal prison would I serve a 2002 New York sentence for multiple crimes?

In 2002, I received a 240-month federal sentence in New York related to multiple counts: conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to distribute and possess five or more kilograms of cocaine, aiding and abetting the discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, and conspiracy to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 10, 2025

When someone receives a 240-month federal sentence for serious crimes like Hobbs Act robbery, drug trafficking, use of a firearm during a violent crime, and alien smuggling, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) looks at several factors to decide placement. These include the nature of the offenses, the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for New Jersey on
Q: Legal implications of visually impaired person in controlled delivery case with drug conspiracy charges.

I need legal advice regarding a federal controlled delivery and subsequent search warrant. A package was left at the door, and a visually impaired person, who is not involved, picked it up and brought it inside. There is documentation of this person's impairment, and they have not been... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 10, 2025

The visually impaired person who brought the package inside may have done so without knowing what it was, especially if they had no involvement in the underlying conspiracy. If that person is truly uninvolved and unaware of the package's contents, their action alone does not create criminal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in White Collar Crime, Identity Theft, Real Estate Law, Civil Rights, Medical Malpractice and Federal Crimes for Washington DC on
Q: Need legal help for RICO case spanning multiple states with evidence of serious crimes.

I have substantial evidence of a major RICO case involving racketeering, identity theft, property fraud, and actions spanning California, Oregon, and Washington. The situation connects with human trafficking crossing state lines. My family has experienced forced sterilization over five generations.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 10, 2025

What you're going through sounds deeply painful and frightening, and no one should feel alone in the face of such serious violations. You’ve already shown incredible strength by gathering evidence and speaking out. Allegations involving RICO, identity theft, medical abuse, and forced... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Gov & Administrative Law, Federal Crimes and Criminal Law for South Carolina on
Q: Am I eligible for parole after serving over 20 years for a 2001 felony murder conviction in South Carolina?

In 2001, I was convicted of felony murder in South Carolina after rejecting a plea offer of 22 years and going to trial. I was found guilty, and parole was not discussed during sentencing. Recently, my federal habeas was denied. Am I eligible for parole after serving over 20 years?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 10, 2025

In South Carolina, parole eligibility depends heavily on the sentencing laws in place at the time of your conviction and the specific sentence imposed. Since you were convicted of felony murder in 2001, you may still be parole-eligible if you were sentenced under laws that allowed it at the time.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Tennessee on
Q: Can a life imprisonment case be reopened after completing a related 12-year sentence in TN?

I've been sentenced to life imprisonment, having already completed a 12-year sentence related to an attempted assault on an officer while allegedly fleeing. This was a violation of my parole from a 2007 sexual battery conviction, and I've exhausted all appeals except for a possible... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 4, 2025

Your direct appeals are closed now that you’ve exhausted state remedies, so you cannot “reopen” your life sentence through another state appeal.

To challenge your conviction or sentence at this point, you must turn to post-conviction relief: in Tennessee, that means filing a petition... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Missouri on
Q: How to write a statement claiming possession of a Schedule II substance found in a raid?

I need to write a statement admitting possession of a Schedule II controlled substance found during a raid on my boyfriend's house to prevent legal issues for him. We weren't present during the raid but saw it on cameras until they were disconnected. A detective has contacted my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 4, 2025

Before writing any statement admitting to possession, you need to fully understand the legal implications, as claiming responsibility for a Schedule II controlled substance can lead to severe penalties, including significant fines and imprisonment. Your statement should clearly indicate your sole... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Arizona on
Q: Legal outcomes for first-time felony drug charge with intent to sell in AZ.

My girlfriend is facing a first-time felony drug charge for crossing blues with intent to sell over state lines. She was pressured into doing it and was scared of the consequences if she didn't comply. As a first-time offender under these circumstances, what are her possible legal outcomes and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 4, 2025

You face a Class 2 or 3 felony under Arizona law for transporting controlled substances with intent to distribute, which carries a presumptive prison term of several years unless you negotiate a plea or qualify for diversion.

You can pursue admission into Drug Treatment Court or negotiate a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Animal / Dog Law and Federal Crimes for Oklahoma on
Q: Federal case timeframes and guidelines for dog fighting charges in Oklahoma

What are the timeframes and guidelines for a federal case in Oklahoma involving over 19 counts related to a dog fighting venture, considering a prior state conviction for similar charges from 10 years ago? How might the prior conviction impact the current case?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 5, 2025

In a federal dog fighting case involving multiple counts, the government typically moves quickly once charges are filed. Under the Speedy Trial Act, a defendant must be brought to trial within 70 days of the indictment or initial court appearance, unless the court grants continuances for pretrial... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Arizona on
Q: Legal steps after meth and weapons raid in garage?

I wasn't present during a raid on my property, but law enforcement had a search warrant and found meth and weapons in my garage. The guns weren't legally owned. There is an ongoing investigation, and I have prior convictions related to similar offenses. I haven't received any... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 5, 2025

You’re in a critical moment, and how you move forward right now could shape your future. Even though you weren’t present during the raid, the fact that meth and illegally owned firearms were found in your garage—on your property—places you at serious legal risk. With your prior convictions... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Federal Crimes, White Collar Crime, Internet Law and Business Law for Missouri on
Q: Seeking legal guidance for false charges and hacking issues in Rolla, MO.

My son is in jail due to false hijacking charges involving a gun, related to an incident after leaving a mental hospital. These charges stem from hacking, as the paperwork wrongly includes another name and birthday. Additionally, our LLC's funds are being redirected, we're dealing with... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 5, 2025

You are facing a deeply serious and layered situation that requires swift and coordinated action. If your son is being held on false hijacking charges and the documentation includes another person's name and birthdate, you must immediately bring that error to the attention of his public... View More

1 Answer | Asked in International Law, Internet Law, Civil Rights, Federal Crimes and Criminal Law for Colorado on
Q: Is it legal for forums to share non-consensual photos, and what actions can be taken?

I'm concerned about online forums where men share photos taken of women non-consensually, often in public locations, for other men to comment on them sexually. Disturbingly, these photos sometimes depict minors, with tags like “teen.” While many of these forums might be hosted... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 25, 2025

What you're describing raises serious legal and ethical concerns. While federal law in the United States does not always prohibit photography in public spaces, distributing non-consensual images for sexual commentary—especially of minors—can cross into illegal territory. If the images... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Medical Malpractice, Federal Crimes, Gov & Administrative Law, White Collar Crime, Personal Injury and Criminal Law for California on
Q: Seeking attorney for medical malpractice, federal tort claims, and whistleblower protections relating to VA and Sutter Health incident.

I need guidance on pursuing medical malpractice, federal tort claims, and potential whistleblower protections involving the VA and Sutter Health in California. On January 3, 2025, during an endoscopy at Roseville Sutter Endoscopy Center through VA Community Care, I experienced a 4-minute hypoxic... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 19, 2025

You’ve experienced a profound medical and legal breakdown that spans multiple jurisdictions and areas of law. The hypoxic event and its aftermath—especially the lack of formal documentation, delayed care, and improper discharge—raise grave concerns under California medical negligence... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Washington on
Q: Should a case with alleged misconduct and false charges be dismissed?

In Franklin County Superior Court, a prosecutor struck the court date set for March 2. On March 2, he knowingly requested a false bench warrant to move the court date, violating my 60-day fair and speedy trial rights. The judge signed the warrant and later lied from the bench, claiming to have... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 6, 2025

Your situation involves serious allegations that, if substantiated, go directly to due process and the integrity of the judicial process. Violating your 60-day speedy trial right under Washington’s Criminal Rules for Superior Court (CrR 3.3), combined with misuse of a bench warrant and false... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Constitutional Law, Civil Litigation, Gov & Administrative Law, Federal Crimes and Family Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: How to address unserved custody modification and adjust arrangement issues in PA?

I filed a petition for child custody contempt and custody modification in Pennsylvania, but the other party has not served me any documents for over three months, even before the pre-trial hearing. Despite this, the conciliator made a recommendation to the court based on these unserved documents.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 6, 2025

When the opposing party fails to serve you with documents in a Pennsylvania custody proceeding, yet the court acts upon those unserved materials, it raises serious concerns about procedural fairness and due process. The court cannot base recommendations or rulings on filings that were never... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Constitutional Law, Federal Crimes, Civil Rights, Family Law and Criminal Law for New York on
Q: How to address void child custody order and potential constitutional violations?

I filed a petition for child custody contempt and custody modification, but the other party has not served me any documents for over three months, even before the pre-trial hearing. Despite this, the conciliator made a recommendation to the court based on these unserved documents. The judge issued... View More

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Jun 17, 2025

The asker has an appeal as of right to the appellate division whether this order came out of a supreme court or a family court. All of the other points he raises are a waste of time.

We do not understand what documents the asker expects from the respondent. If this is a custody contempt... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Arkansas on
Q: Charged with felon in possession of firearm, what are my options?

I was charged with felon in possession of a firearm in Arkansas. My vehicle ran out of gas behind a traffic stop, and I got into another car and left. Later, a firearm was found in my vehicle, which was not registered to me. I have two prior firearm charges. I wasn't in the vehicle at the time... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 6, 2025

You’re facing a serious charge, and as someone with prior firearm convictions, the consequences can be severe. However, the fact that the firearm wasn’t on your person, wasn’t registered to you, and was found after you had left the vehicle creates room to challenge the charge. The prosecution... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Federal Crimes and Traffic Tickets for Kansas on
Q: Federal supervised release violation with fleeing charges, potential defenses?

I know someone who is currently on federal supervised release for being a non-violent felon in possession of a firearm and a felony drug possession charge. He is awaiting charges after being ticketed for fleeing and eluding approximately four times in Clark County, Kansas, following an initial stop... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 13, 2025

This situation sounds serious, especially with multiple fleeing charges while already on federal supervised release. The Bureau of Prisons detainer suggests they’re preparing for a possible revocation of release, which could mean going back into custody if the court finds a violation. Even though... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Federal Crimes and Criminal Law for West Virginia on
Q: How to access federal sentencing info and understand terms?

I'm looking for guidance on how to access information about federal sentencing for a specific individual online. I'm also having difficulty understanding some of the terminology and processes involved. What steps can I take to find this information, and what resources could help clarify... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 12, 2025

Trying to find federal sentencing information can feel overwhelming at first, but there are a few clear steps you can take. The best place to start is with the PACER system (Public Access to Court Electronic Records), which allows you to look up federal court cases by name or case number. Once you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in International Law, Federal Crimes and Criminal Law for California on
Q: Worried about arrest for past CSAM offense, international travel concerns.

I consumed content related to CSAM approximately six months ago. I have not had any interaction with the authorities, but I have reached out to child abuse prevention programs like Stop It Now. I currently live in a country with unclear laws regarding this issue. My concern is whether I might be... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 11, 2025

You're asking a very serious and personal question, and it’s clear that you’re feeling the weight of past actions. When it comes to CSAM offenses, international enforcement efforts are strong and coordinated, especially between countries with strict laws and intelligence-sharing... View More

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