Criminal Law Newsletters

Disorderly Conduct And Public Intoxication

A person commits the offense of disorderly conduct when he or she knowingly or intentionally engages in an act that is offensive to the public order. Examples of disorderly conduct include using abusive language in a public place, making an offensive gesture in a public place, creating a noxious odor in a public place, making unreasonable noise in a public place, fighting in a public place, or discharging a firearm in a public place.

Hobbs Act Generally

The elements with respect to a violation of the Hobbs Act are as follows:
1. Obstruction or effect on interstate commerce. 2. An attempt, conspiracy or completed robbery or extortion is committed. 3. The use of actual or threatened violence or injury to an individual or property.

Identity Theft

A person commits the offense of identity theft when he or she wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data in a way that involves fraud or deception. A person usually obtains the other person’s personal data for economic gain.

Receipt Of Stolen Government Property And Improper Disposal Of Government Property

Receiving stolen government property is a federal offense. The prosecution must show the following elements existed in order to try a defendant for the offense of receiving stolen government property: The defendant received, concealed, or retained stolen property; the stolen property belonged to the United States; the defendant knew that the property had been embezzled, stolen, or converted; the defendant had the intent to convert the government property for his own use.

Red Flags And Mortgage Fraud

Due to the popular refinancing boom of the last few years, mortgage fraud has been on the rise. Unfortunately, borrowers tend to be the victims of the offense. The parties involved in mortgage fraud may include mortgage companies, mortgage brokers, appraisers, or borrowers.