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Blog Posts - Criminal defense
How Attorney Peter Katz Supports Your Case
With over 30 years of experience practicing criminal law, including as a federal and state prosecutor, attorney Peter Katz has a proven record of success for clients in New Jersey. Whether you’ve been charged with a federal felony or need help blowing the whistle on government fraud, Peter Katz is...
Read More Asset Forfeiture Seizures in New York
Civil and criminal asset forfeiture is a powerful tool prosecutors and law enforcement agencies use to punish offenders, disrupt criminal enterprises, fund agency activities, and reimburse crime victims. The U.S. attorney’s office in New York even has lawyers dedicated to maximizing seizures by tracing unlawful gains and purchases. If you’re...
Read More Facing Charges in Both State and Federal Court in New York
Yes, you can be charged with the same (or similar) crime in both federal and state court. This does not violate the Double Jeopardy clause of the United States Constitution. These dual-jurisdiction cases often arise if you’re accused of committing multiple offenses during the same event or defrauding both the...
Read More Differences Between Federal and State Crimes in New Jersey
Federal crimes are illegal nationwide and are prosecuted in the local federal district court. State crimes are unlawful only in New Jersey and are charged in either the local superior or municipal courts. Although state and federal criminal offenses can overlap, federal charges are often more serious than state charges....
Read More What Happens to Property Seized During a Criminal Investigation in NY?
When New York law enforcement officers take your property during criminal investigations, the property is documented and secured until the court enters the final forfeiture or release order. Cash assets, such as bank accounts, can be frozen but remain on deposit with your financial institution, while physical assets, such as...
Read More Can a Lawyer Help Recover Seized Property in New Jersey?
Yes, hiring an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer is often the only way to recover even unlawfully seized property. It’s also necessary if law enforcement officials take your property during criminal proceedings or in anticipation of filing federal charges. Increase your chances of recovering seized property in New Jersey with...
Read More What to Do Immediately After an Asset Seizure in New York?
Asset seizure –whether as contraband, evidence, or the fruits of ill-gotten gains– often accompanies criminal investigations and charges. Although the Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures, it does not prohibit law enforcement from lawfully taking your assets under New York state and federal asset forfeiture laws. If...
Read More How Long Do You Have to Fight Asset Forfeiture in NJ?
If they can find grounds to take it, they will. Asset forfeiture funds the Department of Justice. In fact, there’s a division of federal prosecutors assigned to ensure the government seizes any asset even remotely linked to the criminal activity or alleged ill-gotten gains. Both federal and state law enforcement...
Read More What is Witness Tampering Under New Jersey and Federal Law?
Witness tampering is a federal and state crime in New Jersey, generally categorized as obstruction of justice. It refers to various acts an offender or his/her associates takes against a witness designed to prevent the witness from testifying, testifying truthfully, or otherwise presenting evidence. Witness tampering is a serious crime...
Read More Can You Get Bail in a Federal Criminal Case in New York?
Yes, bail is an essential legal right protected by the United States Constitution and federal law. Most defendants can get bail in NY federal cases, but this depends on the accused’s charges, prior criminal history, and assessed flight risk. For the best chance of obtaining bail under fair conditions, you...
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