A Michigan man has admitted to embezzling $870,000 from the bank that employed him and failing to report the money on his federal tax return. The 52-year-old Grand Rapids resident entered guilty pleas to single counts of embezzlement and tax evasion on March 6. The...
Grand Rapids Criminal Defense Law Blog
What is circular trading, and why is it illegal?
Stockbrokers in Michigan and around the country engage in circular trading when they submit sell order knowing that corresponding buy orders will be entered for the same number of shares at the same price. Circular trading does not change the ownership of shares, but...
What to do if your child is caught with drugs at school
As a parent, you want to guide your child to the best of your ability. Unfortunately, some Michigan families deal with situations involving drugs. If your child was caught with drugs at school, these are the ways you can respond. Talk to them and listen Your first...
How the IRS deals with errors on tax returns
Most Michigan residents hire a professional to complete their tax returns, but what should they do if their tax preparer makes a mistake that costs them money? The latest tax preparation software is designed to identify errors and ensure that taxpayers claim all of...
Does insider trading have to involve selling stock?
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) strictly penalizes Michigan investors who influence market prices based on insider information that isn’t available to the public. While buying and selling stocks can create shifts in the market that give other...
Guarding against social security fraud
Financial crimes don't just hit a handful of people. Criminal acts that involve unlawfully collecting someone else's benefits impact all Michigan residents. They create tax gaps that impact services and government programs, and such fraud makes it more difficult for...
Understanding racketeering charges and its penalties
The crime of racketeering violates both federal and Michigan state laws. While the federal government originally created the term as a way to address illegal organized violent crime, racketeering now includes ongoing white-collar crimes as well. Defining racketeering...
A new SCOTUS ruling changes drug distribution landscape
Michigan residents, especially healthcare professionals, should take note of a recent US Supreme Court ruling. In Ruan v. United States and Kahn v. United States, the court made a ruling setting a new standard for what the DEA must prove in order to convict healthcare...
Types of white-collar crimes
Not all activity defined as criminal under Michigan law involves violence. Indeed, there is a large category known as white-collar crimes that are not violent in nature. The term is not a legal one, but it typically refers to crimes committed by people in the...
Federal drug trafficking laws and penalties for Michigan offenders
If the law enforcement team finds someone with a specified amount of any illegal drug in Michigan, they can face a drug trafficking charge, even if they didn't purchase, sell or transport those drugs. In addition, the federal government might take over the case in...