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News & Articles

Criminal defense attorney, Lorraine Gauli-Rufo shares news and articles pertaining to criminal and federal law.

 

Lora v. United States – Defending federal charges

Last month, the Supreme Court decided Lora v. United States, holding that 18 USC § 924(j) may be imposed either consecutively or concurrently. Efraim Lora was convicted of a violation of § 924(j), which penalizes using a gun during a drug or violent crime to "cause...

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United States Sentencing Guidelines Amendments

United States Sentencing Guidelines Amendments to take Effect November 1, 2023 The federal sentencing guidelines are being amended in areas that will affect many people convicted of federal crimes. A summary of some of the important changes is set forth below....

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Healthcare Fraud and COVID-19

The Department of Justice announced on (April 20, 2023) that it was making a concerted effort to focus on healthcare fraud offenses related to COVID-19. As a result, the DOJ stated that criminal charges had been brought against 18 defendants throughout various...

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Range v. Attorney General No. 21-2835

An en banc panel of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals (the federal appellate court for federal district courts in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Virgin Islands) rendered a landmark decision on June 6, 2023, that has sent shockwaves through the legal...

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Fentanyl Charge

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid used medically for pain management but also illegally as a recreational drug. According to the United States Sentencing Commission, fentanyl is approximately 30 times more potent than heroin. Due to its potency, even a small...

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Paycheck Protection Program Fraud

Paycheck Protection Program The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was launched by the US government in 2020 as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The program was designed to provide forgivable loans to small businesses affected by...

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