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Recent Blog Posts
Framed by a Fly: Forensic Scientist Says Flies Are Capable of Transporting DNA Evidence
Inside a courtroom, and to a jury, a DNA sample almost always seals the case against an alleged criminal; it would seem appropriate, considering how the odds of a false identification is lower than one in 10 million. But real and valid cases of DNA contamination - from the “trace” DNA samples that can be transferred by a mere handshake, to a single intact sperm inadvertently finding its way onto a slide containing a woman’s vaginal secretions – suggest that our reliance on DNA evidence has become more than slightly concerning.
DNA Evidence – Then and Now
When DNA analysis first emerged, a decent amount of evidence was needed to extract just a partial profile (think a blood stain the size of a quarter). But, as modern science has improved, the sample of DNA needed to supply incriminating evidence has decreased exponentially. Today, an entire profile can be created with a sample the size of a pinhead. Unfortunately, that improvement has come at a price; and quite often that price is the wrongful conviction of an innocent person.
Fraud, Forgery, and Bad Checks in the State of Wisconsin
Fraud, forgery, and criminal charges resulting from writing a bad check can seem rather similar. However, there are some significant differences between these types of offenses; the most notable of which rests in the defendant’s intentions. If you are facing criminal charges for fraud, forgery, or charges related to writing a bad check, know your rights and how you may best take action to avoid maximum penalties.
Forgery
Forgery is defrauding another through the alteration or writing of an object so that it appears it was written or made by another individual. For example, a woman recently had a warrant issued for her arrest after allegedly altering a check written to her by a resident at the centerat which she works. Originally written for $11, she reportedly changed it to read $11,000 and then deposited the check into her bank. Possession or use of an altered document may also constitute forgery charges, even if the person in possession of the document was not the one who altered it.
White Collar Crime Lawsuits and Criminal Investigations
White collar crimes are often complex and involve months and years of preparations before prosecutors bring formal charges. There is no official set of crimes under the law called white collar crimes. However, federal and state crimes involving fraud and finances are generally considered to be white collar crimes. These include things such as embezzlement, securities fraud, computer crimes, and identity theft.
Dangers of a Lengthy Investigation
Because white collar crimes often involve many different sets of financial records and a complicated set of facts, the investigations are often lengthy. Law enforcement investigations may span months, or even years..
What If There Is a Lawsuit?
Another consequence of the sometimes-lengthy criminal investigation process is that those who have lost money may file a civil lawsuit. As part of a civil lawsuit, defendants may be required to testify under oath and provide thousands and thousands of pages of documents, Oral testimony or anything turned over in the civil case may also be used in a criminal case.
Elder Abuse: Can You Sue a Nursing Home for Wrongful Death, Abuse, or Negligence?
According to statistics, elder abuse occurs in one out of three nursing homes. Often, that abuse is experienced at the hands of staff, but a recent study has also revealed that resident-on-resident abuse occurs frequently as well. One woman, suffocated and strangled to death, is an example of the latter. But just how much ammunition do you or your loved ones have against a nursing home if wrongful death, abuse, or negligence has occurred? The answer to that question may lie in the paperwork.
Roommate Charged with Murder, Nursing Home Never Implicated
Despite alleged documents that stated the deceased’s roommate was a risk to herself and/or others, authorities focused their attention on the resident actually responsible for the 100-year-old woman’s death rather than investigating the facility. Charged with murder and then deemed unfit to stand trial because she suffered from dementia, she was eventually committed to a state hospital. But the nursing home responsible for their care was never implicated, either criminally or otherwise.
Premises Liability: What Happens When Passersby Are Injured by Construction Work?
In February, a nearly 600-foot tall crane crashed onto the buildings, cars, and pedestrians in downtown Manhattan. One man, a Harvard-trained mathematician, was killed. Three others were injured. What rights do these individuals have under the law? Can they seek compensation? And just how difficult will the process be?
How Frequent Are Construction Site Injuries?
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, approximately 1.6 percent of all roadway crashes occur within construction work zones. Of those, approximately 0.6 percent were fatal (576 fatalities), 30 percent resulted in injury, and 69 percent caused only property damage. Most occur during active work hours (70 percent).
Passersby Have Right to Reasonable Expectations
Do You Need a Personal Injury Attorney?
Sustaining an injury due to an accident can be traumatic. As a victim, you may be entitled to compensation for the damage and injuries you sustained, but knowing how to access this compensation can be difficult. In many cases, insurance companies will only offer to pay the minimum amount possible, and in reality, insurance companies have little incentive to pay any more than that. Your insurance company may be difficult to work with and may only offer you a minimal settlement. Do not let the trauma of your accident follow you during your recovery. If you are entitled to compensation, you need the help of a qualified personal injury attorney. Here is how we can help.
What Can I Be Compensated for?
So, you have recently been in an accident. You know you are entitled to compensation, but how much? You reach out to your insurance agency, and they try to justify only offering you a minimal amount of compensation. Where do you turn next? A personal injury attorney can help you hold your insurance company accountable for the full amount of compensation you deserve to receive. If your accident was caused by someone else, you may be entitled to compensation for a number of different purposes. These include:
