If you or someone you love has been charged with a federal crime, you may hear that a grand jury has returned an indictment. For many people, this sounds frightening and final. It can feel like the case is already decided. But a grand jury indictment does not mean you have been found guilty. It…
If you are being investigated for or charged with rape or sexual assault in North Carolina, you are facing some of the most serious felony charges under state law. Convictions for first- or second-degree rape or sexual offense can result in decades in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. At Ryan Willis Law PLLC,…
Not every federal case starts in federal court. Many cases begin as state charges and are later picked up by federal prosecutors and brought before a federal grand jury. When we handle your case, our main goal is to keep it from moving into federal court, if at all possible. We will work hard to…
Yes! As it happens, federal prosecutors can charge someone with conspiracy if there is evidence that they agreed with another person to commit a crime or do something illegal. In many federal cases, prosecutors must also show that someone took a clear step toward carrying out the crime. However, in federal conspiracy cases, no such…
Federal criminal charges are extremely stressful, and they can leave you and your family unsure of what will happen next. Handling a federal case takes careful work, close attention, and a smart plan. When your freedom and future are at risk, you need to understand your rights and your choices so you can make the…
If you are charged with a crime in North Carolina, it’s important to protect yourself right away. One of the first steps is finding an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Before you hire someone, it helps to know what to look for in a Raleigh criminal defense attorney and what questions to ask during your first…
The IRS has its own law enforcement branch called the Criminal Investigation Division. This group is responsible for looking into possible criminal violations of tax laws and other money-related crimes connected to taxes. IRS Criminal Investigation agents are extensively trained and have strong technical and legal skills. They also have the full resources and backing…
Crimes are not always violent. Sometimes people are accused of breaking the law by lying, cheating, or using deception instead of physical force. These are often called “white collar crimes.” Even though they don’t involve violence, they are still taken very seriously and can lead to long jail sentences, large fines, and other punishments. If…
Being convicted of a sexually-based crime brings with it harsh criminal penalties like fines and incarceration. Sex crime convictions, however, tend to have far-reaching impacts, many of which defendants never even consider. North Carolina treats all sexual crimes, including rape, as very serious offenses. When someone is charged with rape, their life can quickly become…
Like other states, North Carolina takes drug charges very seriously. This is especially true where drug trafficking is concerned. Drug trafficking is a felony, one often accompanied by harsh consequences. If you are under investigation or have been arrested for drug trafficking, it is imperative that you exercise your right to remain silent until you…
