Articles
Federal Sentencing Guidelines in the Fifth Circuit
The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines provide the framework for calculating federal sentences. Although advisory after United States v. Booker, they remain highly influential: most federal sentences are with…
Wire Fraud and Mail Fraud: Federal Prosecutions in Louisiana
Wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) and mail fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341) are among the most versatile and frequently charged federal statutes. Prosecutors in the Eastern District of Louisiana routinely use the…
Federal Plea Agreements in the Eastern District of Louisiana
The majority of federal criminal cases in the Eastern District of Louisiana are resolved through plea agreements. Understanding how federal plea negotiations wo…
Federal Drug Trafficking Charges in Louisiana: Mandatory Minimums and Fifth Circuit Sentencing
Federal drug trafficking under 21 U.S.C. § 841 carries mandatory minimum sentences that no judge can reduce. A guide to how quantity thresholds, prior convictions, and the safety valve shape sentencing in EDLA.
RICO Prosecutions in the Eastern District of Louisiana: How Federal Prosecutors Build Organized Crime Cases
RICO allows prosecutors to charge the full scope of an enterprise's criminal activity rather than isolated acts. A guide to RICO elements, predicate acts, conspiracy liability, and forfeiture in the Eastern District.
Federal Asset Forfeiture in Louisiana: How the Government Seizes Property in Criminal Investigations
Federal forfeiture allows the government to seize cash, real estate, and accounts before conviction. A guide to civil and criminal forfeiture, the innocent owner defense, and CAFRA claimant rights in the Eastern District.
US Extradition Treaties and Federal Criminal Defendants: What the Eastern District Sees
How US extradition treaties work in practice for EDLA defendants — dual criminality, the specialty doctrine, the Ker-Frisbie doctrine, and how Red Notices interact with formal extradition requests.
Money Laundering Federal Prosecution in Louisiana: BSA Violations, Structuring, and EDLA Cases
Federal money laundering charges in Louisiana — 18 USC 1956 and 1957, BSA structuring offenses, willful blindness, merger issues, OFAC dimensions, and sentencing exposure.
Interpol Red Notices in US Federal Criminal Cases: What EDLA Defendants Need to Know
How Interpol Red Notices are used in Eastern Louisiana federal investigations, provisional arrest treaty mechanics, the CCF challenge process, and coordinating US and foreign defense.