South Carolina Criminal Lawyer Blog

This week, defensive lineman for the Washington Redskins, Albert Haynesworth, has been charged with sexual abuse. Apparently, Haynesworth has been accused of sliding his credit card down the front of a server's dress and fondled her chest. According to FoxSports.com, "A grand jury returned an indictment formally charging Haynesworth in the alleged incident at a downtown Washington hotel in the early hours of Feb. 13. If convicted, the 29-year-old two-time All-Pro faces up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000." Unfortunately for Haynesworth and his team, this is not the only charge he is facing. The website also reports that "Haynesworth also faces charges in Virginia, accused of punching a man during a road-rage assault. His trial is scheduled for May."

In New Zealand, ten Malaysians were caught attempting to smuggle over two pounds of methamphetamine in their shoes. According to MSN.com, "The bust at Auckland Airport on Tuesday was the largest number of drug couriers caught in a single incident at New Zealand's border, customs official Mark Day said. The drugs recovered were worth about $8 million. Day said the alleged traffickers posed as a tour group apparently hoping it would help them avoid scrutiny. A group of alleged traffickers from Taiwan were caught trying to use a similar tactic last year." They could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted.

If you or someone you know is being charged with a federal crime, please call one of the federal criminal defense attorneys at The Mace Firm.

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In Phoenix, a man was federally indicted on 88 counts that accuse him of stealing $7 million by scamming people on the internet. According to Arizona news, the man is accused "of using his online sports handicapping business, Mike’s Lock Club, to solicit investments in fraudulent schemes. He is accused of convincing investors in one scheme to give money to a fictitious, high-limit slot machine player, telling investors the slot player would regularly travel to Las Vegas to gamble with their money and return their investment." The man has also been charged with evading tax payment on more than $2 million. "The indictment includes weapons charges as well after the man, a convicted felon, was apparently found with two shotguns and a pistol at his Phoenix residence and made false statements to a Tucson gun dealer about his felony status."

Also in Arizona, Jared Loughner has been federally indicted for the murders in his Tucson shooting rampage. Before last month, Loughner had only been formally charged with the attempted murders of Congresswoman Giffords and her two aides. The new indictment names all victims of this shooting instead of only the federal employees. According to the Phoenix News Times, "federal statute requires the suspension of all state or local prosecutions while the federal case is pending, so state charges are expected, but will be put on hold until the feds finish their case. If convicted, Loughner faces the possibility of the death penalty."

If you or someone you know faces federal charges, please contact one of the federal criminal defense attorneys at The Mace Firm a call.

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Entertainment promoter Rashad Muhammad appears to be set for trial on marijuana smuggling charges after being in jail for nearly three years. A federal jury has been selected and the trial will begin in the beginning of May. Since Muhammad's arrest in 2008, news reports state that "the stakes have dramatically increased since the 40-year-old businessman was arrested in August 2008. North Charleston police initially accused Muhammad of trafficking nearly 500 pounds of marijuana into the city from Arizona. Since that time, however, federal prosecutors have tacked on allegations of money laundering, conspiracy and firearms violations. The total amount of marijuana he is accused of importing now stands at more than 1,000 kilos."

Before Muhammad was arrested, he contributed to many charities which include hosting dinners for the needy and helping Hurricane Katrina victims. Authorities say that this is all a "carefully cultivated front designed to mask the illicit activities of a master drug runner. If so, that all unraveled with the August 2008 seizure of nearly 500 pounds of marijuana and several guns." News reports also state that "Muhammad's federal defense attorney, Russell Mace of Myrtle Beach, sought to have the case tossed entirely, arguing that Muhammad had been denied his right to a speedy trial. Federal prosecutors countered that much of the delay was caused by Muhammad's legal maneuvering and switching attorneys."

If you or someone you know needs representation from a Charleston federal criminal defense attorney, please call The Mace Firm.

Continue reading " Federal Drug Trial Set to Begin " »

Over the weekend, a 21-year-old man from Mullins was charged with murdering a 22-year-old man in Horry County. A fight occured very early Sunday morning and the victim was beaten to death. According to SCNow.com, "the two men were at a party and were involved in an altercation that lead to the beating incident." Last week, two young males were involved in a shooting on Canal Street in Myrtle Beach. According to police, the incident happened around 1:45 in the morning. SCNow.com reports that "one of the victims was outside the house at the time of the incident. He said there were two males riding bicycles, coming from the direction of Watts Avenue. They were wearing masks and dark clothes. The victim said he saw one of them pull a gun and start shooting. When shots were fired, the man outside ran back in the house."

Also in Myrtle Beach, a fugitive was captured over the weekend. Officers responded to a call they received accusing John Fitzgerald Reed, 53, of growing marijuana plants. According to SCNow.com, Reed told one of his neighbors that "he was wanted by the U.S. Marshals and using a fake identity. The woman also said Reed told her he was working to permanently change his name and identity by using acid to burn off his fingerprints." When police searched Reed's home, they discovered 5 marijuana plants growing in his closet.

Sometimes people get involved in crimes that they cannot get out of alone. In these instances, they will probably need to hire a criminal lawyer to help them. If you or someone you know needs legal representation, call one of the federal criminal defense attorneys at The Mace Firm.

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Barry Bonds' lawyers are taking their last stab at saving him from prison. According to FoxSportsWest.com, "Barry Bonds sat passively at the defense table Thursday and heard almost five hours of closing arguments in U.S. District Court. He was alternately described as someone who knowingly lied about using steroids and other illegal drugs, and as a person who was truthful but became a victim of overzealous prosecutors and former friends who ultimately were his 'enemies.'" The website also reports that when Bonds had to testify in front of the grand jury, he was given immunity but he still answered the questions dishonestly.

The jury of eight women and four men will convene Friday morning to decide if Bonds is guilty on any of the four counts, three of lying to a grand jury and one of obstruction of justice. Bonds faces 10 years for each count against him, but federal sentencing guidelines recommend a sentence between 15 and 21 months; he could also face house arrest.

If you or someone you know is charged with a federal crime, please contact one of the federal criminal attorneys at The Mace Firm today.

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