#probation violation attorney

[auroraattorney]

For individuals facing probation violations in Aurora, our experienced attorney is your staunch advocate. We possess an in-depth understanding of the legal nuances surrounding probation issues. Our commitment to your defense ensures comprehensive support and strategic representation throughout the process, aiming to secure the best possible outcome for your case. You can trust us to protect your rights and interests.

[lawofficesofharoldjcronk]

Probation Violation in Georgia: Understanding the Consequences and Defense Strategies

Probation serves as an alternative to incarceration for individuals convicted of felonies or misdemeanors in the state of Georgia. It allows offenders to remain in the community while being supervised and required to adhere to certain rules and conditions set by the court. However, violating the terms of probation can have serious consequences, including additional fines and even jail time. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different types of probation violations, the potential penalties, and strategies for defense.

Understanding Probation Violations in Georgia

1. Technical Violations

A technical violation occurs when an individual fails to comply with the general or specified conditions of their probation. Examples of technical violations include:

Failing to pay fines or fees

Neglecting to fulfill restitution obligations

Leaving the designated jurisdiction without permission

It is crucial to understand that even seemingly minor infractions can lead to probation violations. Therefore, it is essential to take your probation requirements seriously to avoid potential repercussions.

2. Special Condition Violations

In some cases, probation officers may impose special conditions that are specific to an individual's situation. These conditions go beyond the standard requirements and are established by the probation officer rather than the court. Failure to comply with these special conditions can result in probation violations and further penalties. It is important to carefully review and understand any special conditions imposed on your probation.

3. Substantive Violations

Substantive violations occur when an individual commits a new crime while on probation. These violations are separate acts unrelated to the original offense for which probation was granted. For example, being caught shoplifting while on probation for a previous theft offense would be considered a substantive violation. Such violations often lead to additional legal penalties and can have severe consequences.

Consequences of Probation Violation

When facing a Probation violation in Georgia, the court has broad discretion to impose a range of penalties. The consequences may include:

Warning or Request to Appear in Court

Upon discovery of a probation violation, a probation officer may issue a warning or request the offender's appearance in court for a probation violation hearing. During this hearing, the probation officer will present the violation and recommend an additional penalty. It is crucial to take any warnings or requests to appear in court seriously, as they indicate the seriousness of the violation.

Determination of Violation

According to Georgia Code § 42-9-51, a final hearing before the parole board may be required to determine whether the terms and conditions of probation were violated. This hearing aims to establish the nature and extent of the violation and the corresponding penalties. It is essential to prepare a strong defense and present evidence to support your case during this hearing.

Sentencing

If found guilty of violating probation, the court will proceed with sentencing immediately following the hearing. The court will consider recommendations from the probation officer or parole board when determining the appropriate sentence. The sentence may include various penalties, such as community service, drug or alcohol rehabilitation programs, large fines or restitution, or even jail time or imprisonment.

It is important to note that in severe cases, the parole board may choose to revoke probation entirely, requiring the individual to serve the remainder of their sentence in prison.

Developing a Defense Strategy

When facing a probation violation charge, it is crucial to develop a strong defense strategy to protect your rights and mitigate potential consequences. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Gather Evidence

Collect any evidence that supports your defense, such as documents, receipts, or witness statements. This evidence can help challenge the allegations made against you and demonstrate your commitment to complying with probation conditions.

2. Consult with an Experienced Probation Violation Lawyer

Contacting a skilled probation violation lawyer is vital to ensure you have the best possible defense. An experienced attorney will review the circumstances of your case, assess the evidence, and provide expert guidance throughout the legal process. The Law Offices of Harold J. Cronk, PC, is a reputable law firm serving clients in Savannah, Georgia, and the surrounding counties. Our team of dedicated probation violation lawyers is ready to assist you.

3. Present Mitigating Factors

If you have valid reasons for the probation violation, such as a medical emergency or unforeseen circumstances, it is crucial to present these mitigating factors to the court. Providing a clear and compelling explanation can help demonstrate your commitment to probation and potentially lead to more lenient penalties.

4. Comply with Probation Requirements

To avoid future violations, it is essential to strictly adhere to all probation requirements. This includes attending scheduled appointments, completing any mandated programs or classes, paying fines and restitution promptly, and avoiding any involvement in criminal activities. By demonstrating your commitment to probation, you minimize the risk of further violations.

Conclusion

If you have been charged with violating probation in Georgia, it is essential to seek legal representation promptly. The Law Offices of Harold J. Cronk , offers experienced probation violation lawyers who can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you navigate the complexities of the Georgia probation system. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your case and explore your defense options. Your future is at stake, and our dedicated team is here to provide the support and advocacy you need.

[rjzimmerman]

Phillips 66 Is Accused of Violating the Clean Water Act. (New York Times)

Excerpt from this New York Times story:

A federal grand jury on Wednesday indicted Phillips 66 on charges of violating the Clean Water Act by dumping nearly 800,000 gallons of contaminated wastewater into the Los Angeles County sewer system and failing to report the incident to authorities.

The Houston-based oil company was charged with releasing wastewater that contained excessive amounts of oil and grease from a refinery in Carson, Calif., in 2020 and 2021, the Justice Department said Thursday.

“Protecting our environment is key to protecting our community,” Martin Estrada, the U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, said in a statement. “Just like the rest of us, corporations have a duty to follow the law, so when companies contaminate, they must be held accountable.”

The Justice Department charged Phillips 66 with two counts of negligently violating the Clean Water Act and four counts of knowingly violating the act. The company faces up to five years of probation on each count and a maximum of $2.4 million in fines.

The Justice Department accused Phillips 66 of discharging contaminated wastewater on two occasions.

For over two and half hours on Nov. 24, 2020, the indictment said, the Carson oil refinery released 310,000 gallons of wastewater containing about 64,000 pounds of oil and grease. The oil-and-grease concentration of the water was about 300 times the amount allowed under the company’s permit.

On Feb. 8, 2021, the facility discharged 480,000 gallons of wastewater containing about 33,700 pounds of oil and grease over five and a half hours, the indictment said.

Mr. Estrada said on a call with reporters that investigators believed that the Los Angeles County wastewater treatment plant was able to capture all of the contaminated water before it was released, like most treated water, into the Pacific Ocean.

[morbidology]

Jonathan Hoffman, a 17-year-old senior at Farmington Central High School, resided with his grandparents, Sandra Layne and Fred Layne, in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan. This arrangement came about as his parents, Michael and Jennifer Hoffman, navigated a divorce in Arizona, where they had relocated approximately a year prior.

Opting to remain in Michigan for his final year of high school, Jonathan had recently received acceptance to Eastern Michigan University. Upon the completion of the divorce proceedings, Jennifer intended to return to Michigan to reunite with her son.

Jonathan had had several minor run ins with law enforcement. On the 17th of March, 2011, 17-year-old Jonathan was pulled over in Farmington Hills and ticketed for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the form of a grinder. He received a 93 day suspended sentence and was placed on 12 months’ probation.

Then on the 21st of March, West Bloomfield Township police responded to complaints outside the home. When they arrived, they found Sandra and Jonathan outside the home arguing. Jonathon told police that he was angry over a text message that his father had sent him. When Jonathan calmed down, police left and no arrests were made and no citations were issued.

At around 5:30PM the 18th of May, 2011, a 911 call was placed to West Bloomfield Township police.

The phone call was placed by Jonathan. He said that his grandmother had shot him in the chest and he was going to die. Around three minutes into the phone call, Jonathan is heard pleading “no grandma” before exclaiming to the dispatcher that he had been shot again. At one point in the phone call, a woman can he heard shouting: “Let go, let go. You’ve got to let go!” Towards the end of the phone call, the same woman can be heard calmly saying: “I will get you a drink of water.”

As officers pulled up to the upscale condo, they heard several more shots. They found Sandra standing behind a screened door. She was holding a .40-caliber handgun but placed it on the floor when ordered to do so by police. She came out of the door, raised her hands and screamed: “I murdered my grandson!”

Upstairs, the officers discovered the lifeless body of 17-year-old Jonathon Hoffman. He had been shot 5 times with 9mm glock. He was shot in the upper right armpit area, in the upper right chest, in the left arm near the shoulder, in the left lower chest and on the left side of the abdomen. Four of the shots had been close range. He was rushed to Botsford Hospital where he was declared dead.

According to Sandra’s attorneys, there were problems in the home and Sandra was afraid of her grandson. One of the attorneys, Mitchell Ribitwer, told reporters outside that drugs and drug paraphernalia was discovered inside the home that belonged to Jonathon.

He also said that in March, police had responded to a domestic disturbance call at the home. According to defence Ribitwer: “I spoke to the officer who responded, and he indicated this young man was totally out of control in the street. He was derogatory to his grandmother. He was yelling and shouting and almost got into it with police.”

Sandra said to detectives that Jonathan had been taking the synthetic drug, K2, and that it changed his character. She said he had become increasingly violent after taking the drug and purchased a gun because she feared that he would kill her. After Jonathan had been ticketed for marijuana possession and drug paraphernalia, the court had ordered him to undergo alcohol and drug treatment which was monitored by random testing.

According to Sandra’s lawyers, Jonathan had violated his probation on the day of his murder when he tested positive for the K2 drug. They claimed that this led to an argument during which Sandra had feared for her own life. However, Jonathan's autopsy showed that the drug was not present in his urine.

During the trial, prosecutors said Sandra had followed her grandson to the bedroom loft after shooting him once. But before this, she had gone into the basement, walking through Jonathan's blood, to retrieve more ammunition, showing intent.

Ultimately, Sandra Layne was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 20 to 40 years in prison, as well as an additional two years for using a firearm in the commission of a felony.

[rapeculturerealities]

Woman Who Was Charged With Murder After Abortion Sues Texas Prosecutor - The New York Times

A woman in Texas who was falsely charged with murder over a self-induced abortion in 2022 has filed a lawsuit against the local prosecutor’s office and its leaders, seeking more than $1 million in damages.

Lizelle Gonzalez was arrested in April 2022 in Starr County, near the southeastern border with Mexico, and charged with murder after using the drug misoprostol to self-induce an abortion, 19 weeks into her pregnancy. She spent two nights in jail before the charge was dropped.

Self-induced abortions can refer to those performed outside of professional medical care, including the use of abortion pills. Under Texas law at the time, abortions after six weeks were illegal, but pregnant women are exempt from criminal prosecution. (Health care professionals who provide abortion procedures and medication, and others who help someone get an abortion, can still be liable.)

Ms. Gonzalez, who was known as Lizelle Herrera and 26 at the time of her arrest, filed a complaint on Thursday against Starr County, along with its district attorney, Gocha Ramirez, and assistant district attorney, Alexandria Lynn Barrera. She argues that the arrest and charge resulted in her suffering reputational harm and distress, and seeks to “vindicate her rights but also to hold accountable the government officials who violated them,” according to her lawsuit.

Ms. Gonzalez and her lawyers were not immediately available for comment on Saturday.

Mr. Ramirez and Ms. Barrera also did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the lawsuit. A month ago, the state bar of Texas found that Mr. Ramirez had unlawfully prosecuted Ms. Gonzalez without probable cause and fined him $1,250. His law license will also be held in probated suspension for a year, which means he must comply with specific requirements but can practice law during that time. That period starts April 1.

According to the complaint, Ms. Gonzalez took the abortion medication in January 2022 and went to the hospital for an examination. Doctors found a positive heartbeat for the baby and no contractions, so she was discharged the next day. But later that day, she returned to the hospital with complaints of vaginal bleeding, and doctors performed a C-section to deliver a stillborn child.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of misoprostol and mifepristone, another commonly used abortion pill, through 10 weeks of pregnancy, under the supervision of a health care provider. But the World Health Organization endorses self-induced abortions in pregnancies of up to 12 weeks without medical supervision.

Ms. Gonzalez says in the lawsuit that the hospital employees reported her self-induced abortion to the district attorney’s office, in violation of federal privacy laws, though her lawsuit does not name them or the hospital as defendants.

The lawsuit says that neither the Starr County Sheriff’s Office nor the Rio Grande City Police Department performed an investigation with sufficient facts or circumstances surrounding the murder charge against her, and only relied on reports from the hospital. Ms. Gonzalez also accuses them of misleading the grand jury with false information to secure an indictment against her.

“The fallout from defendants’ illegal and unconstitutional actions has forever changed” Ms. Gonzalez’s life, the complaint says. She “was subjected to the humiliation of a highly publicized indictment and arrest, which has permanently affected her standing in the community.”

When the charge against Ms. Gonzalez was dropped, Mr. Ramirez said that it was “clear” that she “cannot and should not be prosecuted for the allegation against her,” and acknowledged that “the events leading up to this indictment have taken a toll” on Ms. Gonzalez and her family. At the time, the anti-abortion group Texas Right to Life supported Mr. Ramirez’s decision to drop the charges, saying Texas’ law “clearly prohibit criminal charges for pregnant women.”

Ms. Gonzalez’s indictment occurred several months before the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and before Texas’ near-total ban on abortions went into effect. Even with the stricter ban, those who get an abortion cannot be criminally prosecuted.

Melissa Murray, a law professor at New York University, said Ms. Gonzalez’s lawsuit could serve to raise consciousness in Texas and beyond, to “understand that we are moving very quickly into a kind of dystopian, post-Dobbs landscape.”

“I think she could be very successful here,” Ms. Murray said of Ms. Gonzalez. “And if she isn’t, even if it doesn’t make it to trial, she could make him pay to settle this,” referring to Mr. Ramirez.

The lawsuit could act as a deterrent to other officials around the state, Ms. Murray said. But it could also “have the effect of spurring the anti-abortion movement to lobby the Legislature to actually make pregnant people subject to criminal or civil liability.”

Roni Caryn Rabin, Giulia Heyward and Sophie Kasakove contributed reporting.

[cissyenthusiast010155]

My Guardian Angel ~Broken!Rita Calhoun xFem Younger!Investigator!Reader (Liz Donnelly x Alex Cabot) feat. Rafael Barba & Olivia Benson

Summary— AU where Rita has an abusive husband, and one night, after he storms out, Rita calls Reader. Reader brings Rita to the person who helped her with her own haunted past, Elizabeth Donnelly. Alex, Barba, and Liv makes appearances. What does the night have in store for Rita and Reader…?

Mommy… Master List

Requests & Prompt-List

Warnings: angst, a little fluff, dead dove: do not eat, implied abuse, implied sexual assault, implied abusive husband, comforting, crying, alcohol consumption, anxiety attacks, a little self destructive behavior, mentions to prostitution, SVU things, Elizabeth Donnelly, Alex Cabot, Rafael Barba, Olivia Benson, Liz and Alex are a bit of a power couple, gray ending, etc.

Enjoy (;

You didn’t know Rita Calhoun well. At least not originally. From the moment you did meet, you both couldn’t deny the connection between the two of you. You had always lived in coinciding worlds, she was a New York defense attorney, and you were an investigator for 1PP, occasionally lended out to SVU.

Originally, she was the lawyer whom you had hired for your idiot of a brother when he had been caught and charged with soliciting a prostitute. You had met with the high class woman on a couple of occasions, to discuss your brothers bail, probation, trial, payment, and anything else pertaining to his case.

You saw yourself intrigued by her elegant manner, high end fashion, and confidence. Soon you saw yourself get hooked to the tiny smiles and chuckles you managed to pull from her when in private. You found yourself fighting to make the woman laugh as much as you could, her laugh always seemed to make your day. And during the trial, your eyes were on her the entire time. You lived off those days outfits that Rita would strut into court in.

So when you checked your phone late Friday night, the last thing you expected to see what a very many handfuls of missed calls from Rita Calhoun. You saw that she had left a voicemail in the last call, so you pressed play.

“Heyyyy Y/N… S-sorry to be bothering you so I know it’s^^late… I… I just… I don’t know what to do, call me back k bye”

It was Rita alright, but something was very wrong. She had been stammering and hiccuping throughout the entire voicemail, and had broken into sobs by the end. She sounded like she’d been crying and drinking for far too long… Her sounds triggered memories of your own life, memories that you had gone to great lengths to bury.

You immediately called the woman back. The dial rang for a couple tones, then it shut off. You hit call again. The second time, she picked up. You heard a sniffle and then a choke sob.

“H-hey…” she practically whispered.

“Rita, Hi, is everything alright?”

“I…” She stammered, before the call went silent.

“Rita?” You asked, your concern growing.

“N-no” She whispered, then letting out another choked sob.

You took a deep breath and your instincts kicked in once more. You got Rita to give you her address and told her that you would be over as soon as possible. That night you broke the made the most traffic violations in your entire life.

You entered the house, the front door having been unlocked which was mildly concerning to you. You walked through the lavish, lofty apartment, until you found Rita curled up facing away from you in the living room on the floor with a full bottle of wine in her hand. Your heart sank and a lump came into your throat. You hated how normal and used to this sight you were. Because not too long ago, this had been you…

You dropped to the floor, immediately going to comfort the woman. You carefully removed the alcohol, setting it aside. Rita let out a choke sob, immediately curling up into your lap. As she turned to face you, you saw the massive black eye that she had. Your eyes scanned her entire body, finding more red, raw skin marks along her arms and some blue bruising on her neck. Your heart nearly broke as Rita sobbed into your lap.

“I—im s-sorry… I didn’t-didn’t know who t-to call…! It’s it’s stupid, nothing really—” Rita choked out, muffled as she cried into your chest.

You knew this behavior. You knew it all too well.

“Hey hey, it’s okay. I’m here Rita… It’s all going to be okay. Can I touch you, honey…? Would that be alright…?” You very gently asked the woman, coming a little closer to her, trying to show that you were no threat.

Rita nodded as her cries were muffled by her face being in the crook of your neck. She clung onto you like her life depended on it.

“Ok, good… you are doing so good for me, Rita. Take some deep breaths for me? Can you try to do that?” You comforted the woman, bringing your hands around to hold the woman in your lap.

You could hear Rita trying to take some deep breaths as she nodded, although her hiccups made it more difficult.

“Good, very good, Rita.” You praised, then bringing your hands to cup the woman’s cheeks and direct her scattered gaze to you.

“Now Rita this is important… I need you to come back to me and think, okay?”

A slow nod.

“Is he going to come back anytime soon…?” You softly asked.

Rita’s eyes widened and she began to panic at your question. Your hold on the woman only tightened and you insisted on her answer.

“I know you don’t want to think about it, but I need to know if you’re safe staying here Rita.” You explained firmly yet lovingly.

Rita took some more deep breaths before stammering,

“I… he he’s gone out… drinking…” she gulped, “Be back late…”

Her eyes were red and glossy, and they only panicked more at the idea of her husband returning. You rubbed her back and caressed her check in comfort.

“Ok. We need to get you to a hospital, Rita…” you gently said, knowing the possible outlast that your words might cause.

Rita practically jumped out of your lap and was quick to stand up and start pacing in the living room. Her fingers were red and raw and fidgeting. Her gaze scattered everywhere. You slowly stood up and tried to corner the woman into your embrace.

“No no no hospitals… hospitals means cops and that means court and no no—” Rita rambled, her thoughts spiraling more and more.

You grabbed the woman’s hands, clasping them in your own to ground the woman. Her sobbing gaze finally met yours once more.

“Okay. That’s okay. Rita, listen to me, is there anywhere you can go to stay for the time being…?” You softly asked.

Rita’s lip began to tremble and her knees buckled, her body falling into yours. Luckily, you managed to gently catch and carry the weight of the woman while she regained partial strength.

“N-not RAF—Rafael… he can’t know, no no no one…” Rita choked out in gasps.

When she wasn’t able to come up with any other options, your mind went to the person who had helped you.

“Okay okay, that’s okay, Rita. How about Elizabeth? You know Judge Donnelly? She’s a close friend and I know she can help…” you spoke with understanding and reassurance.

Rita looked up to you from collapsing in your arms and nodded slowly. But her eyes told you that she had sunken too far into her thoughts, that you would have to start making the decisions in her best interest until she came back to you.

You gently placed Rita back on the couch, quickly going to the kitchen to grab her a water, while you then ran around the place, trying to pack her a weekend back. After about 15 minutes, you had the bag in hand and you were leading the woman out of the house and into a cab. The entire cab ride, Rita was snuffling and silently sobbing in your shoulder.

Once you reached Liz’s brownstone, you violently knocked on the door, Rita protected being you and holding your hand. The door flew open but it wasn’t Liz, it was a blonde. Your eyes went wide and you gulped, suddenly regretting not having double checked with Liz beforehand.

“You’re Y/N, right…? I’m Alex.” The tall blonde spoke slowly yet confidently.

“Yes, um is Liz home?” You said, quickly getting to the point while trying to hide Rita behind you to the best of your ability.

But Liz had told you about Alex, she was sharp, didn’t miss a thing.

“Yea, she’s in the kitchen… Is that Calhoun…?” Alex hummed, leaning against the doorway.

You took a deep breath and brought Rita to stand next to you. Alex’s jaw dropped and she took a step back in shock.

“I just… we needed a safe place to go for the night and Liz always said her door was always open and I’m sorry if we intruded, I just can’t handle this, I mean I know Liz can handle it, and so I thought—” you rambled.

Before you could say another word, the blonde was pulling you and Rita into the brownstone, closing the door behind her and marching straight up to Liz in the kitchen.

“Is that our take-out, bunny…?” Liz hummed, while sipping some wine before her gaze met yours and then Rita’s disheveled state.

“Oh my god.” Liz immediately put her glass doing and rushed over to Rita, her hands wandering all over the woman, her gaze scouring the woman’s injuries, “Rita, Darling, what happened…??”

Rita’s lip trembled before more violent sobs came out. No coherent words were possible for the woman at this point, all she could do was embrace Liz and sob into her chest. Liz happily consoled the poor woman before her gaze meet yours along with the go bag.

“I’m sorry…” you mouthed, referring to breaking up her and Alex’s obvious night together.

“Hush now, you did the right thing, take Rita’s things to the first bedroom on the second floor.” Liz told you, waving off your unneeded apology.

You immediately nodded and went to go up the stairs. Then Luz turned to Alex.

“Go run a bath, warm not too hot.” Liz spoke firmly.

Alex was off to the master bathroom after a quick nod. When you both returned, you found Rita clung around Liz like a Koala, clinging on for dear life and continuing to sob in her chest. The sight brought flashbacks of the night you had stumbled up on Liz’s doorstep, in an eerily same condition as Rita…

Liz soothed Rita while guiding her to the master bathroom. The older blonde sent you a comforting gaze with a nod, telling you that she had it. You placed a hand on your heart and took a shattered breath, nodding slowly.

It was then that you noticed Alex coming up beside you. You turned your head to her slightly.

“I… I just didn’t know where else to go… I’m sorry if I ruined your night…” you breathed out.

Alex brought a hand to your shoulder and reassuringly squeezed your skin lightly. Her eyes twinkled with sympathy and care.

“Hey, it’s okay. You made the right call. And hey, I’m glad to finally meet you.” Alex sighed, “Can I get you anything…?”

You nodded and then sighed yourself.

“Tea maybe…? Or fuck some scotch now that I think about it…”

A deep chuckle reverberated throughout Alex’s chest as she nodded in agreement, going to the kitchen and pulling a bottle out of the liquor cabinet. She poured two glasses and handed you one of them.

“Thanks” you muttered.

Alex hummed an of course in response, before going to sit down in the classy living room. You sat across from her, sipping your scotch lightly. The blonde looked you dead in the eye, as she sighed.

“Liz told me a bit about you and that night.”

You gulped and struggled to maintain the intense eye contact. You knew that Liz and Alex were close, really close, however it still was hard to reconcile another person knowing something so vulnerable about you. But if Liz trusted Alex with it, so did you.

“Yea… I was and am still so grateful to Lizzie for all that she did for me…” you confessed.

“Lizzie…?” Alex chuckled dryly with a cock of an eyebrow.

“Yea…��� you breathily chuckled, “Her and my dad worked together…”

Alex smiled lightly in understanding, nodding along, waving her hand in the air and prompting you to continue, knowing from what Liz had said that that wasn’t the whole story.

“Yeah they were colleagues, and so I saw Lizzie at events and she’d been at my childhood home a couple times… I’d always been pretty independent, both my parents working all the time, and me being the oldest led to me getting used to being on my own. And then my parents divorced, and I got even more alone…” you sighed.

Another wave of sympathy washed over Alex’s face, as she sipped her scotch and listened intently.

“I’m sorry. I definitely know the pains of divorced parents…” Alex sighed.

You smiled lightly and nodded, before continuing you tawdry tale,

“Anyways, Lizzie was one of the only people who reached out to me, to y’know check on me and stuff. She’s always been in my corner, and she’s practically filled the role of a mother ever since the divorce…” you spoke out softly.

You could tell that Alex knew most of this, and that she was waiting for the part about how this all connected to Rita, so you cut to the chase.

“Anyways, about two years ago, I meet and started to see this guy… Looking back, he was a lot like my father, and I should have recognized the warning signs earlier… But I didn’t. And I let it go on for an entire year… Until…” you sucked in a breath, “I wound up on Lizzie’s doorstep, heart broken and bruised…”

You saw Alex’s audible gulp at your last sentence. You saw how her hand tightly clutched her glass, her knuckles almost white. With a deep breath, she nodded and prompted you to continue with her hand once more.

“Anywho, Lizzie helped me get my shit together and throw him out of my place and my life. I’d taken his abuse for a whole year, and I’m still recovering to this day from the number he did on me…” You concluded your story.

Alex then stood up and came to sit next to you on the couch you inhabited. Her hand came to squeeze your shoulder reassuringly.

“I’m so sorry that you had to go through all of that…” Alex sighed, “I hear you, recovery takes time.”

You took a breathy, deep breath with a shaky nod, all the memories of your past coming up as you talked about it all. But her touch was soothing. It was then that Liz emerged from the hallway and came into the living room with a sigh. The older woman sat down next to you, a hand running up and down your thigh in reassurance.

“She’s okay, Rita is going to be fine.” Liz hummed, before stealing your glass of scotch and sipping away at it.

You didn’t mind the cheeky gesture, lord knows she needed the relaxation, merely humming and nodding in response.

“She’s in the bath, and she’s asking for you…” Liz spoke once more.

You sucked in a breath and nodded, starting to stand up. As you went to leave and find Rita in the master bath, you turned back towards Liz and Alex, who were now snuggling lovingly on the couch.

“Thank you Lizzie… Really, thank you.” You breathed out shakily.

Liz met your gaze, her eyes filled with love and care, and the older woman nodded.

“Anytime, sweetheart.”

You nodded lightly with a small smile, before turning around and making your way to find Rita. By the time you reached the bath, you found Rita passed out in the warm water, snoring lightly and peacefully. You noted how graceful and content Rita looked asleep. Coming up to the tub, you sat down next to the rim, and proceeded to tuck a stray hair behind Rita’s ear.

She must be exhausted… you thought. And your suspicions were confirmed as the woman continued to sleep until the water in the tub threatened to go cold. It was then that you gently nudged the brunette out from her slumber. She snorted lightly as her eyes fluttered open. Her gaze still looked shattered and sad, and her lip was still lightly trembling.

“Fuck I’m mm sorry, I must have fallen asleep—” Rita rambled in a quiet mumble.

“Hush, none of that. It’s completely alright…” you comforted the woman, raising your hand for her to stop.

Rita shut her mouth and blushed a little, then shivering in the now cold bath water.

“Thanks…” she whispered.

“Of course. Now let’s get you out and into something warm…” you hummed, grabbing a fluffy towel from the bathroom cabinet and then reaching your hand out towards Rita.

Rita happily took your hand, then climbing out of the tub, then you proceeded to wrap the woman up in the warm towel.

“M-my clothes…” Rita murmured, looking to the ground as fear lurched in the pit of her stomache at the idea of having to wear her bloodied clothing.

You gently rubbed her towel wrapped shoulders with a light smile.

“I grabbed some things before we left your place, the bag is on the toilet. It will have to do for now, until we figure out what to do…” you cooed caringly.

Rita blushed lightly and muttered a thank you. You told her it’s was the least that you could do, before giving her a kiss on the forehead and leaving her in the bathroom to go through the bag and change.

As you exited the room and walked back into the living room, you found Liz and Alex right where you had left them, with Alex curled up in Liz’s arms. Liz’s head popped up from her gaze on Alex back to you as you came into the living room and took a seat on an opposing couch, with a pondering look on your face.

“I know that look…” Liz hummed cheekily, taking another sip of your scotch, “What’s on your mind, kiddo?”

You bit your lip, pulling out your phone, before looking over to Liz.

“I was thinking about maybe calling Barba…” you mused aloud, your mind questioning on what to do next.

At this, Alex perked up to. Liz’s eyes widened and her expression was a knowing one, one that quickly understood your line of thought.

“I see… What did Rita say?” Liz hummed, placing the scotch back on the table and much to Alex’s delight starting to massage the young blonde’s shoulders.

You looked away from Liz at her words, and back to your phone.

“When I asked where she could go, she said not Rafael… I know that their friends, she’s mentioned him before… But he could help…” you sighed, inwardly conflicted.

Liz sighed at your admission. And she seemed to be in deep thought for a moment before she spoke,

“When you came to me, did I call anyone…?” The older woman asked you.

You bit your lip and sighed.

“No…”

“Exactly. Even though I wanted to… Probably would have called Liv, but I didn’t. Because you didn’t want me to.” Liz spoke,

You once again looked to the ground instead of meeting the older woman’s gaze.

“I’m not saying that Barba is a bad idea…” she slowly explained, “I think that it would be best if we ask Rita first.”

“Ask me what?” Rita’s timid voice echoed through the expansive living room and kitchen.

All three of your heads swiveled with extreme speed to the end of the hallway where the brunette stood. She padded her way through part of the kitchen and then into the living room. You immediately scooted over and lightly waved her over to come and sit. Rita did exactly that before repeating her question, more vocal this time.

“What did you want to ask me first?” The woman spoke.

Liz and Alex immediately eyed you, quirking their eyebrows and very clearly telling you that since this was your idea, you were the one who was going to say something. You gulped, turning your body more towards the group. Your gaze met Rita’s and you reached your hands out to grasp her left available hand and reassuringly squeeze it.

“I… We were talking about maybe calling Liv… or Barba…” you shakily breathed out, squeezing her hand lovingly while speaking to comfort the woman.

The same panic from earlier this night came rushing back to the woman’s gaze. But she was a little more collected now, and she seemed to handle the surge of emotions better this time around.

“I…” Rita stammered, “I don’t know…”

She slumped forward a bit and closed her eyes, a singular tear escaping her eyes. You immediately extended your arm and brought the brunette into your soft embrace.

“That’s okay. We can deal with all that later… How are you feeling…?” You gently spoke.

“Exhausted…” Rita choked out, “and stupid… like it’s all my fault…!”

The broken defense lawyer turned completely towards you, clinging to your frame as she began to cry into your shoulder. You gently caressed her back and shoulders reassuringly.

“That’s it, it’s going to be ok, Rita… It’s all going to be okay…” you soothed the woman.

“B-but how do you know that…?”

You sighed.

“Because… I’ve been through something eerily similar…”

At this, Rita pulled back and looked at you with eyes full of empathy.

“I’m so sorry…” she uttered, fully processing the words you had just spoken.

You smiled lightly and cupped Rita’s face.

“It’s okay… I’m past that now. Now I’m here for you… Now how about bed…?” You hummed caringly.

Rita nodded and hummed a soft thank you, before you guided the woman up and to one of Liz’s many guest bedrooms. You stayed with her until she was asleep, which didn’t take too long, but you stayed nonetheless, before then turning in for the night yourself in another guest room, which Liz had so kindly offered you.

~~

Rita spent the rest of the weekend at Liz’s. Liz and Alex were more than happy to host, and they graciously let you stay as well to keep an eye on the broken brunette.

Then come Monday morning, you were walking into the SVU squad room with Rita anxiously by your side. You grabbed her shaky hand and squeezed it reassuringly, as your other hand rapped on Captain Liv Benson’s office door. Neither of you expected Barba to swing the door open, and he sure as hell didn’t expect to see Rita.

Liv ushered you in, and Rafael could immediately sense something was wrong. Rafael simply closed the door behind you, not bothering to leave.

“Rita, Y/N, how can I help you?” Liv spoke.

Rita shuffled her feet and looked to the ground. You squeezed her hand again and whispered that it was going to be okay.

“Wait what is going on…?” Rafael cut in.

Liv sent Barba a warning glance for him to be quiet to let you or Rita speak. You gently looked towards the brunette, whose lip was now trembling.

“I… I was raped…” Rita shakily breathed out, as a small tear rolled down her left cheek.

~~~

Part 2 with a happy ending…? Or maybe something more angsty…? 😏

Alex Cabot Masterlist

Olivia Benson Masterlist

Rita Calhoun Masterlist ~Coming Soon (;

Elizabeth Donnelly Masterlist ~Coming Soon (;

Rafael Barba Masterlist ~Coming Soon (;

[eretzyisrael]

by Dion J. Pierre

The University of Florida (UF) has handed down severe and potentially life-altering punishments to seven pro-Hamas rioters who participated in occupying the campus in an attempt to intimidate officials into boycotting and divesting from Israel, according to Fresh Take Florida, a news service of the university’s College of Journalism and Communications.

UF’s disciplinary body was set on slapping the students’ wrists, sentencing most to probation only based on recommendations from “hearing bodies,” until its new dean, Chris Summerlin, intervened and issued full suspensions for as many as four years. The harshest suspensions — including four years for Allan Hektor Frasheri, 21, and three years for other students — while not being formal expulsions, are long enough to make it unlikely that the students serving them will return to the University of Florida.

The seven students have reportedly submitted appeals to overturn their punishments that are pending.

Summerlin’s suspensions may not be the only consequences that the students will face.

According to Fresh Take Florida, the students were part of a group of nine that were arrested by local law enforcement for trespassing and resisting arrest, charges that are being prosecuted by the Alachua County State Attorney’s Office. They are taking their chances at trial, the news service added, noting that all nine have rejected “deferred prosecution,” an agreement that would require them to plead guilty, or no contest, in exchange for the state’s expunging the convictions from their records in the future so long as they abstain from committing more criminal acts.

One of the nine, computer science student Parker Stanely Hovis, 26, — who was suspended for three years — proclaimed on Tuesday that they will contest the state’s cases.

“We did not resist arrest, and we are prepared to fight our charges,” Hovis said in a statement. “We’re standing in solidarity with each other, and collectively demanding that the state drop the charges against us.”

The University of Texas at Austin has also meted out lengthy suspensions to pro-Hamas protesters who violated school rules, a course of action that experts believe is a deterrent against similar behavior in the future.

[ridenwithbiden]

On Friday, Kenneth Chesebro pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to file false documents in the Fulton County 2020 election conspiracy case, becoming the second high-level Donald Trump co-defendant to become a state’s witness in two days. Chesebro received an especially lenient sentence of five years’ probation, a small financial penalty, and 100 hours of community service.

With the guilty plea and cooperation deal Georgia prosecutors struck on Thursday with Team Trump attorney Sidney Powell, Chesebro’s plea deal should be viewed as an earthquake in the case against Trump. Given Powell’s close proximity to the former president and his legal advisers at crucial times in his attempts to overturn the 2020 election, her testimony will be particularly devastating not only as to defendant Trump, but to co-defendants Rudy Giuliani and John Eastman.

Chesebro’s testimony, meanwhile, implicates one of the key portions of the conspiracy both in Georgia and in the federal Jan. 6 case against Trump, specifically the efforts to create a slate of “false electors” to use during the Jan. 6 electoral count to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Now that both Chesebro and Powell are cooperating witnesses, the pressure on Giuliani and Eastman to plead and cooperate is exponentially higher.

That the significant cooperation under discussion involves four of Trump’s attorneys underscores the reality that the former president’s regularly touted defense that he was relying on the good-faith guidance of his attorneys during the attempted coup was, and is, nothing more than self-serving fantasy. In the courtroom—as compared with on television or in social media—he has never had the ability to offer that defense.

In court, the advice of counsel “affirmative defense” requires a defendant to prove two things: First, that he relied in good faith on his lawyer’s advice that the conduct in question at trial was legal, and second, that he made a full disclosure of all relevant facts to the attorney before receiving that advice.

Based on my four decades in the courtroom as both federal prosecutor and defense attorney, I can report that the assertion of the attorney-client privilege by a criminal defendant at trial is a black swan event—effective only with the consistent, overlapping trial testimony of both the attorney and the defendant, and the admission into evidence of any documents reflecting the communications or advice they testified about.

Putting aside the substantial evidence that Trump was warned by numerous White House lawyers that his efforts to overturn the 2020 election were in violation of the law, how does Trump establish the advice of counsel defense at trial?

As I have observed in prior articles, he is certainly not able to testify on his own behalf. There are surely no memos to the file, emails, or letters to the client evidencing such advice in writing. Finally in this regard, what lawyer is willing to testify he or she advised Trump it was, for example, lawful for him to ask the Georgia secretary of state to “find” enough votes for him to win that state?

Long before the Powell and Chesebro deals were announced, the absurdity of expecting any Trump attorney’s testimony to be anything but harmful to his cause was made crystal clear by Michael Cohen. More recently, when Trump lawyer Evan Corcoran was forced to testify against the former president based on the “crime fraud” exception to the attorney-client privilege, the testimony he gave and the internal memos he was compelled to produce, proved not to be shields for the former president, but swords to be wielded against him—as it is with Powell and Chesebro, and so it will be with others.

After all, what can you expect when your standard for choosing at least some of your lawyers is their willingness to turn a blind eye to whatever your weak ego and malicious intentions require?

In sum, while Georgia and DOJ attorneys have each received great potential benefits from the Powell and Chesebro deals, it was in no way structured to protect against a defense they know Trump cannot employ.

Finally, speaking of structure, the great deals Powell and Chesebro struck, getting probation while facing up to 20 years in jail on a RICO conviction, are certainly a blessing for them—they even get to finally tell the truth.

But District Attorney Fani Willis’ seeming generosity is a sign of shrewd judgment, not weakness.

Prosecutors have both the carrot and the stick to get what they want, and the two deals Willis just made were large carrots, signaling to the other defendants that she is someone they can deal with, and that there are potentially acceptable pathways out of the mess they are in. At the same time, she has just made her case against other, more significant defendants meaningfully stronger and her stick that much larger.

Of course, Willis is a long way from where she needs to be, but those who had originally feared she had overindicted the 19-defendant RICO case might now be a little less concerned and a little more impressed.

[ausetkmt]

A baby-faced 14-year-old boy has been accused of trying to murder a black teenager by attempting to drown him in a Cape Cod pond. 

John Sheeran appeared at a court just outside Boston on Monday over the July incident, which allegedly saw him hurl racist slurs at his unnamed victim - and even call the teen 'George Floyd' during the drowning attempts. 

He wore a navy suit, shirt and tie. Despite prosecutors' calls for Sheeran to remain in custody, a judge released him with a tag and ordered him to remain at his father's home.  

The victim told law enforcement Sheeran started throwing rocks at him and calling him racial slurs after he showed up at Goose Pond on Cape Cod. Sheeran then threatened to beat up the victim, it is alleged.

The victim couldn't swim, so he wore a life jacket in the water. Despite the vest, Sheeran attempted to pull him under the water multiple times to the point that victim was no longer able to breathe, it is alleged. 

In July, Sheeran allegedly attempted to drown a black teen in Goose Pond (pictured) in Chatham, Massachusetts

The victim told police that the accused 'held on to my life jacket and pulled me underwater and back up about four-to-five times ... while doing it water got into my mouth and nose and I could not breathe.'

Afterwards, the victim said Sheeran began calling him 'George Floyd' while kicking him and pulling him beneath the water. 

The victim said he was screaming he couldn't breathe, which was when the suspect and another teenager at the scene 'started laughing and called me George Floyd.'

He continued crying for help as the two teens continued to pull him under the water. Eventually, bystanders arrived to help and the victim was saved. The other alleged attacker hasn't been identified - and it is unclear if Sheeran knew his alleged victim prior to the attack.

Prosecutors allege just several hours later, Sheeran punched an Asian child in the face. That child has not been identified. 

Sheeran was charged with attempted murder and a civil rights violation in connection to the case.

In court on Monday, baby-faced Sheeran was led into the room with his hands cuffed in front of him.

His mop of brown hair turned downward as he took a seat before the judge. He wore a blue suit and striped tie.

Over objections from prosecutors, Sheeran was released to home confinement in Chatham. His release includes wearing a GPS monitoring device that will confine him to his father's home. He is also required to continue reporting to juvenile probation.

Prosecutors argued Sheeran should remain in jail, calling him a danger to the community.

The victim said Sheeran began calling him George Floyd as he screamed that he couldn't breathe. Floyd infamously told officers that he couldn't breathe before he died during an altercation with Minneapolis cops in 2020

Sheeran was released to his father's custody. Earlier this summer, he had moved to Florida with his mother as his parents went through a divorce

The suspect allegedly began the criminal interaction by throwing rocks at the victim and calling him racial slurs

'Mr. Sheeran can’t be out in the community because whether it’s three o’clock in the afternoon at a pond with his friends where he should be able to behave or 8:15 at night when he runs into another child, he punches that kid,' said Assistant District Attorney Eileen Moriarty in court.

'He’s a violent child, we’ve heard no mitigating factors, this violence is unfortunately targeted towards children of other races, children that don’t look like him,' she added.

At the time of the incident, Sheeran had just moved to Florida with his mother, as his parents went through a divorce, according to prosecutors.

The teen will now be required to stay in Chatham with his father as the court case continues.

[auroraattorney]

Trustworthy Probation Violation Attorney For Your Legal Needs

Probation violation is a legal term used to describe the failure of an individual to comply with any of the conditions imposed upon them during their probationary period. This can include failing to meet court-ordered requirements such as attending counseling sessions, paying restitution or fines, and refraining from further criminal activity.

If you are facing a Probation Violation case, you need to hire the Law Office of Ned C Khan. We are the best Probation Violation Aurora Attorney out there. We have been handling cases for years and have a proven track record of winning our clients' cases.

Probation violation cases are complicated, and it's important to have a lawyer who understands the ins and outs of the system. If you've been arrested for violating your probation, you must seek legal representation as soon as possible so that you can get back on track with your life and avoid any further consequences. Probation Violation Naperville Lawyer can help you with your case and keep you out of jail.

At the Law Office of Ned C. Khan, we know that a conviction can have long-term consequences on your life and career. We will work hard to get the charges against you dismissed or reduced so that you can move on with your life without worrying about legal issues for years to come. Our experienced Probation Violation Aurora Lawyer will help you navigate through the legal system and ensure that your rights are protected at every step of the process. We'll also file motions on your behalf and make sure that your case gets heard by an impartial judge who won't be biased toward either party.

When you hire us, we will make sure that your rights are protected and that you receive the best possible outcome from your case. We offer free consultations, so contact us today at 630-820-3203 and visit our website: - https://attorneyinaurora.com/ for more information about how our firm can help with your criminal defense needs!

[offender42085]

Post 1107

Before and After....

Daniel Jacob Findley, Florida inmate E80825, born 1999, incarceration intake November 2023 at age 24, scheduled for release April 2028

Burglary, Grand Theft, Theft of a Firearm, Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Probation Violation

Findley was initially sentenced in August 2022 to 3 years in prison for Internet Crimes related to sexual content with underaged persons. His term was reduced to probation and he was released after one year in August 2023.

Apparently, his release from prison annoyed some folks with the Escambia County District Attorney. Some pending matters dating back to September 2019 were 'dug up' as it were and he was prosecuted for those actions 4 years after the fact.

Convicted of these older offenses, he was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment.

Fun Fact: He was processed back into prison on November 21, 2023, his 24th birthday. The guy knows how to celebrate.

3d

[beardedmrbean]

The man charged with killing a Broomfield teen and his mother in a Dec. 12 crash while drunken driving was waiting for a jail bed from a recent alcohol-related driving conviction when he crashed into the pair’s vehicle, according to the 20th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

Jose Menjivar, who also goes by Jose Guadalupe Menjivar-Alas, had also been deported from the U.S. four times before the crash, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson said.

He is charged with vehicular homicide and driving under the influence in the deaths of Riordan and Melissa Powell in a crash near Broomfield High School.

Court records show Menjivar had four previous alcohol-related driving offenses stemming from incidents going back to 2007 in Boulder County and had been sentenced in the most recent case just four days before the Broomfield crash.

He pleaded guilty to two charges of driving ability impaired and one charge of driving under the influence, as well as a harassment charge, District Attorney spokesperson Shannon Carbone said in an email.

Prosecutors argued Menjivar should be sentenced to a year in jail in that case, Carbone said, but the judge, Zak Malkinson according to court records, sentenced him to work release and probation and allowed Menjivar to wait for a bed out of custody.

“The prosecutor correctly believed this defendant was a danger to the community,” Carbone said. “Instead, the Judge ordered 365 days of work release. The sentence, in addition to work release, included two years of probation and other requirements. The Court allowed the defendant to wait out-of-custody for a bed in the work release program — over our office’s objection.”

In work release programs, inmates stay in jails except when authorized to leave for work.

The judge at Menjivar’s sentencing noted he had served 100 days in jail leading up to the sentencing and tested sober “for a significant period of time,” Carbone said. “Those are significant factors, but our office still fought for straight jail time to be imposed immediately.”

Online court records show Menjivar previously failed to appear in court multiple times, leading to the case being drawn out over seven years before he pled guilty to a lesser charge of driving while ability impaired in June 2023.

The sentence was 365 days work release on each case to run concurrent to each other, “over our office’s objection,” Carbone said.

Four days after the sentencing, while waiting for the work release bed, Broomfield police say Menjivar got drunk and drove twice the speed limit near a high school and crashed into Riordan and Melissa Powell’s vehicle, killing them.

Steve Kotecki, a public affairs officer with ICE’s Denver field office, said Menjivar had also been removed from the U.S. four times since 2009.

“ICE records show that (Menjivar) has been previously removed and has no regard for immigration law,” Kotecki said. “As part of its routine operations, ICE targets and arrests noncitizens who commit crimes and other individuals who have violated our nation’s immigration laws. All noncitizens in violation of U.S. immigration law may be subject to arrest, detention and, if found removable by final order, removed from the United States, regardless of nationality.”

An immigration judge issued a final order of removal for Menjivar on April 14, 2009, Kotecki said.

His removals from the U.S. were in June 2009, June 2012, November 2014 and January 2015.

In connection to the Broomfield crash, ICE Denver lodged an immigration detainer with Broomfield County on Dec. 18, 2023, Kotecki said.

[mariacallous]

Lawmakers have rolled out the Russian parliament’s latest effort to scare people away from behavior that might undermine the invasion of Ukraine. If adopted, the bill would allow the authorities to confiscate money and property owned by individuals convicted of sharing independent news reports (“disinformation”) about the war in Ukraine, inciting actions that “threaten” the state, assisting foreign states or international organizations in which Russia doesn’t participate, disobeying orders, or deserting the army. 

Developed alongside the Prosecutor General's Office, the Investigative Committee, the Justice Ministry, and the Federal Financial Monitoring Service, the draft legislation was formally introduced in the State Duma on Monday, January 22. Mere hours later, the State Construction and Legislation Committee endorsed the bill and urged lawmakers to adopt its first reading. Every parliamentary political faction except the New People Party supports the legislation, and it has the “unconditional” backing of the government cabinet.

Potentially more frightening than damaging

The draft legislation has significant shock value, but experts who spoke to Meduza said anti-war Russians likely risk more now under existing fines because the bill imposes several limits on what the state can seize (though uneven enforcement makes the future hard to predict). For example, inciting “threats” against the state currently risks a maximum fine of 2.5 million rubles ($28,400), and violating the ban on disseminating “disinformation” about the invasion of Ukraine can cost twice as much. However, according to the Net Freedoms Project, courts have not yet issued large fines to anyone for these offenses. Even journalists now living abroad whose reports clash with the Defense Ministry’s narrative are sentenced in absentia to probation, and their assets are then unfrozen.

Unlike in the Soviet era, property confiscation in Russia today isn’t punitive, at least not officially. The law says the state can confiscate only the money and valuables obtained as a result of committing a relevant crime, along with the items the perpetrator used to facilitate the felony. In most instances of illegal speech, this will almost certainly mean the seizure of electronic equipment like computers, laptops, tablets, cameras, and smartphones. In fact, the police already take these items when investigating offenses involving the “discrediting of the military” and the spread of “disinformation” about the war. (An expert appraisal commissioned by the authorities later determines what isn’t returned.)

The draft law does not lay out a plan to confiscate an individual’s entire property. As human rights attorney Maria Nemova explains, Russian lawmakers excluded asset seizure as a form of punishment in 2003, though officials restored it as a measure of criminal law, three years later. In other words, Russia’s justice system allows confiscations only for the purpose of preventing criminal enrichment and depriving offenders of the means to repeat their crimes.

Aggravating circumstances

Existing laws already allow the seizure of money and valuables in several dozen different cases, including murder, kidnapping, and the nonpayment of wages or pensions, but the caveat here is that the crime must be committed under the aggravating circumstance of “motives of personal gain.”

According to the human rights organization Department One, police officers have the authority to confiscate “other property” if they can’t seize what was directly obtained as a result of the “crime,” but the value of this property cannot exceed the value of the “illegally” obtained money or assets. Also, the new draft law wouldn’t be retroactive, and prosecutors would nevertheless be responsible for proving that flagged property was acquired by criminal means. 

Stricter punishments for crimes committed due to “motives of personal gain” already exist for spreading “disinformation” about the military, but the authorities have rarely pursued these exact charges. Of the 273 felony cases filed so far against “disinformation” offenders, only a handful have involved this aggravating circumstance. Two noteworthy examples include the five years handed down to Colombian national Alberto Enrique Giraldo Saray, as well as opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Murza’s notorious 25-year prison sentence, whose verdict also includes convictions for alleged treason and collaborating with an “undesirable organization.” The most common motive cited in prosecutions for “disinformation” is “political hatred.”

Lawmakers also propose adding a “personal gain” aggravating qualifier to crimes against the “security” of the state, and they want to make it an aggravating condition if the offender’s motives are political, ideological, religious, or racial hatred (all qualifiers that aren’t currently part of the law). 

The draft legislation drops this language about “motives of personal gain” when it comes to the seizure of money and valuables in cases involving desertion, failure to obey orders, participation in an “undesirable” organization’s activities, and “assisting in the implementation” of decisions by international organizations in which Russia isn’t a member. The law would allow the authorities to confiscate property that is “intended and used” to commit any of these crimes. 

The mysteries of enforcement

How officials would handle these calculations is a mystery, but police agencies have frequently accused anti-war activists (particularly where arson and other sabotage are concerned) of acting with instructions and resources from Kyiv. It’s possible that officials might concoct a sum of money and claim it was the arsonist’s fee, for example. 

Eva Levenberg, who monitors criminal cases for OVD-Info, says the confiscation rules are also dangerous when it comes to cooperating with “undesirable” organizations (especially for senior management) because investigators might reason that a person’s entire income — not just an individual payment — is intended to finance the banned entity’s operations. Current investigative practices suggest that officials in these cases would try to determine what money was acquired “criminally” by obtaining confessions, private correspondence, and other surveillance, says Levenberg.

Attorney Valeria Vetoshkina told Meduza that Russian criminal cases involving bribery allegations observe a “very low standard of proof,” and police sometimes ignore even basic procedural requirements, such as the need for aggravating circumstances when seizing an offender’s property. 

Russians at risk of property seizure (which especially means activists and individuals who write publicly and independently about the war in Ukraine and the Putin regime) probably won’t get any warning before the police come looking for their stuff. People in this situation have a few options — all of them difficult: (1) try to move abroad any money and valuables you can (though involving others could make them criminal accomplices), (2) sell or transfer your property to someone else, or (3) donate your property to a local charity (though this organization might not be allowed to keep the money if there is suspicion that it knew or should have known about the property’s “criminal” origins, and Vetoshkina says “selling” for a symbolic sum is legally safer than making an outright gift).

[petefromarma]

Jeanae has been arrested many times over a period of years between like 2008 and 2010 (I think close to 10) for various charges related to stealing, heroin possession, and being an accessory to other stuff. This isn’t to judge her character but she has never done jail time or been sentenced for any of it, which I find surprising given the number of arrests, particularly the heroin charges. I would not be surprised if Pete helping her get a lawyer was why because they were still sharing the dog when this happened. I would also not be surprised if this is why she has never gone public.

i do think she mentions in her article having spent 30 days in jail for violating her probation but i think what you mean is she never went to prison for an extended period of time right? i will say i didn't know it was that frequent of an occurrence so i agree i wouldn't be surprised if he was helping her out financially and provided her with an attorney, esp bc i mean he had his own connections but i'm sure his parents had connections in the community as well. i also wouldn't be surprised if she signed some kind of NDA