Showing posts with label Alabama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alabama. Show all posts

January 23, 2015

Federal Prosecutors Collect $7.5 Million in Alabama

Home > Uncategorized > Federal Prosecutors Collect $7.5 Million in Alabama
By Steven Eversole on December 8, 2014 Posted in Uncategorized Convicted criminal offenders can be sentenced to jail time, but they could also face financial penalties.
According to reports, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama collected more than $7.5 million in civil forfeitures and criminal actions during the 2014 fiscal year. It may come as a surprise, but criminal and civil actions are a significant source of revenue for state and federal prosecutors as well as police agencies. Especially fruitful are convictions for white collar crimes, including fraud.
Individuals who are under investigation should consult with an experienced advocate as soon as possible to minimize charges and penalties.
In addition to the $7.5 million brought in by the U.S. Attorney’s office, cases that were jointly pursued with assistance from the U.S. Department of Justice brought in an additional $117.8 million in civil actions. There was $3.2 million collected in criminal actions and $4.3 million in civil actions.
According to representatives, the goal of the U.S. Attorney’s office means “seeking justice” by putting criminals behind bars and ensuring American taxpayers and the federal government are compensated for financial losses.
For individuals who are under investigation for criminal activity, it is important to remember it’s not just your freedom at stake, but your financial well-being even upon your release.
The Northern District of Alabama includes 37 counties, including Birmingham and Huntsville. The U.S. Attorney’s Office reported the largest financial collections came from settlements related to fraudulent health care claims. This year, defendant Hospice Compassus settled for $3.93 million after allegations the company submitted false claims to Medicare. Two former employees who were whistleblowers in the qui tam case were able to collect and share over $700,000.
In another case, American Family Care Inc. paid significant penalties for knowingly submitting fraudulent Medicare claims and billing at higher than normal rates. A claims processor who shed the light on the Birmingham company received $204,000 of the $1.2 million settlement with the company.
A large majority of criminal and civil financial penalties are collected related to white collar crimes, including fraud. Many of the funds collected in Northern Alabama were related to Medicare fraud, including a $150 million penalty from Amedisys, one of the largest home health providers in the U.S. According to reports, a whistleblower-nurse uncovered the fraudulent scheme involving false home healthcare billings to Medicare. The nurse in was able to collect over $15 million in shedding light on the fraud.
While those who are guilty of large scare financial crimes should be investigated and penalized, it is important that defendants have experienced counsel and advocacy. Our Birmingham federal crimes defense attorneys are committed to investigating allegations of fraud to protect our clients. Remember that white collar crimes are often investigated for weeks, months, even years before you are brought in for questioning. An experienced advocate is necessary to level the playing field when confronted by federal investigators. The money collected in the northern district of Alabama is only a fraction of the $24.7 billion collected nationally.
If you have been arrested in Birmingham, call Defense Lawyer Steven Eversole at (866) 831-5292.

More Blog Entries:
Aggressive Prosecution of Cyber Crimes in Alabama, November 3, 2013, Birmingham Drug Defense Lawyer Blog
Arrested Juveniles More Apt to Offer False Confessions, Sept. 24, 2013, Birmingham Drug Defense Lawyer Blog
Tags: Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyer My name is Steven D. Eversole, and I am a DUI and Criminal Defense attorney located in Birmingham, Alabama. This site is meant to be a resource for practicing Alabama Criminal Attorneys and Alabama DUI Defense lawyers, as well as a source of information regarding Alabama DUI and Criminal Laws to those accused of crimes, or to the inquiring mind of the general public.
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January 5, 2015

Alabama Inmate Arrested for DUI

Home > DUI > Alabama Inmate Arrested for DUI

Any DUI offender faces the potential of criminal charges, and penalties including fines, jail time, and a criminal record. The stakes are even higher for an inmate who busts out of jail on a joyride and then gets caught driving under the influence. After four years on probation, a violation landed an Alabama offender back in the Madison County Detention Facility. While serving out his 90-day-sentence, the offender was given a low security classification, allowing him to work as a class four inmate. This gave the inmate ample opportunities to leave the premises.

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According to reports, the inmate was working unsupervised in a fleet shop, remaining available during the evening hours to provide a vehicle to a deputy or fix a broken vehicle. The inmate was also responsible for some maintenance of on-site vehicles, including fixing a tire or performing repairs. County Sheriff’s Office authorities reported that there are over 1,000 inmates in the county who are in the trustee program. Supporters of the program say that there are a number of benefits and incentives, providing work and freedom for inmates, while also saving the county money. Inmates are not paid for the work, but they are provided extra food and tips for washing the vehicles. This also gives inmates the ability to buy additional personal items, including cigarettes, beverages, or snacks.

According to reports, the inmate allegedly took a spare set of keys and went driving in one of the county vehicles. He then bought liquor and “became intoxicated” when a Huntsville police officer pulled him over. Records indicated that the inmate had only one week left to serve before he would have been released. New charges indicate that celebrating early was a big mistake. Now the inmate faces additional charges including DUI, eluding an officer, escape from prison, and 15 additional charges. Police say that conviction on any or all of these charges could result in serious time behind bars.

In the event of a DUI arrest and charge, it is important to have the facts and circumstances of your case reviewed by an experienced attorney. Our Birmingham DUI attorneys are experienced with providing sound counsel and support to individuals who have been arrested and charged. We will review all evidence, including police reports, witness statements, blood alcohol evidence, and other supporting documentation to find weakness in the prosecution’s case. We will work to defeat or reduce criminal charges and ensure that you are not over-penalized in the event of a conviction.

In Alabama and nationwide, there are some individuals who could face even more severe charges and penalties when pulled over. If you have been convicted of a DUI in the past, you are driving on a suspended license, driving with a minor, or are involved in an accident, the charges and penalties you face will be more severe. All of these aggravated circumstances will ramp up the criminal charges and potential penalties. While any individual arrested and charged with DUI should consult with an experienced advocate, those involved with more severe offenses are especially in need of counsel.

More Blog Entries:
Report: Diabetic Shock Mistaken for DUI by Police, Aug. 3, 2013, Jefferson County DUI Lawyer Blog

Birmingham DUI Arrests Spike During Football Season, Aug. 11, 2013, Jefferson County DUI Defense Lawyer Blog

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The acronyms DUI, DWI, OMVI and OVI all refer to the same thing: operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The most commonly used terms are DUI, an acronym for Driving Under the Influence, and DWI, an acronym for Driving While Impaired.
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