Friday, July 27, 2012

A current case in Washington State  raises questions on the differences between free speech and criminal cyberstalking. These cyberstalking laws criminalize offensive speech as criminal acts. While the speech is offensive, it is often protected as free speech according to EFF Staff Attorney Hanni Fakhoury.  He goes on to point out that anyone making negative statements made online could potentially be prosecuted under similar laws. The full amicus brief filed by Seattle Attorney Venkat Balasubramani on behalf of the EFF is available online.*

While many cases highlight the differences of the application of the law on and offline, this case simply raises questions of free speech.  The uniqueness comes from the possibility that new laws will be used to limit free speech under the guise of keeping up with technology. 

If you are involved in a cyberstalking case, copyright infringement case, criminal case, or accused of an Internet crime contact the criminal lawyers at  Law Offices of Raymond G. Wigell, Ltd. by clicking our link or calling (708)481-4800.

Source:
Electronic Frontier Foundation
https://www.eff.org/press/releases/washington-state-cyberstalking-case-based-unconstitutional-law

Thursday, July 19, 2012

This case is another demonstration of the seriousness of copyright infringement and the resulting consequences. Individuals allegedly involved in copyright infringement face civil cases and criminal charges.

The criminal prosecution of file sharing sites' users is increasing on a global scale.

Individual faces 5 years in prisons in Czech Republic for copyright infringement of movies - from Torrent Freak.

If you or someone you love face charges of copyright infringement, Internet or white collar crimes contact a criminal defense attorney at the Law Offices of Raymond G. Wigell, Ltd. At the Law Offices of Raymond G. Wigell, Ltd., we have years of experience defending copyright infringement and Internet crimes at the state (Illinois) and federal level.  Call (708) 481-4800 now to speak with an attorney or visit our site at www.waaltd.com

Thursday, July 12, 2012


Press Release

Attorney Raymond G. Wigell teaches legal clinic at DePaul University, College of Law, Students successfully defend all clients

Students have the opportunity to represent clients under supervision


Chicago, IL, June 20, 2012:  Raymond G. Wigell, of the Law Offices of Raymond G. Wigell, Ltd. and the student lawyers of DePaul University, College of Law successfully completed the Misdemeanor Clinic Cases for Spring, 2012.  The Misdemeanor Clinic provides students who are in their senior year of law school and licensed to practice under the supervision of an attorney the unique experience of representing a client throughout a case.  The clients are defendants charged with criminal misdemeanors in the Circuit Court of Cook County.  Students represent the clients from an initial interview thorough the investigation, motion and trial prep, plea negotiations and trial.  

Three cases were successfully completed during the Spring 2012 Misdemeanor Clinic. The charges included:  One retail theft, a criminal damage to property with various assault and battery to a police officer charges and a battery to a police officer and resisting arrest charge.  The evidence that the State would have presented at trial was very damaging and the likelihood of convictions were strong.   
Despite the likelihood of conviction, none of the defendants were required to serve any jail time and all defendants will be able to expunge the charges from their records. The retail theft was stricken off the call by the state, which has the effect of a dismissal.  The other charges were negotiated so as to allow the clients to be placed on court supervision. A trial was not required for any of the defendants given the excellent work on the part of Professor Wigell's student lawyers.

Additional information on the Misdemeanor Law Clinic can be found on the DePaul University, College of Law website.  Raymond G. Wigell has an LL.M.  in Taxation (DePaul) in addition to his J.D. He has practiced law for 37 years and currently represents criminal cases involving sex crimes, copyright infringement, white collar crimes, drug and violent crimes.   Wigell has also served as a Trial Attorney with the Office of the Public Defender of Cook County.  For more information on criminal attorney Raymond G. Wigell or his practice, visit www.waaltd.com.