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What’s a Little Creepy About the FBI’s Arrest Warrant for a Blaze News Reporter

By | Mentions

We have another instance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation going off the reservation. A Blaze News reporter who has done a couple of stories on the January 6 riot, which embarrassed the Justice Department, will be forced to turn himself in on Friday. Steve Baker has cooperated with the Justice Department, which has had Baker on their radar for months.

The creepy part about this story is that this reporter doesn’t know what charges he’s facing. The FBI has instructed him to wear clothing that suggests he’ll be forced to wear an orange jumpsuit. However, the Justice Department told Baker and his legal team that misdemeanors were the only charges facing the journalist. The outlet had all the details about the legal drama in a lengthy post, including the stories that might have painted a target on Baker’s back (via The Blaze):

“They didn’t have to go this route,” Baker told Blaze News on Tuesday evening. “We have been told that my charges are only misdemeanors. And my attorneys have been assured that this will be an ‘in and out’ affair with ‘no intention’ to detain me. But rather than issuing a simple order to appear, they went the ‘arrest warrant’ route.”

What’s more, Baker said he still does not know what the charges against him are, noting to Blaze News that the powers that be won’t tell his attorney about the charges because they believe Baker will post them on social media.

Baker’s Dallas attorney, James Lee Bright, added to Blaze News that withholding the nature of the charges against his client is a “really unusual” move. Bright also said he’s hoping to get a copy of the complaint against Baker as early as possible Friday morning.

[…]

Bright told Blaze News that he’s “disturbed” about what’s transpiring with his client, especially given that Baker has been “in full compliance” all this time. Bright also said the federal government “three-plus years later going after people who were legitimate functioning journalists that day” appears designed to have an “absolute chilling effect.”

[…]

Baker added that when he asked his other attorney, William Shipley, why the federal government is treating him like this, Shipley replied, “You know why. You’ve been poking them in the eye for three years”

[…]

Baker’s first Jan. 6 analysis for Blaze News came last October, following countless hours in a House subcommittee office looking at frame after frame of Jan. 6 closed-circuit video — and it had him wondering: did Capitol Police Special Agent David Lazarus perjure himself in the Oath Keepers trial?

Soon after, the slow pace of getting an unrestricted look at everything recorded on video prompted Blaze Media editor in chief Matthew Peterson’s appeal to House Speaker Mike Johnson to release all the videos. On Nov. 17, Johnson did just that.

Baker’s investigative efforts also resulted in two additional analyses, both focusing on Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn: “January 6 and the N-word that wasn’t” and “Harry Dunn’s account of January 6 does not add up. At all.”

In December, Baker alleged he uncovered major irregularities involving Dunn, Capitol Police, the press, and U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Maryland).

In January, Baker asserted that just-released U.S. Capitol closed-circuit TV video clips from Jan. 6 show Lazarus gave false testimony in the Oath Keepers trial. “

Article pulled from Townhall.com

State and Federal Criminal Charges in Dallas

The Difference Between State and Federal Criminal Charges

By | Uncategorized

In criminal law, it’s necessary to understand the key distinctions between State and Federal criminal charges. These differences can significantly impact the legal processes and consequences that individuals may face. To shed light on this topic, we’ll explore the nuances, with a particular focus on the State of Texas, where attorney James Lee Bright is ready to guide you through the intricacies of criminal defense.

State vs. Federal Jurisdiction

One of the most basic distinctions between State and Federal criminal charges lies in the jurisdiction under which the cases are prosecuted. State charges are filed and prosecuted by the District Attorney of the county in which the alleged offense occurred and typically involve alleged violations of State statutes. On the other hand, Federal charges are brought forth by the United States Attorney’s Office and involve violations of Federal statutes.

In Texas, the State has its own set of criminal statutes that cover a wide range of offenses, from theft to assault to drug crimes, among many others. When a person is facing criminal charges related to these state-specific laws, they will be dealing with State authorities, including local law enforcement agencies, district attorneys, and courts. James Lee Bright, as a dedicated criminal defense attorney, is well-versed in Texas state laws and can provide tailored guidance for cases at this level.

Federal Crimes in Texas

While state laws govern many criminal matters, there are instances when federal authorities become involved. Federal criminal charges typically involve violations of laws that apply nationwide, such as drug trafficking, sex trafficking, certain white-collar crimes, and immigration offenses, amongst many others. When a person is facing Federal charges, the case will be prosecuted in a Federal court by the Department of Justice, in essence pitting a person against the entire Federal government.

James Lee Bright, with his expertise in Federal criminal defense, can navigate the complexities of the Federal legal system and provide the strong representation to anyone who has been targeted by the United States Attorney. His experience in the Texas and National Federal legal communities ensures that a person charged with a crime will have a highly knowledgeable and experienced advocate by their side.

Penalties and Sentencing

Another critical difference between State and Federal criminal charges pertains to the potential penalties one might face. State laws determine the range of punishment for state-level offenses, which can include fines, probation, community service, and imprisonment. The severity of these penalties often depends on the specific offense and a defendant’s criminal history.

Federal crimes, on the other hand, typically carry more severe penalties. Unlike State punishment ranges, punishment for a Federal offense is determined by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which are structured, giving judges much less discretion in the sentence he/she can impose. The consequences for Federal offenses can involve lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and other restrictions that can significantly impact a person’s life.

James Lee Bright’s extensive experience in both State and Federal criminal defense equips him to assess the potential consequences of a specific case and develop a strategic defense strategy tailored to each client’s unique circumstances.

Investigation and Prosecution

The process of investigation and prosecution also differs between State and Federal criminal charges. State-level cases are typically investigated by local law enforcement agencies and prosecuted by district attorneys at the county level. This means that the resources available for investigation and prosecution can vary from one county to another at the State level.

In contrast, Federal cases are investigated by Federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Federal prosecutors, known as United States Attorneys, handle the prosecution of Federal cases. These prosecutors have substantial resources and extensive experience, making Federal cases highly challenging to defend against without the right legal representation.

James Lee Bright’s expertise in Federal criminal defense ensures that anyone charged with a Federal offense has a strong advocate who understands the nuances of Federal investigations and prosecutions. Whether you’re facing State or Federal charges, James Lee Bright will work tirelessly to protect a client’s rights and provide a robust defense.

Double Jeopardy and Dual Prosecution

In some cases, individuals may wonder about the possibility of facing both State and Federal charges for the same conduct, raising concerns about double jeopardy. Double jeopardy, as protected by the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, prevents individuals from being prosecuted twice for the same offense in the same jurisdiction.

However, it’s important to note that State and Federal governments are separate sovereigns, and double jeopardy protections typically do not apply when both jurisdictions pursue charges for the same conduct. This means that an individual could potentially face state charges, serve a sentence, and then face federal charges for the same conduct, or vice versa.

James Lee Bright’s comprehensive understanding of Texas and Federal criminal statutes allows him to navigate these complexities and develop effective defense strategies, even in cases involving dual prosecution.

Understanding the difference between State and Federal criminal charges is crucial when navigating the criminal justice system. In Texas, where the legal landscape can be intricate, having an experienced attorney like James Lee Bright can make all the difference.

Whether you are facing State or Federal charges, James Lee Bright’s dedication to protecting your rights, extensive knowledge of Texas laws, and proficiency in Federal criminal defense make him a formidable advocate. If you or a loved one are in need of legal counsel, do not hesitate to reach out to the Law Offices of James Lee Bright for the skilled representation you deserve. With James Lee Bright’s guidance, you can navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system with confidence.