Year: 2025
Recent Case Results
October 16, 2025
At Adams & Associates, PLC, we are committed to providing aggressive, strategic defense for our clients facing criminal charges and professional licensing matters. We are proud to share some of our recent successes, which demonstrate our dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes in even the most challenging cases. Appellate Victory Jurisdiction Accepted for Petition for Special Action — The Court of Appeals, Division II,…
No Harm, Still Fraud: The Supreme Court Clarifies Wire Fraud Liability in Kousisis v. United States
October 16, 2025
By Ashley Adams In Kousisis v. United States, 605 U.S. —- 145 S.Ct. 1382, (decided May 22, 2025), the U.S. Supreme Court held that defendants may be criminally liable under the federal wire fraud statute even if they did not intend to cause — and did not in fact cause — economic harm to the victim. Writing for the majority, Justice Amy Coney Barrett confirmed…
Sophisticated Means Enhancement Under Fire: United States v. Guldi
July 19, 2025
By Ashley Adams & Chase Wortham. The Second Circuit’s recent decision in United States v. Guldi [1] provides a stark reminder that defense attorneys need to fight the government when it seeks to apply the sophisticated means enhancement under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. This enhancement adds two points to a defendant’s Offense Level under the Guidelines and means more prison time if upheld. In most…
Join Adams & Associates’ Water Drive for Paiute Center
June 19, 2025
Adams & Associates, PLC is starting its annual water drive for the Partners for Paiute Neighborhood Center in Scottsdale. Paiute Neighborhood Center provides a safe and diverse environment where our at-risk neighbors can come together to create a spirit of community by providing social, recreational, cultural, and educational programs and services. However, during the hot summer months, Paiute’s residents need water. We hope that you will…
ICE Raids: How Employers Can Prepare In Advance
June 5, 2025
In light of the new administration’s focus on immigration-related issues, many employers are seeking guidance on how to best prepare for a potential U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid. Employers are wise to educate their employees on the organization’s response protocol for an ICE visit, as well as to advise their employees of their rights should they be approached by ICE during a raid….
DOJ Memoranda Indicate Major Shift in White Collar Crime Enforcement
May 7, 2025
Attorney General Pam Bondi issued 14 memoranda which significantly reshaped the Department of Justice’s (“DOJ”) enforcement priorities and operational directives, including establishing a task force to investigate alleged “weaponization” of the Justice Department and limiting inquiries into foreign influence. These memos addressed various aspects of DOJ policy, from corporate enforcement to civil rights litigation. Below is a summary of notable memoranda issued during that period:…
The Truth About Restitution in Federal Criminal Cases with Ashley Adams, Esq.
January 21, 2025
Ashley Adams appeared on “Set for Sentencing: Stories from the Frontlines of Justice — From Prosecution to Defense.” Listen to the episode here. Restitution is often imposed to compensate crime victims for their losses. Done correctly, it can help victims recover and allow offenders to move on after serving their sentence. However, defense attorneys sometimes overlook restitution issues, resulting in burdensome payment orders. These…
