Bell & Pollock - Legal Anatomy of Current Events

Campaign Money, Finances and Wire Fraud

Sam Miele, a fundraiser for expelled Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., pleaded guilty to wire fraud in connection with impersonating an aide to then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
According to court records, Miele misrepresented himself as a high-ranking congressional aide to then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy to deceive donors and then used their money to pad his own pocket and the coffers of Santos' campaign. Miele admitted he committed access device fraud by charging credit cards without authorization.  

Insurrections, Rebellions and Elections: What a recipe!

A Colorado judge has ruled that former President Donald Trump “engaged in an insurrection” on January 6, 2021, but rejected an attempt to remove him from the state’s 2024 primary ballot, finding that the 14th Amendment’s “insurrectionist ban” doesn’t apply to presidents. Or does it? You decide.

Trump’s GA Indictments

Donald Trump and 18 others have been indicted in Georgia over efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss in the state. Bell & Pollock explain the many legal elements in of this historic case.

Floods, Fires, Disaster! Then Your Homeowners Insurance Company Drops You.

Insurance companies are not offering or are not renewing insurance policies in some states to shield themselves from ballooning losses from natural disasters. Can they do that? And what can you do if your policy isn't renewed?

Tried and Acquitted...But Still Going to Jail! How? Wow!

Maybe astonishing, but true. You can be acquitted in court and still go to jail. It's perfectly legal. 

Aretha Franklin’s Will--Will the Real Will Please Stand Up

Aretha Franklin left behind two wills, scrawled in notebooks and on pieces of paper, that were found inside her home after her death.  The wills disagreed on which family members would control her estate. With $80 million at stake, how would the court decide which will is the way?

Supreme Court Justices Finances, Gifts, Travel. Ethics? Rules?

Ethical concerns are swirling around the nation’s highest court. All-expenses-paid trips, book promotions and property selling. Some of the court’s judges are mired in ethical controversies. What's the story and what's at stake? 

What’s Up With Insider Trading? Really?

Martha Stewart did it and it wasn't a good thing. Insider trading involves trading in a public company's stock or other securities by someone with non-public information about the company. But is it illegal? 

Jack Daniels v. Bad Spaniels Dog Toys-Trademark Infringement?

In a unanimous decision, the U.S. Supreme Court held that a dog toymaker infringed on the trademark of the whiskey maker.  Did the Court get it right or is it barking up the wrong tree? Gary Bell & Brad Pollock step into it for you to decide.

Rap Music In the Courtroom-Is it A Confession or 1st Amendment Expression

Artistic freedom is a right afforded under the First Amendment; however, many rap artists that run afoul of the law have had their lyrics held against them in a court of law. Is using the lyrics fair game or off limits? Brad Pollock breaks it down and you decide.