Leniency

Man Convicted in Teen Trafficking Case Pleads for Leniency, Claims Age Deception

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Bakersfield, CA — In a case that has drawn attention to the complexities of human trafficking laws, a California man found guilty of trafficking a 15-year-old girl has appealed to the court for leniency, claiming the girl misrepresented her age. Joseph Harmon, 34, was convicted last month on charges of sex trafficking of a minor. During the sentencing phase of his trial, Harmon’s legal team presented a plea for mercy, arguing that Harmon was misled about the girl’s age and believed she was over 18. They stressed that this misperception should be considered a mitigating … Read more

Iowa Governor Advocates for Leniency in Federal Child Labor Fines Amid State Law Changes

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DES MOINES, Iowa — Governor Kim Reynolds is challenging fines imposed by the U.S. Department of Labor on several Iowa businesses, which have been cited for violations of federal child labor laws. The governor is advocating for a review or renegotiation of these penalties, suggesting that the fines are overly punitive. This plea from the governor comes after a change in the state’s legislation, which Reynolds signed last year, permitting teens in Iowa to work later hours than previously allowed. The new state laws enable 14 and 15-year-olds to work until 9 p.m. on school … Read more

FTX Founder Faces “Grotesque” Suggested 100-Year Prison Sentence for Cryptocurrency Crimes, Lawyer Calls for Leniency

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NEW YORK (AP) — The lawyer for Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of FTX, called the suggested 100-year prison sentence for his client “grotesque” and “barbaric.” Attorney Marc Mukasey argued that a term of a few years behind bars would be more appropriate for the cryptocurrency crimes that Bankman-Fried still disputes. In presentence arguments filed in Manhattan federal court, Mukasey contended that the report by probation officers improperly calculated the federal sentencing guidelines. The recommendation of a 100-year sentence falls just 10 years short of the maximum possible sentence of 110 years. Prosecutors, who will respond in … Read more

Mullins Appeals for Mercy in Jan. 6 Sentencing: An Inside Look at the Advocacy for Leniency

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PADUCAH, Ky. – Ahead of the sentencing in the high-profile January 6th case, defendant John Mullins pleads for leniency from the judge. Mullins is one of the individuals charged with storming the Capitol that day, and his request for mercy comes as part of his effort to avoid a lengthy prison term. In his appeal to the judge, Mullins emphasizes his previously unblemished record and states that he is genuinely remorseful for his actions. He acknowledges the seriousness of the offense, but argues that a lengthy imprisonment would be unduly harsh given his lack of … Read more