Groshek Law Groshek Law PA 2026-06-16T08:47:50Z https://www.christagrosheklaw.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1604620/2020/07/cropped-site-identity-32x32.jpg On Behalf of Groshek Law PA <![CDATA[Busted! 7 Sneaky Ways Undercover Cops Try to Get You to Incriminate Yourself]]> https://www.christagrosheklaw.com/?p=58043 2026-06-01T17:19:44Z 2026-06-01T09:20:28Z Many people believe they can spot a police officer from a mile away, but undercover work is nearly invisible. In reality, anyone you meet—online or in person—could be an officer building a case against you. These operations are not just for high-level cartels; they happen in schools, local neighborhoods, and private group chats. From simple social media interactions to elaborate fake businesses, police use psychological tricks to make you feel safe enough to break the law or brag about past mistakes. Most people never see the trap until the handcuffs click shut.

Posing as a Trusted Peer

Officers often go "under the wire" by pretending to be someone in a similar life situation, such as a fellow student or a cellmate. They use this fake common ground to build a bond. Once you view them as an equal, they encourage you to share secrets or "vent" about illegal activities.

The "Are You a Cop?" Lie

A dangerous and widespread myth suggests that an officer must tell the truth if you ask them about their job. This is false. Undercover cops can legally lie to your face and deny their identity repeatedly to maintain their cover. If you rely on this question to stay safe, you are walking straight into a trap.

Creating Fake Online Personas

 Police spend hours building realistic social media profiles to enter private digital spaces. They might friend you, "like" your posts, and send private messages to incite you to commit a crime or share evidence. They use the anonymity of the internet to push boundaries that people might be more cautious about in person.

The Friendship and Romance Long-Game

 Sometimes an officer spends weeks or months building a deep personal connection. This can even include romantic interest, where an officer flirts with you or pretends to date you to gain your absolute loyalty. Once they have your heart or your trust, they ask you to help them with something illegal or try to gain knowledge about certain aspects of your life, banking on the fact that you won't suspect someone you care about.

Setting Up Front Businesses

Law enforcement often rents storefronts to create fake pawn shops, clubs or repair shops. These locations are rigged with hidden cameras and microphones. They wait for people to bring in stolen goods or discuss illegal deals, capturing high-quality video evidence that is nearly impossible to fight in court.

Infiltrating Social Circles to Pressure Targets

Undercover agents often join specific groups to find someone who seems vulnerable. They might use "dares" or social pressure to see if you will agree to help with a crime. 

Sting Operations and "Buy-Busts"

 In these scenarios, the officer plays the role of a buyer or a seller. They might offer to sell you something illegal at a price that seems too good to be true. The moment the money or the item changes hands, backup officers arrive to make the arrest. They create the entire opportunity just to see if you will take the bait.

Protect Your Rights and Stay Silent

The best way to avoid these traps is to be careful about what you share with others, especially people you just met. You should never feel pressured to discuss private matters or participate in illegal acts. If you find yourself in a situation where the police are questioning you or you suspect an undercover operation, the most important thing you can do is remain silent. You have a legal right to stop talking and ask for an attorney immediately.]]> On Behalf of Groshek Law PA <![CDATA[How to expunge your criminal record: The ultimate guide]]> https://www.christagrosheklaw.com/?p=58029 2026-06-03T14:01:57Z 2026-05-28T09:50:12Z Record expungement under Minnesota law In Minnesota, you may petition the court for an expungement. If approved, it will seal your criminal record from public view. While this offers a hopeful renewal of your life, it is crucial to understand that expungement does not completely erase your record from existence. Government agencies, law enforcement and licensing boards can still access sealed files under specific, legal circumstances. Expungement will not wipe the slate entirely blank, but it does hide your record from landlords and employers who run standard background checks.

Eligibility requirements for expungement

Expungement is only available for those who meet these qualifications:
  • You did not receive a charge for your arrest.
  • The courts have dismissed the charges against you.
  • The judge did not find you guilty.
  • You completed a diversion program, a stay of adjudication or a continuance for dismissal.
  • The required legal waiting period for a misdemeanor conviction has passed.
  • Your conviction is part of the certain qualifying felonies.
If you qualify, you may begin the process by filing a formal petition in the county where you were charged. You also must notify all the government agencies involved and state your case to a judge. During your hearing, you bear the burden of proving that the benefits of sealing your record outweigh the public’s right to know about your past.

Filing for an expungement with legal help

Minnesota law offers you the chance at a fresh start, but the state’s complex expungement statutes can be overwhelming. From preparing the paperwork to presenting your case in court, a single mistake can derail your progress. Seeking legal assistance from a criminal defense attorney is wise.]]> On Behalf of Groshek Law PA <![CDATA[What you need to know about cybercrimes in Minnesota]]> https://www.christagrosheklaw.com/?p=58028 2026-05-26T11:00:33Z 2026-05-26T11:00:33Z Computer hacking Minnesota law prohibits unauthorized computer access or hacking. The court can charge you if:
  • You intentionally bypassed a computer’s security.
  • You accessed a computer without authorization from its owner.
It does not matter whether you successfully steal data or damage the system to break the law. A mere attempt to enter the system is enough to warrant an arrest. Penalties for unauthorized computer access generally start as a misdemeanor (up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine) but can escalate up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine if the offense creates a grave risk of death.

Phishing and identity theft

Online scams are a form of deception with the goal of stealing sensitive information, such as passwords, birthdates and home addresses. To hold guilty parties accountable for their malicious intentions, Minnesota law has a specific offense for the electronic use of a false pretense to obtain an identity. You can face a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Furthermore, identity theft is another cybercrime that the state continuously fights against. If it involves a total combined loss exceeding $35,000 or involves eight or more direct victims, it is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

Navigating the legal system

Cybercrime laws are highly technical, and a single mistake can alter your future. Facing allegations or dealing with the aftermath of a digital dispute requires precise representation. Seeking legal advice from an experienced attorney can give you the guidance you need in going through the complex legal process.]]> On Behalf of Groshek Law PA <![CDATA[From plywood to prison: When a “simple” material swap becomes theft by swindle]]> https://www.christagrosheklaw.com/?p=58017 2026-06-03T14:01:58Z 2026-04-20T12:11:30Z Building costs are soaring ever skyward, which can cause contractors to worry about their projects’ bottom lines. Some may even be tempted to make some substitutions in the quality of premium materials the contract says they will be using. It’s such a little lie. Hard to detect, and likely not to matter too much in the end. Right?

Better check that final invoice

By using substandard materials, e.g., substituting utility grade pine for the required Douglas fir grade on all ceiling and floor joists, lintels and rafters, and submitting an invoice using the premium grade instead, you open yourself and your company up to allegations of fraud. Here in Minnesota, the charge is called theft by swindle, and you could wind up in jail if convicted.

Beware of overzealous prosecutors

For the prosecution, it’s all about having a winning record to burnish when re-election time rolls around. Since the prosecutors only take on cases they see as winnable, it means that they may pull out all the stops to rack up another win. At its core, theft by swindle charges focus on any attempts at misrepresentation for financial gain. Thus, what may have seemed like only a minor, behind-the-scenes business choice can be reframed by a prosecutor as a deliberate criminal act.

Could you be facing criminal charges?

If so, it is always prudent to get out ahead of the situation to give you some control over its outcome. Now is not the time to go it alone. Rather, you need to retain the services of a strong criminal defense team to preserve the integrity of your business and your good name.

Failing to act only worsens the peril

Your legal team can help you by reframing the incident as a billing or coding error rather than the fraud a prosecutor will try to prove in court. Everyone can make a mistake and mitigate its damage to clients and customers without fraud allegations prevailing. Don’t wait another day to address this problem. Both your and your company’s reputations are at stake, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help with your problem.]]> On Behalf of Groshek Law PA <![CDATA[How simple genetic tests could be used against family members]]> https://www.christagrosheklaw.com/?p=58013 2026-04-11T17:51:13Z 2026-04-11T17:51:13Z The issues with using genealogy databases to solve crimes In scenarios where law enforcement professionals have forensic evidence from the scene of a crime but no other means of identifying the perpetrator, they may look for genetic matches. While there are databases with information about people convicted of major criminal offenses, not everyone implicated in the crime has a prior history. However, advances in genetic sequencing and analysis have made it easier to connect genetic information from those undergoing genealogy-related tests to the materials found at a crime scene. One family member’s test could result in law enforcement professionals determining that their family was likely involved in the crime and then intensifying the investigation. Genetic databases have played a role in numerous cold case resolutions in recent years, but they raise many questions about personal privacy and the overreach of government authority. Frequently, the people who pay for genealogical testing are not the people implicated in criminal activities. The people eventually accused of the crime did not consent to testing or voluntarily provide their DNA. Additionally, concerns about abuses of these databases raise questions about government overreach. There are also accuracy issues to consider. From the impossibility of differentiating between identical twins to the risk of contamination, there are many credible reasons to question the use of genetic information submitted for genealogical analysis as part of the criminal investigation. Consulting with a criminal defense attorney is typically necessary in cases where the state claims to have genetic evidence connecting a person to a criminal offense. Defendants implicated due to a family member’s genealogical testing may need help fighting back against potentially questionable law enforcement practices, and that’s okay.]]> On Behalf of Groshek Law PA <![CDATA[“My supervisor said it was okay”: when following orders leads to swindle charges]]> https://www.christagrosheklaw.com/?p=58001 2026-06-03T14:01:47Z 2026-04-02T15:49:27Z as criminal acts. Under the law, following an unethical order does not shield a healthcare professional from personal liability.

The myth of the "superior orders" defense

Nurses and administrative staff often believe that legal responsibility lies solely with the individual giving the order. This is a dangerous legal misunderstanding. Under state law, theft by swindle focuses on the individual who creates the fraudulent representation to obtain property or services.
  • Primary participation: If your signature appears on a medical chart that you know is inaccurate, you are considered a primary participant in the fraud.
  • Legal inadmissibility: "I was just following orders" is not a valid legal defense for committing a crime or falsifying official medical records.
  • Individual accountability: The state holds the licensed professional accountable for the integrity of the data they submit to payers like Medicare or Medicaid.
Currently, regulatory agencies prioritize individual accountability, meaning that professional licensure provides no immunity against state or federal fraud investigations.

The paper trail of a swindle

Insurance companies now utilize advanced AI-driven audits to flag inconsistencies in nursing notes and billing patterns. When a "swindle" investigation begins in a Minneapolis clinic, the facility administration may attempt to distance itself from the individual employee to protect its institutional billing license.
  • Criminal prosecution: Depending on the total dollar amount involved in the fraudulent billing, these charges can escalate to a high-level felony.
  • Licensure revocation: The Minnesota Board of Nursing maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding documented acts of professional dishonesty or fraud.
  • Federal exclusion: A conviction often results in being barred from any facility that accepts federal funds, effectively ending a healthcare career.
Facilities often claim that the employee "misinterpreted" instructions or acted outside of official company policy, leaving the individual to face these life-altering consequences alone.

Protect your license and your liberty

If you are being pressured to document "creatively" or misrepresent patient care, you are in a precarious legal position. Protecting your professional future requires immediate and strategic action to document the workplace pressure you are experiencing.
  • Request written instructions: If a verbal request feels unethical, ask for the instruction via email to create a permanent digital record.
  • Maintain private records: Keep a secure, personal log of the dates, times, and specific individuals who pressured you to falsify documentation.
  • Seek independent counsel: Consult with a defense attorney before speaking with Human Resources, as their primary duty is to protect the corporation.
Securing professional legal advice early is the only way to navigate a conflict between your employment and your legal obligations. By establishing a clear record of your objection to fraudulent practices, you provide your legal team with the necessary tools to defend your license and your freedom against aggressive prosecution.]]> On Behalf of Groshek Law PA <![CDATA[Caught on video assaulting someone? A defense may exist]]> https://www.christagrosheklaw.com/?p=57975 2026-03-10T09:05:36Z 2026-03-10T09:04:03Z You can claim self-defense and defense of others The law recognizes that you have a right to protect yourself and those around you. Under Minn. Stat. § 609.06, the use of reasonable force is justified when resisting an offense against your person or aiding another to resist an offense. This means that if you intervened because a friend, family member or even a stranger was being threatened with harm, your actions may be legally protected. The law looks at the totality of the circumstances, not just the few seconds captured in a video.

The legal standard: Imminence and proportionality

When deciding if your actions were justified, the law generally looks at two main things: imminence and proportionality. Imminence means the danger had to be happening right then and there. You can’t use force because of a threat someone made last week, or because you think they might start a fight later. You must have a real, honest belief that you or someone else was about to be hurt at that exact moment. Proportionality is about matching your level of force to the threat, meaning you are allowed to use the amount of force necessary to stop the harm, but no more. For example, if someone pushes you, you cannot legally respond with a weapon. However, as long as your reaction fits the danger you were facing, the law is on your side.

How a defense lawyer can help

A viral video is often a "snapshot" that lacks the context of what happened before the camera started rolling. A defense attorney can work to uncover the full video context, including CCTV footage, other witnesses' phones and digital evidence, to show the "lead-up" to the event. By showing the whole story, a lawyer can prove that you weren't an aggressor, but a protector. Remember, a single video clip doesn't have the final say; with the right defense, you can protect your reputation and your future.]]> On Behalf of Groshek Law PA <![CDATA[Can AI facial recognition errors lead to felony charges?]]> https://www.christagrosheklaw.com/?p=57918 2026-01-18T21:27:19Z 2026-01-18T21:27:19Z How does AI get it wrong? AI software performing facial recognition scans looks at different biometric information to validate the identity of a person captured by security cameras. In theory, this process should be thorough and relatively accurate. In practice, mistakes have already occurred at major businesses that have led to wrongful arrests. There was a case at the Peppermill Casino in Reno in 2023 that highlights this exact concern. The AI system used by the casino identified a long-haul trucker at the Peppermill as an individual previously banned from the establishment. Security professionals approached the man, and he produced valid identification (a commercial driver’s license) showing that his name was different. Additionally, his height and eye color were different than those reported for the person banned from the casino. Despite his valid identification and the clear discrepancies, security professionals proceeded to contact local law enforcement. The officer who arrived repeatedly stated during interactions with both the arrested individual and casino workers that the AI software gets it right most of the time. This inaccurate belief that AI is always correct led to a wrongful arrest and, allegedly, even physical injuries to the man detained for hours for no reason.

How can a lawyer help?

In cases where the state’s allegations against an individual largely depend on AI biometric analysis and facial recognition technology, a defense attorney can help explain to the courts how frequently these technological systems fail. An attorney's advocacy can help show how unreliable facial recognition software actually is. They may be able to establish that there is a lack of probable cause to have arrested the individual, indicating that they may have experienced a wrongful arrest. The right approach to a criminal case based on facial recognition software could result in the courts dismissing the charges or an acquittal if the case goes to trial. It may even be possible to have a prior conviction overturned as wrongful with the support of an attorney who properly challenges the use of AI facial recognition software. Those directly affected by a questionable use of AI technology may be in a position to fight their pending charges and exonerate themselves. Working with a criminal defense attorney can potentially help those wrongfully implicated in a crime prove that AI facial recognition software identified the wrong person.]]> On Behalf of Groshek Law PA <![CDATA[What to do if police seize your crypto wallet in a drug or fraud investigation]]> https://www.christagrosheklaw.com/?p=57900 2025-12-05T02:29:25Z 2025-12-05T02:29:25Z When police seize digital assets during a drug or fraud investigation, the speed can be overwhelming. Officers may confiscate hardware wallets, phones, computers, or exchange accounts, claiming the crypto is tied to criminal activity. Because seizures follow strict legal rules, understanding the process makes a major difference in protecting your rights.

How police seize digital assets

Police must follow established procedures when they take cryptocurrency. Even though crypto exists on the blockchain, investigators seize the device, keys or account access needed to control it. They do not “take” the tokens off the blockchain. Instead, they secure the tools that grant control over the assets. During an investigation, officers may:
  • Seize hardware wallets and recovery phrases
  • Copy or image devices suspected of storing keys
  • Freeze exchange accounts through the legal process
  • Serve warrants on cloud backups containing seed phrases
These steps happen quickly, so staying calm and avoiding statements that could be misinterpreted is important.
After seizing the assets, the government begins a forfeiture process. This procedure allows prosecutors to claim the assets as criminal proceeds. The process requires notice, deadlines and evidence. Because crypto fluctuates in value, delays can carry real financial consequences.

Can police force you to give up your password?

The question of compelled password disclosure is complex. Courts treat passwords differently from physical evidence. In many cases, forcing someone to reveal a password can violate protections against self-incrimination. However, police may attempt other methods to gain access. During an investigation, officers may:
  • Ask voluntarily for the password or seed phrase
  • Seek a court order requiring device unlocking
  • Use forensic tools to try to break weak passcodes
  • Retrieve backups or synced data from other devices
These tactics vary depending on jurisdiction and case law. Police cannot always compel a password, but they may still gain access through secondary data or stored information.

Defense strategies to recover seized crypto

Because digital assets move differently than cash or property, defending against forfeiture requires fast and informed action. The goal is to prove that the crypto is legitimate and not tied to illegal activity. Useful defense strategies include:
  • Challenging the legality of the search and seizure
  • Demonstrating lawful sources of funds used to buy the crypto
  • Showing transparent trading histories or transaction records
  • Arguing a lack of connection between the assets and the alleged offenses
These steps help shift the burden back onto the government to prove the crypto is criminal proceeds. Strong documentation, complete transaction histories and proof of income can make a major difference.

Where to go from here

When police seize a crypto wallet, the situation feels overwhelming, but you still have rights and options. By understanding the seizure process, the limits of compelled access and the strategies available to challenge forfeiture, you can take meaningful steps to protect your digital assets.
]]> On Behalf of Groshek Law PA <![CDATA[The “Zoom bomb” felony: When online harassment crosses into criminal territory]]> https://www.christagrosheklaw.com/?p=57893 2025-11-22T08:06:58Z 2025-11-22T08:06:58Z Online meeting platforms have become part of daily life. Because of this, “Zoom bombing” has moved from a nuisance to a real legal issue. Some people still see it as a prank. However, under the right circumstances, a disruptive act can turn into a felony. Courts now treat certain forms of online harassment as serious cybercrimes, especially when schools, public forums or large meetings are targeted.

When a prank becomes unauthorized access

A basic Zoom bomb often involves joining a meeting without permission. While this may seem minor, it can lead to charges tied to unauthorized computer access. Many states treat digital intrusion the same as entering a locked room without permission.
A disruption may cross into criminal territory when:
  • Someone bypasses passwords or security tools such as meeting codes or waiting rooms
  • Software is manipulated to remove hosts, lock rooms or take over screens
  • Private information is collected during the intrusion
  • The access blocks normal use of school sessions, court hearings or business meetings
These actions can support charges similar to computer trespass or computer theft, both of which may reach felony levels.

Harassment can become stalking or terroristic threats

Some intrusions are more than a disruption. When someone joins a virtual space and directs targeted behavior at a person, it may fit the legal definition of stalking. Even short moments of harassment can qualify if the behavior causes fear or emotional distress.
More severe cases involve threats. Courts view threats made during Zoom bombs the same as threats delivered in person. When threatening messages mention violence, weapons or planned harm, prosecutors may file terroristic threat charges. These are often felonies and carry serious penalties.

How courts judge whether a threat is credible

Every threat is not treated the same. Judges look at context to decide whether a threat is credible. This helps determine the appropriate charge.
Courts often consider:
  • Specific details such as names, locations or planned actions
  • Past behavior involving harassment, hacking or other digital misconduct
  • The level of access gained during the intrusion
  • The reaction of the victims and whether fear was reasonable
  • Any steps taken to act on the threat such as gathering information or attempting further access
These factors help courts draw the line between an immature prank and a true danger to public safety.

Why these cases continue to rise

Online platforms have lowered the barrier for misconduct. In the past, causing disruption required physical presence. Now, a person only needs a link or a code. Because of this, law enforcement agencies monitor online behavior more closely. Schools, public events and government meetings are especially protected.
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