The federal court system oversees federal criminal cases. The cases can be lengthy, and crimes carry punitive jail sentences and high penalties. If faced with criminal charges, understand that the Constitution protects your rights. A federal criminal attorney can help you navigate your case and provide your defense against the prosecution. Here are cases a federal defense lawyer can help you with:
1. Federal Drug Offenses
Federal drug charges are problematic and tough to beat. Federal courts and prosecutors usually are harsh on offenders. Defendants need an accomplished and experienced federal criminal attorney to navigate the case. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considers the substance’s potential for abuse, its pharmacological impacts supported by scientific proof, and other factors. Here are examples of a few federal drug cases:
Drug Importation: The offense of carrying banned controlled substances into the U.S. from another state or country. The crime is prosecuted in a federal criminal court as a felony and attracts maximum penalties.
Drug Manufacturing: The preparation or production of unlawful drugs for consumers. Manufacturing offenses include running a meth lab, growing cannabis, or holding manufacturing apparatus or supplies.
Drug Possession: These charges differ in strictness, depending on your state. Possessing cocaine, methamphetamine, and ecstasy can attract prosecution in federal courts. Keeping such substances may attract trafficking or smuggling charges. The drug quantity and type apprehended may differ between a misdemeanor or felony. A qualified criminal defense lawyer can assist you in fighting illegal searches and seizures, ousting the evidence.
2. Fraud Cases
Federal fraud cases employ unlimited resources to investigate and get convictions. They may involve collaborating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, and other agencies. The cases include insurance fraud — the intentional act of falsely acquiring compensation from an insurer. Such cases cost the insurance business a lot and easily warrant prosecution. If you’re targeted with no formal indictment, hire criminal lawyers for aggressive representation and potentially improved outcomes. A lawyer can also help you with accounting fraud. These cases involve complicated systems for misdirecting funds, overstating returns, devaluing expenses, or underreporting liabilities.
3. Sex Crimes
These cases range from child pornography, sex trafficking, rape to sexual assault. Some of the federal sexual statutory offenses include sexual abuse resulting in death, female genital mutilation, and transferring indecent material to minors. The cases attract harsher punishments like federal prison sentences and registering as a sex offender. If innocently charged with these crimes, hire a federal criminal attorney to mount a stout defense against the prosecution and plaintiff.
4. Driving Under the Influence
Most DUI cases are prosecuted under state law. Driving under the influence may constitute federal prosecution and punishment. The case will go to a panel of federal judges and not a jury panel. A district attorney holds cases in a federal court, and prison sentences are served in federal prisons. In certain states, DUI arrests warrant mandatory breath or blood tests. Refusal could carry enhanced penalties like a misdemeanor in federal courtrooms and attract hefty fines.
5. White-collar Crimes
White-collar cases involve nonviolent offenses, usually by individuals of high social class. These crimes happen over extended periods and include bribery, forgery, extortion, tax evasion, and counterfeiting. Bribery is the suggestion or reception of valuable items to sway public employees. Both the giving and receiving parties may face prosecution. If guilty, you may face hefty fines or longer federal prison time. Individuals in government positions risk disqualification on top of penalties. Counterfeiting legal tender or consumer products is a crime, and you may need a seasoned lawyer to avoid conviction.
6. Weapon Crimes
A state court has jurisdiction over most weapons charges and investigations done by local law enforcement. Federal courts may have jurisdiction over such crimes if they involve specific weapons. Federal weapons crimes are breaking federal laws regulating deadly weapons. Charges have harsher punishments and mandatory minimum prison sentences. You’ll require criminal lawyers familiar with federal weapon laws because the ATF, DEA, and FBI investigate such crimes.
Consult a Federal Criminal Attorney
Federal criminal cases may carry punitive penalties like mandatory minimum sentences if convicted. Some limit the offender’s prospects for probation or parole. If you’re facing a federal crime case, hire a qualified, experienced criminal lawyer to protect your rights. Check if they have jurisdiction to represent you in federal crimes before hiring them. Hire a federal criminal defense lawyer to secure your chances of a suitable ruling.
