If You Have Been Charged with a Federal Crime
Facing criminal charges is never easy, but if those charges are federal charges, it can make the matter that much more severe – and that much more stressful. Such charges are governed by federal law, and in accordance, there are exacting rules and procedures that must be followed. Further, the penalties associated with federal charges can be unflinchingly harsh. Federal charges represent an entirely different legal world, and to adequately defend yourself against such a charge, you need a dedicated criminal attorney with extensive experience bringing successful defenses in these complicated cases on your side.
Federal Agencies Have Greater Resources
If you are facing a federal charge, it is crucial to understand that it is different than facing a state criminal charge. The feds have far greater resources at their disposal than does the state, and they will use these resources to the best of their ability to investigate your charge thoroughly. Further, U.S. and Assistant U.S. Attorneys are well versed at leveraging their resources to their advantage – in pursuit of convictions.
If your crime attracts the U.S. government's attention, it means that it was serious enough to do so. Such crimes tend to include:
Drug crimes that are larger in scale
Organized crime
Crimes (or fraud) that are committed directly against the United States government or one of its agencies
Crimes that cross state lines or that involve transmitting funds or products across state lines or national borders
Crimes involving the internet
Crimes involving child pornography
Federal Penalties Are More Severe
If you are facing a federal charge, you are also likely facing more severe potential penalties. The federal government takes its convictions incredibly seriously – and is well known for doling out harsh sentences. The fact is that federal sentencing guidelines tend to tie federal judges’ hands and preclude them from implementing their discretion in the cases before them. Further, there are often mandatory minimum sentence requirements in place. In addition to lengthy prison terms in federal correctional facilities, the convicted can also face harsher oversight and supervision after their release.
You Need an Attorney on Your Side
If you face federal charges, you need a criminal attorney with significant experience deftly handling federal cases on your side. When it comes to federal charges, the stakes are far too high to not bring your strongest defense from the outset.