Federal crimes are violations of United States federal law. Many acts illegal on the federal level are also crimes on the state level, but the circumstances or characteristics of the crime may come under the purview of the U.S. Attorney’s office rather than state or local law enforcement. If convicted on federal charges, you can face serious penalties.
It is extremely important to secure representation from an Avondale criminal defense lawyer if charged with a federal crime. Connect with an experienced Avondale federal crimes lawyer from Suzuki Law Firm who will fight to protect your rights and defend you against the prosecution’s allegations.
How Federal Charges Are Issued
Within the federal government are many agencies, and some agencies employ criminal investigators. These investigators collect information about criminal acts and provide that information to the United States Attorneys in the relevant district. Agencies involved in the federal criminal investigation process include the following:
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
- United States Secret Service (USSS)
One or more of these agencies works with the federal prosecutor to gather evidence regarding a case. Evidence collection may involve executing search warrants on those suspected of criminal activities, and these warrants must be issued by a judge after law enforcement has proved there is probable cause for suspicion. Arrests also require a judge-issued warrant, and sometimes, arrest warrants come before the search warrant.
The process of arresting, searching, and then charging an alleged offender with a federal crime must be performed legally. Often, suspects do not know the process, making it easy for them to experience rights violations without realizing it. Partnering with a skilled Avondale federal crimes attorney as soon as you are charged is the best way to protect yourself and your rights.
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Get StartedFactors Making a Crime a Federal Case
Robbery, murder, and assault are always illegal, as are many other acts, but sometimes these are crimes that warrant federal cases, and other times they fall under state purview. Drug crimes can become a federal offense, as can other unlawful acts if they:
- Happen on federal property
- Are against a federal agent or worker
- Occur on a Native American reservation
- Violate a specific federal law
- Are against a child
- Are carried out across state lines
- Involve aggravating factors
Aggravating factors are aspects of a crime that make it worse. Excessive violence or malice used in the commission of a crime typically counts as aggravating factors. “State” crimes can be elevated to the federal level if aggravating factors make the crime and its consequences more severe.
Sometimes, a crime can bring both state and federal charges. In these complex situations, the U.S. Attorney works with local law enforcement offices to determine how to proceed. The team at Suzuki Law Firm can navigate these complexities with efficiency so you are protected no matter how the situation unfolds.
Abogado cerca de míAn Experienced Federal Crimes Lawyer in Avondale Understands the Federal Legal Process
The team at Suzuki Law Firm includes former federal prosecutors who know how the federal criminal justice system works. Your federal crimes attorney in Avondale will review the legality of your arrest and expose any rights’ violations. Your lawyer also knows how to look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and how to present evidence supporting your case in the most convincing way.
Pre-trial motions are part of the federal criminal process. Your strategic federal crimes attorney in Avondale will take any opportunity to file pre-trial motions to help your case. Pre-trial motions include:
- Motion to dismiss all charges–perhaps for lack of evidence, on grounds that the facts of the act committed do not amount to an actual crime, or because your rights were somehow violated
- Motion to suppress–preventing testimony, statement, or other evidence from being included in the trial
- Motion for change of venue–to move the trial to a different location to ensure the defendant has an impartial jury
If your case is not dismissed, during the trial phase, your experienced attorney will participate in jury selection, seeking a panel that will treat you fairly. Your attorney will deliver powerful opening and closing statements and object to prosecutorial questions or evidence that are “out of bounds.” The importance of having representation from an Avondale federal crimes lawyer familiar with the federal system cannot be overstated.
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Sentencing for Federal Crimes
Federal offenses have a “base level.” More severe crimes have higher base levels, and levels can be raised or lowered depending on aggravating or mitigating factors. Full guidelines for determining a sentence have been established by the United States Sentencing Commission.
Mitigating factors can reduce the base level of the crime and the consequences–they are the opposite of aggravating factors. Having no criminal record, showing true remorse, or committing the crime only because you were under threat are examples of mitigating factors. Your Avondale federal crimes attorney will present and fight to have the judge recognize mitigating factors relevant to your case.
Convictions damage your professional life, likely limiting your future employment options and possibly leading to a revocation of professional licenses. Your personal reputation and relationships with family and friends can also suffer. Among other possibilities, legal consequences can include:
- Incarceration in federal prison
- Fines
- Restitution payment to victims
- Probation and compliance with all terms
- Mandatory counseling
- Home confinement
- Electronic monitoring
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Strategic, Exceptional Representation
If charged with a federal crime, connect with Suzuki Law Firm right away. It would be in your best interests not to speak to anyone, especially members of law enforcement, about the alleged crime in any way. Statements you present in good faith or answers you provide to seemingly harmless questions can easily be turned into evidence against you. Instead, call on a skilled Avondale federal crimes lawyer who will offer immediate protection and speak on your behalf. Your attorney will investigate your case with great care, explore all sources of evidence, examine the prosecution’s evidence, and build a strategic, powerful defense specifically designed to serve your needs.
Protect your reputation, your ability to earn, your freedom, and your rights by securing experienced, exceptional representation from Suzuki Law Firm. We are ready to fight for you. Contact us for a consultation to discuss the details of your case.
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