What Are Federal Crimes?
Federal crimes often involve the violation of United States federal legal codes or multiple state crimes. When crimes are pursued on a federal level, the case will often be more complex and result in heftier charges. Below we have put together the common crimes that could be charged at a federal level.
Crimes Including Aggravated Factors
Crimes that involve aggravated factors may be elevated to a federal level, depending on the severity of the crime. Aggravated crimes often start at the state level, but they can increase if the case includes aggravated assault, aggravated battery, sexual abuse, or identity theft. A case can also move up to a federal level if the crime involved child endangerment.
Crimes Committed Against the Government
Those who commit a crime against the government will likely always face federal charges. Crimes against the government may include the following:
- Stealing a state or federal government official’s identity
- Hacking into a federally owned computer
- Federal embezzlement, such as stealing government funds
Drug Crimes
Drug crimes may enter federal jurisdiction depending on the severity of the crime. The federal government has imposed strict sentencing guidelines on those convicted of a federal drug trafficking crime. This is because judges have less flexibility in their decisions since they have a mandatory minimum sentence rule to follow. Those convicted of a federal drug crime can face a minimum of ten years in prison.
Common drug crimes that can become federal cases include:
- Drug trafficking
- Drug distribution
- Possession or possession with intent to sell
- Selling drugs
- And more
Smuggling & Harboring an Undocumented Immigrants
Transporting illegal immigrants or human trafficking can be charged as a serious federal offense with the possibility of many years in prison. If a person sells, encourages, aids, or induces an individual’s illegal entry, they could face serious criminal charges. Cases involving human trafficking or smuggling will almost always initiate federal investigations.
Weapons Trafficking
Purchasing or attempting to purchase weapons or ammunition without a license could result in federal charges. These cases can be lengthy and extremely complex, so it is important for individuals facing weapon trafficking charges to get legal guidance as quickly as possible.
Protecting Your Rights Against Federal Charges
If you are facing federal criminal charges, it is imperative that you hire an experienced and qualified attorney to help you navigate through the complexities of the federal court system. Many criminal defense lawyers are former state prosecutors, but very few have been on the opposite side of a federal case. For such reasons, you need an attorney who has experience handling such cases.
Our legal team at Suzuki Law Offices understands federal sentencing guidelines and knows how to negotiate favorable plea bargains. Regardless of the complexity of your case, we can help you challenge the admissibility of wiretaps, informant testimony, and more. Let our team review your case and develop a strong defense on your behalf. Our federal crimes defense lawyers are here to help you with your case from beginning to end.
We handle all charges brought under federal jurisdiction, including:
- Alien smuggling & harboring
- Federal drug trafficking
- Human trafficking
- Illegal reentry after deportation
- Federal weapons trafficking
- White collar crimes
- Mail fraud or wire fraud
- Child pornography possession
- Racketeering (RICO Act)
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