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Protecting Your Rights and Defending Your Freedom
Being charged with any crime can be stressful, but federal offenses tend to carry harsher penalties and longer sentencing times. If you are convicted of a federal crime, you could face thousands of dollars in fines and years or even decades in jail. Fortunately, with an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side, you can work to reduce or even remove the penalties you may be facing.
Our team at Flanary Law Firm, PLLC, has years of experience representing clients facing federal charges. We know how to navigate even the most complex of criminal cases, whether you have been investigated by the FBI, DEA, SEC, or any other government agency. After reviewing the entirety of your case, we will develop a solid legal strategy to either negotiate with the prosecution or represent you in court to get the outcome you deserve. For a free consultation and to learn more about our comprehensive legal services, call our office today at 210-879-8621
What Are the Most Common Federal Offenses?
Federal crimes are defined as any illegal activities made illegal by U.S. federal legislation. In many cases, these crimes are investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Federal criminal offenses vary widely, but some are more common than others.
Our team has experience with the following federal offenses:
Securities Fraud
The SEC investigates any individual, investor, or entity caught committing insider trading or stock embezzlement. This type of fraud can carry harsh penalties and fines.
Drug Charges
Serious drug offenses like trafficking and cultivation may be charged at the federal level, especially if there are copious amounts of drugs involved.
White-Collar Crimes
White-collar crimes are generally non-violent crimes committed for personal financial gain. This can include mail fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, and healthcare fraud. These cases are often charged federally.
Human Smuggling
Anyone who brings someone into the U.S. illegally or attempts to bring them into the U.S. can face federal human smuggling charges. Even conspiracy to commit human smuggling can carry severe penalties.
Healthcare Fraud
Any attempt to defraud a healthcare program is considered healthcare fraud. This includes private healthcare programs as well as public ones like Medicare and Medicaid.
Child Pornography
Possessing or accessing explicit material of minors is a federal offense. Having multiple images, accessing video files, or accessing images containing abuse can lead to even harsher penalties.
What Are the Penalties for Federal Convictions?
While the specific penalties you could face will depend on the charges and the nature of your criminal record, many federal charges carry harsh penalties. Most federal judges use the Federal Sentencing Guidelines to determine the sentencing for a federal conviction. These guidelines are a set of complex mathematical equations that allow the U.S. Probation Office to recommend sentencing to the court. Unfortunately, these sentences are typically very long, and many convictions carry years or even decades of jail or prison time.
Fines and jail time are certainly possibilities, but there are other consequences of a criminal conviction that may impact your life as well. Hiring managers and employers are often hesitant to hire someone with a criminal record, making it difficult to get a job after a criminal conviction. Landlords and property managers often share the same sentiments, which can make it hard for individuals to secure housing after they have been convicted. If you are facing federal charges and would like to avoid these penalties, contact our team today for more information.
Will Federal Agents Try to Talk to Me?
When you are being investigated in a federal case, there is a chance that federal agents will ask to meet with you for an interview. They are most likely asking to speak with you to collect evidence against you and build a case to arrest you. We always advise clients to avoid speaking with any investigator unless they have a criminal defense attorney from our team on their side. Because anything you say can be used against you in court, even innocuous or seemingly innocent information could be used to paint you in an unfavorable light.
If you have been contacted by federal agents or you know you are under investigation, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We can advise you of your rights and accompany you while talking to federal agents to protect your freedom.
When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
The best time to hire a criminal defense attorney is as soon as you learn of the charges against you. The sooner you hire a lawyer from our team, the sooner we can begin building a case in your defense and negotiating with prosecutors. If you wait to hire a defense attorney, there is a chance your rights could be infringed upon. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team today.
Is It Necessary to Hire a Defense Lawyer for a Federal Case?
Federal criminal cases carry harsher penalties and could lead to expensive fines and an extended stay in jail or prison. Additionally, your personal and professional reputation could be impacted, making it difficult to find a job or remain in your community. If you are facing federal charges, you need an experienced defense attorney on your side who is ready to fight for your rights. Our team at Flanary Law Firm, PLLC, is here to assist you no matter what kind of charges you are facing. For a free consultation and to learn more about us, call our office today at 210-879-8621