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.