Federal Defense Lawyers in Laredo

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.