Federal Courts
Federal courts preside over all cases pertaining to the United States Constitution and federal laws. Many specialized federal courts deal with specific areas of federal law, such as taxes, international trade, federal claims, and bankruptcy, but most cases go to general federal courts. The crimes that fall under federal jurisdiction are not always obvious. For example, tampering with a mailbox and vandalizing property on a national park are both federal offenses and will be investigated by federal officials like the FBI rather than state police.
Federal courts operate differently than state courts. If you or a loved one has been charged with a federal offense, please contact us today for a free consultation with a proven criminal defense attorney who has extensive experience defending clients in federal court.
Federal Offenses
Many different kinds of cases are tried in federal courts. They include all crimes that are committed on federal property (such as airports, federal buildings, and national parks), or that are prohibited by U.S. federal legislation. Among them are:
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Certain white collar crimes, including various forms of fraud and money laundering
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Bank robbery
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Tax evasion
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Hacking, computer fraud
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Any crime committed in more than one state
Consequences of a Federal Offense
Federal offenses carry predetermined penalties for each crime based on a point system. Every federal crime has a set point value, to which additional penalties are added based on individual circumstances, such as the use of weapons or the amount of drugs involved, etc.
Penalties for federal crimes are often extremely harsh. Possible penalties include:
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Long-term Imprisonment
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Heavy fines
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Loss of right to vote
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Loss of right to own a weapon
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Probation
Charged with a Federal Offense?
The federal court system is comprised of a complex system of laws, and the consequences of being convicted of a federal offense are severe. For this reason, if you are facing federal offense charges, it is important that you seek out an attorney who has extensive experience handling criminal defense cases in federal court. Please contact us today for a free consultation with a skilled and effective criminal defense attorney who is intimately familiar with the federal court system and can ensure your legal rights are protected.