Long Island Federal charges Lawyer

Federal charges

Citizens of each state are subject to two criminal codes: one state and one federal. The federal code runs to thousands of pages and is very detailed. Many people have no idea they have broken a federal law until they are arrested and brought before a court.

Being investigated by federal law enforcement is no laughing matter. The federal government has unlimited resources it can commit to investigating and prosecuting crimes. Defendants need an attorney familiar with federal criminal law, including the legal protections available for federal defendants. Please contact one of our Huntington Station federal charges lawyers today.

Federal Organized Crime Charges

The federal government has taken on the role of fighting organized crime. They use many laws on the books to bring charges for:

• Money laundering
• Conspiracy
• Counterfeiting
• Racketeering

Over the decades, the feds have taken an increasingly liberal view of what organized crime means. You do not have to be part of the mob or a street gang to face charges. Instead, you could run a small business and be accused of importing counterfeit goods or of laundering money obtained by criminal means.

Federal Fraud Charges

The federal government aggressively prosecutes fraud cases, including:

• Mail fraud
• Wire fraud
• Bank fraud
• Medicare fraud
• Bankruptcy fraud
• Identity theft

Fraud is also a state-level crime, but federal charges are typically brought when the crime is committed across state lines or where a federal law is implicated. If a person defrauds a federal agency, then the government is particularly aggressive at punishing violators.

Anyone facing federal fraud charges needs a dedicated defense attorney in their corner. At the federal level, a fraud conviction can send someone to prison for 30 years or more.

Elevated State Offenses

The state and federal criminal systems run parallel to each other. Some offenses are purely federal crimes, such as bankruptcy fraud, because bankruptcy is a federal law and there is no state law equivalent.

Sometimes, however, offenses can be both state and federal. A defendant is more likely to be charged with federal crime when the act is especially heinous, or when the activity involved crossing state lines.

Some examples of elevated state offenses include:

• Federal gun charges
• Child pornography
• Antitrust violations
• Securities fraud
• Drug violations

Federal prosecutors can be aggressive, and they often seek the maximum penalties. You will want an attorney who fully understands what defenses you can raise to these federal charges.

A Defendant’s Rights in the Federal System

When accused of a federal crime, defendants have different rights than if they were charged only with a state crime. For example, the federal system has its own rules regarding evidence and criminal procedure. A skilled attorney can use the rules to their client’s advantage—but they need to know the rules first.

All criminal defendants have constitutional protections as well, such as protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. A vigorous defense includes fighting to exclude illegally obtained evidence, as well as any evidence that is unfairly prejudicial.

Call Our Federal Charges Lawyer in Huntington Station Today

Our firm has defended men and women against federal criminal charges for decades. When the FBI comes knocking at your door, please reach out to an attorney before you say anything. We offer free consultations.