The great majority of criminal trials involve violations of state law. However, just as there are state laws against engaging in criminal behavior, there are also federal criminal laws passed by Congress. These laws cover federal or national issues such as interstate trafficking in contraband, internet crimes, federal tax fraud, or crimes committed on federal property.
Federal crimes are prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office and investigated by government agencies such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, and ICE. When faced with federal charges, you’re likely up against some of the brightest prosecutors in the country who have access to the government’s limitless resources. It’s critical to hire a skilled Orlando federal crimes lawyer who is familiar with federal procedures and guidelines and capable of providing aggressive representation. Fortunately, The Umansky Law Firm is here to help.
Federal crimes refer specifically to offenses that violate U.S. federal laws. They’re investigated by federal law enforcement and prosecuted by United States attorneys in federal courts with federal judges. While many of these offenses are unique to the federal system, they also include crimes that would otherwise fall under state or local jurisdictions had they not occurred on U.S. federal property or an Indigenous reservation.
There are several types of federal charges prosecuted in the United States, including:
If federal agents have come knocking at your door, you’ve received a target letter or subpoena, or you’ve been contacted regarding an “interview,” get in touch with the experienced Orlando federal criminal lawyers at The Umansky Law Firm as soon as possible.
The judicial process for federal cases differs from state or local court. After you are arrested for a federal crime, a pretrial services or courtroom probation officer will interview the defendant and review their background. This information may be used later to help the judge decide whether or not to release you while the trial is pending.
Federal prosecutors work closely with federal agents to examine all the evidence gathered during an investigation. If they believe there’s sufficient evidence to prosecute, they’ll present their case to a grand jury. If the grand jury agrees there’s sufficient evidence, a federal indictment will be filed with the United States District Court that has jurisdiction over the case. At the initial appearance, a federal judge will advise the defendant of the charges filed against them and determine if there’s probable cause to believe the defendant has committed a federal offense.
The sentencing guidelines for federal crimes carry harsher penalties than those of a state or local charge. Many defendants take a plea bargain in which they agree to plead guilty in exchange for leniency or a reduced sentence.
If you’re considering a plea bargain, note that the judge has total control over your sentence. When the prosecutor and federal attorneys negotiate a deal, the defendant is typically admitting to a charge that puts them in a certain sentencing range. A federal judge must consider the guidelines and other important factors before sentencing a defendant. However, once this evaluation is complete, the judge has the power to sentence the defendant to whatever verdict they deem appropriate.
Some judges always sentence within the appropriate guideline range, while others ignore the guideline range and focus more on a particular defendant or the crime they committed. With this in mind, it’s important to find an attorney who’s familiar with the federal sentencing guidelines and who has the acumen to make effective arguments that consistently achieve the best results. Fortunately, help is right around the corner.
To increase the chances of avoiding a conviction for a federal charge, it’s crucial to obtain representation as soon as you suspect you may be under investigation by a federal agency. The complex task of determining what evidence they may have against you will take exhaustive research and documentation.
Federal crimes are often long-term investigations that deal with many witnesses, records, warrants, and plea bargains. This requires the expertise of a professional and practiced defense firm. With over 100 years of combined experience and a board-certified defense attorney on staff at The Umansky Law Firm, you can be confident in our ability to successfully defend your case.