Our Firm
Our Firm Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers
If you are facing criminal charges at the federal level, the attorney you choose to represent your defense can have a considerable impact on the outcome of your case. At Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers, we know how devastating a federal criminal charge can be, which is why we have dedicated our practice to representing those accused of committing criminal offenses. Whether you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with a federal offense, or you have learned that you are under investigation by the federal government, it is of the utmost importance that you hire a qualified defense attorney to work on your case. At Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers, we believe in protecting the rights of the accused, and when you choose our defense team, we will work tirelessly to provide you with the sound legal guidance and specialized attention your case deserves. Call Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers today to speak to a highly skilled federal defense attorney about your charges.
About Our Firm
Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers is a top-rated criminal defense law firm based in San Diego, California. Our legal team is made up of award-winning attorneys who have devoted their professional careers to defending clients against criminal charges at both the state and federal level. We passionately represent clients in all manner of criminal cases, from drug-related offenses to violent crimes to white-collar crimes to fraud offenses.
Our extensive experience dealing with federal agencies like the FBI, Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney’s Offices gives us a unique perspective on how these investigative and regulatory agencies operate and makes us uniquely prepared to help our clients make the best decisions in even the most complicated cases. When it comes to serious federal offenses like drug trafficking, money laundering, weapons offenses or fraud, having a skilled and aggressive legal advocate on your side can mean the difference between incarceration and freedom.
At Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers, we pride ourselves on finding creative solutions to complex problems and we know what it takes to win a federal case. Call our criminal defense lawyers today; we are prepared to help you navigate whatever legal matter you are facing, may that be a government investigation, a grand jury indictment, an arrest by federal agents or a federal criminal charge.
State vs. Federal Criminal Charges
Each state in the U.S. has its own set of laws prohibiting specified criminal acts and any violation of those laws can result in state charges. If you are accused of committing a crime at the state level, you will most likely be arrested by state or local law enforcement officials and your case will be tried in a state court. If you are found guilty of the crime, your punishment will be determined by state law and may include a county jail or state prison sentence.
The federal government also has its own set of laws, known as the Code of Laws of the United States of America or the United States Code. This code of laws applies to residents of every state and any violation of these laws can result in federal charges. If you are accused of committing a crime at the federal level, you will most likely be arrested by federal agents and your case will be prosecuted by a federal prosecutor, known as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. The prosecution will take place in a federal district court and if you are found guilty of the crime, the penalties you face will be dictated by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
When is a Crime a Federal Offense?
To know whether a crime is a federal offense, you have to look at the specific circumstances of the crime. Generally speaking, a federal offense is a criminal act that violates the U.S. federal statutes, of which there are thousands, any crime tied to a federal or national issue (i.e. tax fraud), or any crime against the government (i.e. hacking into a government computer or stealing the identity of a federal official). Crimes that cross state lines or international borders (i.e. drug trafficking or wire fraud) also fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government. And in some cases, a crime that would normally fall under state jurisdiction becomes a federal crime because the alleged criminal activity takes place on federal property, such as a marine base or national park.
Some criminal acts are crimes only under federal law, but there are also criminal acts that are crimes under both federal and state laws, and these crimes can be prosecuted in state or federal court, or in both. For instance, the crime of murder is a violation of both federal law and California state law and most murder cases are prosecuted at the state level. However, pursuant to 18 U.S. Code § 1111, any murder that violates federal law or takes place within the “special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States,” can be charged as a federal offense. An example would be a killing related to a drug trafficking offense, a killing in which the victim is an elected or appointed federal official, or a killing committed during a bank robbery.
Believe it or not, you can even be charged with a federal crime for committing an act that is not illegal in your state. For example, many states, California included, have legalized marijuana, but the drug is still considered illegal under federal law. In fact, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, the same schedule as heroin, ecstasy and LSD, and the drug is treated the same under federal law as any other controlled substance.
Defending Clients Against Federal Charges
A federal criminal defense lawyer is a lawyer who specializes in the defense of individuals and companies accused of committing one or more unlawful acts in violation of federal law. Charges for a federal offense can be complicated and complex and the federal government has nearly limitless resources to devote to investigating federal crimes and prosecuting offenders, which is why you need reliable legal advice at each stage of your case, regardless of the specific charge you are facing. A knowledgeable federal defense attorney can be your most trusted legal advocate, protecting your rights and best interests and ensuring that you have the opportunity to tell your side of the story. The following are just a few examples of federal criminal cases our lawyers can handle:
• Drug importation/exportation
How Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help You
If you have been accused of committing a federal crime, the first thing you should do is retain the services of an experienced federal defense attorney with an in-depth understanding of federal criminal law and the confidence necessary to go head to head with the federal government. In the United States, violations of federal law are more serious than state offenses and they carry more severe penalties upon conviction. If you want to do everything possible to avoid spending years, decades or even life in federal prison, you will need the guidance of a seasoned defense attorney who has experience handling federal cases like yours. When you hire Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers to represent you, you gain the invaluable expertise of a dedicated, trial-tested defense attorney who understands exactly what is at stake in your case. We are acutely familiar with the unique problems federal defendants face and we can deal with any issues surrounding an arrest, a federal investigation, federal criminal charges, federal sentencing, appeals or post-trial matters. Depending on the circumstances of your case, we can assist you by:
• Dealing with federal authorities on your behalf
• Investigating the circumstances of your arrest
• Responding to a target letter in an appropriate and timely manner
• Helping you make the best decisions in your case
• Negotiating with the federal prosecutor
• Advising you on how to respond to inquiries by federal investigators
• Helping you decide whether to cooperate with federal authorities
• Ensuring that your rights are not violated
• Representing you in federal court
Contact Us Today for a Free Case Evaluation
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Finding a knowledgeable and affordable criminal defense attorney to represent you in your federal case can be a daunting task, especially if you are starting from scratch. After all, there are not very many individuals caught up in the federal criminal justice system for the first time who already have a close working relationship with a competent attorney licensed to practice in federal court. And that is exactly what you will need if you want to protect yourself against the life-changing consequences associated with a federal criminal charge. You can ask friends and family members for attorney recommendations, but when it comes to choosing the right legal counsel, sitting down with our legal team and discussing your case is as good a way as any to figure out if we are a good fit. At Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers, we offer prospective clients a free initial consultation, so you can speak to our knowledgeable defense attorneys at no cost to you and with no obligation to hire our firm.