The majority of people, when they think about criminal activity, immediately think of things like stealing, assaulting someone, or driving under the influence of alcohol, which are standard offenses that are typically handled by state courts. However, there is an additional level of the legal system that many people do not consider until it is too late: federal offenses. The United States government has jurisdiction over some offenses, which have significantly more severe repercussions than the majority of charges that are brought at the state level.
Even for first-time offenders, federal charges can result in enormous fines, the loss of assets, and long-term imprisonment. These penalties can apply to a wide range of offenses, including white-collar crimes, drug trafficking, and cybercrimes. The astonishing list of federal offenses that can result in significant prison time is revealed in this enlightening book. Additionally, we investigate the process by which these cases are prosecuted and explain why you want the services of experienced federal criminal defense attorneys in the event that you are ever the subject of an inquiry.
What Characterizes a Criminal Conduct as “Federal“?
Of course, not every criminal act is the same. When a statute that was passed by the United States Congress is violated, the crime is considered to be a federal offense. Federal crimes are often investigated by federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Anti-Terrorism Bureau (ATF), or Homeland Security, and prosecuted in federal court by federal criminal lawyers. The following are some of the most prevalent reasons why a crime could fall under federal jurisdiction:
- A federal agency, employee, or property was engaged in the incident, and it took place across state lines or international borders.
- It had an impact on the flow of commerce between states – It was in violation of federal law, such as immigration or tax legislation
In part, the considerable resources that are available to the federal government are responsible for the high conviction rate and the fact that the punishments for federal offenses are frequently more severe than the penalties that are imposed by the state governments. It is vital to have a comprehensive awareness of the full breadth of federal offenses, as well as the strategy for defending against them.
Drug Trafficking and Distribution
Drug charges brought by the federal government are among the crimes that are prosecuted with the most vigor in the United States. You could be subject to federal prosecution if you are caught making, distributing, or having a controlled substance with the intention of distributing it, particularly if you are caught doing any of these things across state or national borders.
Among the examples of the list of federal crimes are:
The act of transporting substantial quantities of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, or fentanyl; the operation of a drug trafficking ring; the operation of a “pill mill” that distributes prescription medicines such as oxycodone all fall under this category. Smuggling illegal substances into the United States or between states.
When the offense included kids, firearms, or resulted in harm or death, the penalties can include decades in federal prison. This is especially true in cases where the crime was committed. A significant number of drug cases are also subject to mandatory minimum sentencing regulations.
Misdemeanors of the White-Collar Nature
The term “non-violent” does not necessarily mean “non-serious,” contrary to what some people may believe. In the federal system, some of the most severe punishments are reserved for “white-collar crimes,” which are defined as financial offenses that are committed in a professional or managerial environment.
Among the examples of the list of federal crimes are:
There are several types of fraudulent activities, including wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, securities fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, money laundering, and tax evasion. They are all examples of fraudulent activities.
Complex investigations, including financial data, emails, and digital trails, are frequently essential in the detection of these crimes. The penalties that can be imposed in the event of a conviction include fines of many millions of dollars, the seizure of assets, restitution to victims, and jail sentences of around thirty years or more.
Hacking and other forms of Cybercrime
The emergence of the digital age has resulted in an increase in the number of federal criminal offenses. Particularly when it includes breaches of national security, financial institutions, or large data theft, the government takes cybercrime very seriously. This is especially true when it concerns national security breaches.
Among the digital offenses of the list of federal crimes that can be prosecuted are:
Hacking into servers belonging to the government or corporations, distributing ransomware or spyware, and engaging in fraudulent activities and phishing campaigns online Without authorization, gaining access to protected computer systems; engaging in fraudulent activities using cryptocurrencies or unlawfully laundering money
According to the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), even gaining access to information that you were not permitted to see can result in criminal charges and severe sentences in federal prison. This is true regardless of whether the material was accessed for the purpose of financial gain or political benefit.
Offenses Involving Firearms and Other Weapons
It is possible for extraordinarily severe punishments to be imposed for those who violate federal gun restrictions. Even though the Second Amendment guarantees the right to possess firearms, there are stringent government regulations that dictate who is allowed to own a firearm and how it can be used.
The following are examples of federal firearms offenses:
A convicted felon who is in possession of a firearm, the illegal sale or trafficking of firearms, the possession of an unregistered firearm or destructive equipment (such as a suppressor or machine gun), and the use of a handgun in the commission of a federal felony (which results in obligatory prison time) are all examples of offenses that can result in a prison sentence.
There is also the possibility of federal firearms charges being combined with other counts, such as drug trafficking or robbery, which would considerably increase the likelihood of conviction.
Infractions Under Immigration Law
Immigration-related crimes are increasingly being prosecuted in federal court as a result of increased border security and immigration enforcement. A significant number of immigration crimes result in incarceration, particularly for those who have committed many offenses or who have been accused of fraud.
Among the examples of the list of federal crimes are:
- Illegal re-entry following deportation.
- Providing legal shelter or transportation to unlawful immigrants – Committing fraud involving marriage or visas
- Regarding the theft of one’s identity in relation to immigration benefits
The penalties for some of these violations range from five to twenty years in federal prison, and this is especially true if the individual has a history of criminal behavior.
Bribery and Corruption in the Public Sector
Another issue that the federal government takes a hard stance on is the issue of corruption within the official government. Instances in which elected officials or government personnel abuse their positions for the purpose of obtaining personal advantage frequently give rise to allegations of public corruption.
Among the examples of the list of federal crimes are:
- Using public monies for personal gain, obstructing the administration of justice or lying to investigators, and participating in schemes that defraud taxpayers or government programs are all examples of illegal activities.
- The gravity of the wrongdoing and the number of persons who were affected by it both have a role in determining the severity of the penalties for public corruption, which can range from heavy fines to ten to twenty years in jail.
Crimes Related to the Exploitation of Children and Pornography
When it comes to crimes that include the exploitation of juveniles, Criminal Defense Law imposes some of the most severe punishments. These offenses include the production, possession, or distribution of child pornography, as well as trafficking or online solicitation of minors.
These investigations are often handled by federal authorities such as the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which might result in:
- Minimum mandatory sentences of fifteen years or more should be imposed.
- Registration of sexual offenders for life, civil forfeiture of assets, and ongoing supervision even after release are all provisions of the federal computer crime laws.
- The prosecution of these cases is handled very severely, and even for first-time offenders, there is very little tolerance shown in the prosecution.
Criminal Activities Related to Terrorism and National Security
It is virtually invariably the case that any offense that involves risks to the national security of the United States is prosecuted at the federal level. The punishments for these offenses are known to be extraordinary, and they frequently include the possibility of life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
Among the offenses of the list of federal crimes are:
- Making an effort to become a member of a terrorist group or to provide financial support to they
- Acts of cyberterrorism, include the planning of attacks against government facilities
- Any act of espionage or disclosure of confidential information
You could find yourself on the radar of federal agents and subject to rigorous legal examination if you are even suspected of engaging in activities related to terrorism.
The Process Behind the Federal Sentencing System
Federal judges adhere to the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which is a system that uses a point-based formula to calculate the length of time that a convicted individual should be incarcerated. This is in contrast to state courts, which have the ability to be more creative with their sentencing decisions.
The type of offense and the severity of the offense, the criminal past of the defendant, aggravating and mitigating variables (such as the use of a firearm or cooperation with police), and the defendant’s criminal history. Although judges do have some leeway in their decisions, it is uncommon for them to deviate from the rules unless there is a compelling reason to do so.
Why Should You Choose a Federal Crime Attorney?
In the event that you are the subject of a federal investigation or have been indicted, you are confronted with the full might of the United States government, which is not something that you can handle on your own. There is a great amount of resources available to federal prosecutors, and the punishments are frequently life-changing.
Your rights should be protected from the minute the inquiry begins; you should negotiate plea deals or reduced charges; you should challenge evidence that was obtained improperly; and you should advocate for lesser punishments in accordance with the recommendations. There are certain Federal Crime Attorneys who are not up to the task of handling federal cases. You require someone who has specific expertise working in federal courts, someone who is familiar with the players, the procedures, and the stakes involved in the competition.
Conclusion
If you have been charged with the list of federal crimes or are the subject of an investigation for such an offense, every second counts. It is possible that you could be sentenced to years, or even decades, of incarceration, in addition to suffering catastrophic personal and financial consequences. When it comes to defending clients against the most serious federal allegations, the Kareem Law APC is an organization that specializes in this niche. Fraud, guns, drug crimes, and cyber offenses are just some of the areas in which we are able to successfully wage war against the government. At Kareem Law APC, we represent the best Federal Criminal Attorneys who have handled a wide range of cases. Get in touch with us today at (888) 506-6519!
