The Federal criminal justice systems procedures diverge drastically from most state level criminal justice systems. This is one of the main reasons why when hiring a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer it is important to hire someone who has extensive experience in this particular field. If a defendant is convicted of a criminal offense on the Federal level and they are sentenced to a custodial sentence they must serve 85% of there time before they become eligible for parole. This varies drastically from say the New Jersey criminal justice system, where only a handful of certain crimes will mandate that the defendant serve at least 85% of their sentence before they can become eligible for parole.
We defend individuals charged with all types of Federal criminal charges such as, assault, embezzlement, money laundering, firearms, drug distribution and racketeering for over fifteen years.
What are some of the common Federal charges that defendants face?
Common Federal Criminal Charges We can Help With:
- Manufacturing a Controlled Dangerous Substances: 21 U.S.C. § 823
- Distributing a Controlled Dangerous Substances: 21 U.S.C. § 823
- Assault: 18 U.S.C. § 111-119
- Counterfeiting and Forgery: 18 U.S.C. § 470-514
- Embezzlement: 18 U.S.C. § 641
- Firearms: 18 U.S.C. 921-931
- Kidnapping: 18 U.S.C. § 1201-1204
- Racketeering: U.S.C. § 1951-1960
- Robbery & Burglary: 18 U.S.C. § 2111-2119
- Fraud: 18 U.S.C. § 1341-1351
- Bank Fraud
- Bank Robbery
- Federal Immigration Charges
- False Statement cases-mail and wire fraud and internet fraud
- Public Corruption, such as bribery or campaign finance violations
- Money Laundering
- Assault on a Federal Officer or Agent
- Crimes on Federal Property-traffic offenses to assault
- Human Trafficking against state lines
- Drug trafficking, smuggling or importation and Kingpin
- RICO
- Conspiracy charges
-
As previous stated, although the federal crimes listed above are similar in nature to most state criminal charges, the applicable penalties are usually much worse. It is important to note here that the Federal Criminal Justices Procedures vary drastically then most State level criminal procedures. Specifically, the sentencing procedures in the Federal Criminal Justice System departed dramatically
How Our Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Assist You
If you face federal criminal charges, your case may be based on:
- Indictment by a federal grand jury. In the federal criminal justice system, the prosecution presents evidence to a grand jury, which then decides to issue formal criminal charges, known as an indictment. You respond to an indictment as you would other criminal charges. But, if you know an indictment is imminent or that a federal investigation is underway, that can be a highly beneficial time to seek the legal assistance of a federal criminal defense attorney.
- Arrest on federal property. If you are arrested on federal property or by federal law enforcement officers for any legal offense, the related charges are filed by the U.S. government and are referred to the federal court system. Federal installations in New Jersey include:
- Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (McGuire Air Force Base, Fort Dix, Lakehurst Maxfield Field)
- Naval Weapons Station Earle at Colts Neck, N.J.
- Picatinny Arsenal in Morris County, N.J.
- National Park Service properties, such as Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Ellis Island, Gateway National Recreation Area and Fort Hancock, Morristown National Historical Park, New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve, etc.
Crimes of violence, property destruction, service disruption or interfering with a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) official at an airport may be prosecuted as federal crimes, as well.
Sometimes, a case that is being investigated by state and/or local officials becomes a federal case if multiple people, multiple alleged instances of crime and/or large amounts of money or contraband (drugs, illegal weapons, etc.) are involved.
When a series of indictments allege multiple people have colluded to form a criminal enterprise, the government may, in addition to conspiracy charges, levy RICO charges under the Federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act.
If you have been arrested and are being held, we will work first to have you released for the lowest amount of bail possible or released on your own recognizance (ROR).
We can also begin immediately to investigate your case, including reaching out to contacts with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to work to keep the most serious potential charges against you from even being considered.
In cases before a grand jury, we can:
- Monitor the investigation and the grand jury testimony to get an idea of the evidence against you
- Investigate the facts of the case, and the evidence and charges under consideration
- Advise you about your own testimony and/or cooperation with investigators, if you are subpoenaed
It is not unusual for us to negotiate the conversion of a client’s status in an investigation from “target” to “unindicted coconspirator,” “person of interest,” or “witness.” In certain situations, we can negotiate with the government for you to testify under a grant of immunity.
If you are indicted, we can begin immediately to work on our challenges to the government’s case.
We may be able to attack the charges on the basis of flawed testimony or lack of credibility among alleged coconspirators or undercover agents. Sometimes, such as when alleged coconspirators face more serious charges, we can leverage your knowledge of the case or the names of confidential informants to convince the government to reduce or drop charges against you.
In some cases, such as simple arrests on federal property or charges transferred from state to federal court, we may be able to challenge the government’s case due to:
- Improper or illegal search and seizure
- Chain of custody issues with evidence alleged to have been in your possession, such as drugs or weapons
- Mistaken identity, due to a flawed lineup or false accusations, or another procedural error
- Racial, ethnic, socio-economic or other bias against you
When necessary, or if it best serves your interests, we will be ready for trial with a case that demonstrates to judge and jury that justice demands a not-guilty verdict.
Federal charges are often based on complex cases and laws, which can make it tougher for the federal government to prove its allegations. It is important that you understand what you’re up against, for better or worse, and that you have skilled and experienced legal representation.
Call or fill out our online form today to talk to one of our experienced federal crimes defense attorneys about your case.
Powerful New Jersey Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers
201-470-4181
