Are you being charged with or investigated for a federal crime? If so, you’ll need assistance from an attorney well experienced in the federal court system.
Federal charges are very different from state crimes, and not just in terms of procedure. Federal cases tend to have quick timelines, high conviction rates, and harsher penalties, which means you could lose your rights and freedoms in the blink of an eye. You need the most robust defense you can get.
Call Attorney George R. Milner III. For nearly 30 years, Mr. Milner has been protecting Texans facing federal criminal charges and investigations. He has won numerous complex cases against federal entities, safeguarding the freedom of his clients.
What Are Federal Crimes?
A federal crime is a violation of any law passed by the US Congress. These offenses usually involve a national concern, or they involve activities crossing state lines or occurring in federal jurisdiction.
Some common federal crimes are:
- Child Pornography
- Computer Crimes/Cybercrime
- Drug-related Offenses
- Gun Charges
- Federal Conspiracy
- Fraud, including:
- Credit Card Fraud
- Healthcare Fraud
- Mail Fraud
- Mortgage Fraud
- Wire Fraud
- Insurance Fraud
- Identity Theft
- Immigration Offenses
- Tax Evasion
- White Collar Offenses, including
- Bribery
- Counterfeiting
- Extortion
- Forgery
- Money Laundering
- Perjury
- And more.
How Does A Federal Case Differ From A State Case?
The procedure in a federal criminal case differs greatly from that in a state case. Federal cases typically involve months or years of pre-charge investigations conducted by national agencies such as the FBI, IRS, DEA, ATF, or ICE. Once a case is initiated in court, it will likely conclude in a short time due to the tight deadlines laid out by the Speedy Trial Act. Federal prosecutors are ready to drive the case home, thanks in large part to the extensive investigation they will have done with federal agents.
More significantly, sentencing is much harsher in federal cases. It is based on the US Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which almost always prescribe long prison sentences, heavy fines, and restitution.
While probation is standard in state criminal cases, it is not common in federal court. Parole has also been abolished in the federal system. Persons convicted of federal crimes usually have to serve their entire prison sentence or close to it, plus a period of supervised release. Even first-time offenders may face mandatory minimum sentences prescribed in the federal sentencing table.
Note that criminal offenses against both state and federal law may be prosecuted in both state and federal courts. Some think that this violates the Constitution’s “Double Jeopardy Clause” which protects individuals from being tried twice for the same crime. This is not the case, however, because state government and federal government are separate. The offender can essentially be tried once under two separate governments.
Why A Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Is Crucial
It is critical that your defense attorney have experience in federal criminal court. The federal legal landscape is vast and more complex than the state system. Federal prosecutors are backed by tremendous resources. It takes an experienced defense lawyer to effectively fight for you in this challenging arena.
You’ll want to contact a federally licensed lawyer early on, even while an investigation is still underway. A federal investigation does not automatically mean you are accused of a crime, but it is a minefield where you could be criminally exposed through what you say or do, or where federal agents could breach your rights.
As soon as you are notified that you are a target of investigation, consult with a defense attorney – if only to be aware of your rights and get sound legal advice on how to respond.
Call George R. Milner III – Hard-hitting Federal Defense Lawyer
Dallas-based attorney George R. Milner III has been practicing Criminal Defense since 1992. His strategic and tenacious defense has won Not Guilty verdicts, dismissals, and rare probation sentences even in complicated federal cases.
