St. Augustine Federal Crimes Defense Attorney
Understanding Federal Offenses in St. Augustine, FL
A federal offense is different from a state crime. Federal crimes fall under federal law and are prosecuted under the rules of federal criminal procedure.
If you or someone you care about is under investigation or has been charged with a federal criminal offense, it is important that you hire a criminal defense attorney who is experienced in handling federal criminal cases. You need a team that understands how the process works and that can ensure your rights are protected during the investigation and all subsequent proceedings.
At Canan Law, we are well-versed in federal criminal defense cases. Our St. Augustine federal crimes attorneys have decades of collective experience and, with more than 250 jury trials handled, our firm has earned a reputation for providing aggressive client advocacy in even the toughest of cases. We are highly respected by our clients, our peers, and judges, and we are ready to fight for you.
Life’s not perfect. We’re here to help. Contact Canan Law online or call our office at (904) 849-2266 to schedule a consultation with our team today.
Penalties for Federal Crimes
The penalties associated with federal crime convictions range as widely as the types of federal offenses themselves. That being said, a federal offense conviction will almost always come with significant penalties, jeopardizing your freedom, your reputation, and your very future.
If you have been charged with a federal criminal offense, you could be facing:
- A lengthy prison sentence/life imprisonment
- Steep fines
Examples of Federal Crimes
A federal offense is any act that is prohibited by United States federal laws.
Examples of federal crimes may include:
- Fraud: Fraud is the intentional use of deceit to obtain unauthorized benefits, monetary or otherwise, for oneself or an institution. “Deceit” includes a wide range of acts and practices, including false suggestions, purposeful misleading, truth suppression, and more.
- Counterfeiting: The creation of fraudulent currency, documents, and other goods, as well as owning or possessing any tools used for the creation of such fraudulent items, are labeled “counterfeiting,” which is a federal offense in the United States.
- Drug Trafficking: The unlawful sale, transportation, or distribution of illicit substances is known as “drug trafficking.” This offense can be either a state or federal crime depending on the specific factors involved.
- Bank Robbery: Bank robbery involves the forceful taking or taking by intimidation of money, property, and/or goods from or which are under the control of a bank, federal credit union, or similar institution.
- Extortion: When an individual seeks to obtain unauthorized benefits, including but not limited to monetary benefits, through coercion, they can be charged with extortion. Generally speaking, extortion that interferes with interstate commerce is charged as a federal offense.
- Perjury: Perjury is the act of making false statements (lying) under oath, meaning in relation to court proceedings. Perjury may be charged as a federal offense when it occurs within the scope of a federal proceeding or before a federal official or tribunal.
- Child Pornography: Child pornography involves any visual depiction, digital or otherwise, of a minor (someone under the age of 18) involved in or engaged in sexually explicit acts. Possessing, trafficking, and receiving child pornography may all be charged as federal crimes.
- Mail/Wire Fraud: Mail/wire fraud involves the use of the U.S. Postal Service and/or digital communications device(s) to commit fraud. The medium used to commit fraud (or attempted fraud) determines whether an offense falls under mail fraud or wire fraud.
Note that this is by no means an exhaustive list of federal offenses; many other crimes, from violent offenses to white collar crimes, may fall under federal jurisdiction. If you are facing federal charges of any kind, reach out to a St. Augustine federal crimes defense attorney at our firm right away.
Your freedom and your future are on the line, and our team is ready to fight to protect your rights.