Mounting a successful criminal defense requires tenacious legal representation to combat well-equipped government prosecutors who have many legal resources at their hands. Charges brought by the federal government add a layer of complexity and risk that demands the help of an attorney dedicated to practicing in federal criminal courts. A Georgetown federal criminal lawyer can provide the know-how to successfully navigate the system and achieve the outcome best suited to your situation.
The Reach of the Federal Government
The federal government has an oversight agency for almost every aspect of daily life and commerce.
- Federal Bureau of Investigations
- Internal Revenue Service
- Securities and Exchange Council
- Office of the Comptroller of Currency
- Office of Inspector General
Those identified in this list and many other federal agencies have broad powers to investigate and enforce national laws. If they conclude that something nefarious took place, they can refer the case for prosecution in the federal court system.
Title 18 of the United States Code identifies many illegal activities. Included in this lineup are assault, murder, and kidnapping. Federal law also criminalizes deceitful conduct that causes economic harm, such as tax evasion, bankruptcy fraud, embezzlement, and healthcare misappropriation. Another commonly charged federal crime involves controlled substance trafficking.
Early Representation for Georgetown Federal Charges Is Crucial
In an effort to gather evidence, federal agents may issue subpoenas demanding certain information and documents. Receipt of a subpoena can unnerve people and cause them to respond too quickly, without consulting counsel first. Unlike a search warrant, authorities do not need a judge’s approval to issue a subpoena, which can lead to overbroad and sometimes inappropriate requests. Working with a trained federal criminal defense attorney can help targets avoid common pitfalls that may lead to unwarranted charges or undermine an effective defense strategy.
Federal agents may also request to interview subjects of an investigation. Attending such an interview without local representation could be dangerous. Authorities could use any statements made during these sessions against the suspect in later proceedings, and if the person under suspicion misspeaks or provides inaccurate information, the government could charge them with lying to federal officers, which is a felony offense.
Life After a Federal Conviction
Federal sentencing guidelines apply uniformly across all 50 states, and once an offense reaches a certain level of severity, strict mandatory standards apply. Generally, comparable illegal activity receives a more severe punishment under federal than state law as higher fines and longer incarceration times usually apply. For example, felony offenders may owe up to $250,000 in fines and could spend three years to life in prison (18 U.S.C. §§ 3571(b)(3), 3581(b)(1)-(5)). Also, federal law allows for capital punishment in certain homicide cases (18 U.S.C. 3591).
In addition to serving time and paying restitution for a federal crime, Georgetown convicted residents may face social consequences such as:
- A tarnished reputation
- Inability to secure financing for large purchases such as a house or car
- Loss of educational and employment opportunities
- Forfeiting professional licenses
- Risk of deportation
- Inability to vote
- Denial or revocation of gun permits.
Advocate for Yourself by Retaining a Georgetown Federal Criminal Attorney
When facing a federal investigation or criminal charges, your future may seem bleak. While the situation is serious, you can retain some hope by hiring a skilled litigator who will match the federal government’s legal prowess.
A Georgetown federal criminal lawyer understands your life is on the line and will fight for your rights every step of the way. Reach out today, so we can get to work to avoid costly errors in dealing with the government and minimize the impact these events have on your future.