If the federal government becomes focused on prosecuting you or your business, you will need an experienced Summerville federal criminal lawyer to defend you against the prosecutors vast resources. Facing the federal justice system is very different from state court. To ensure the best outcome, you need a defense attorney with experience fighting federal charges. With the help of a legal team, you could seek to reduce the charges against you or get them cleared all together.
Federal v. State Criminal Prosecution
States and the federal government each function under their own unique criminal justice systems and laws. Some misdeeds may amount to illegal activity in either venue, but how each jurisdiction prosecutes the case could vary in significant ways.
To an individual who has been accused of a crime in Summerville, federal or state court may not seem like much of a concern because, either way, they face the threat of imprisonment and fines in both situations. However, how each system operates plays an integral role in the suspect’s defense strategy concerning negotiations with prosecutors, motion practice, the evidence presented, and more. Hiring a local legal advisor who regularly practices in federal criminal court is crucial for understanding the rules and how to work within them for the best outcome in the case.
Federal Agencies Have Experienced Prosecutors
The federal government hires some of the most experienced and determined prosecutors for its U.S. Attorneys offices. They are well-trained investigators dedicated to fettering out every piece of damaging evidence against the defendant. Additionally, many federal agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the Office of the Inspector General, look into federal crimes and refer cases to the U.S. Attorneys offices. The federal government prosecution can be intimidating, so those under suspicion should have a solid defense counsel present during any questioning.
Harsh Federal Sentencing
Regardless of whether the alleged crime involved violent behavior or financial misconduct, federal law imposes severe, mandatory punishments. Fines can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars, and convicted defendants can serve life sentences (18 U.S.C. §§ 3571, 3581). In particular instances, federal law allows for the death penalty (18 U.S.C. § 3591).
An offender whose crime and trial occurred in the Palmetto state will not necessarily serve time in-state. The court may remand them to any appropriate federal facility, located anywhere in the US. An assignment far from home may hinder visitation by family and could make the time incarcerated more difficult.
The Nature of Federal Criminal Offenses in Summerville
Federal crimes cover a vast array of behaviors and actions. Some fall under the umbrella of economic or white-collar crimes. In other cases, violence may form the basis of the charge. Acts involving dishonesty, omissions, deceit, violations of trust, and other non-violent transgressions may constitute white collar offenses.
- Bribery
- Medicare/Medicaid fraud
- Computer crimes
- Tax fraud and evasion
- Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO) violations
Non-Economic Crimes
Categories of non-economic crimes also run a broad spectrum:
- Theft & embezzlement
- Sexual abuse
- Kidnapping
- Homicide
- Drug-related offenses
A Summerville Federal Criminal Attorney Ready to Represent You
Overcoming a federal criminal indictment may seem daunting, but with the right team in place, you can minimize the penalties, if not beat the charges. Our skilled Summerville federal criminal lawyers will work tirelessly to discover evidence, explore alternative resolutions, and, if necessary, defend you at trial, all with the primary objective of minimizing the negative impacts on your life or business. To get started on your case, call today.
