Criminal acts illegal in the State of Arizona bring state charges. Those accused are prosecuted in state court and may be sentenced to serve time in a county jail or state prison if convicted. Some criminal acts go against United States federal laws. In these cases, alleged offenders face federal charges and potential prosecution in federal court.
If you are facing federal charges, you need representation from an experienced Scottsdale criminal defense lawyer. Convictions on federal charges bring serious consequences, and a Scottsdale federal crimes lawyer from Suzuki Law Firm will fight aggressively to help you avoid those consequences by having your charges and penalties dismissed or reduced.
Understanding Federal Crimes
Some crimes violate both state and federal laws–bank robbery and murder, for example. In these scenarios, the U.S. Attorney’s Office collaborates with state and local law enforcement to decide where the case should be tried–in federal or state court.
The same criminal acts can warrant either federal or state charges depending on the circumstances of the alleged act. In its description of the criminal justice process, the FBI explains what puts a crime in the federal category, saying, “Murder is a crime in all 50 states, but it is not a federal offense unless, for example, a federal official is murdered while performing official functions.” Similarly, robbery is illegal in all states but is only a federal crime if the robbery has some connection to the federal government, such as if it involves the robbery of a “federally insured bank.”
Crimes warranting federal cases include those crimes committed across state lines, on Native American reservations, and on U.S. federal property. Some more common types of federal crimes include:
- Mail fraud
- Tax evasion
- Child pornography
- Money laundering
- Counterfeiting
- Computer crimes
- Identity theft
- Human trafficking
- Transporting undocumented immigrants (illegal aliens)
- Drug crimes with the intent to distribute
- Owning a gun as a convicted felon (some states may allow convicted felons to regain gun rights, but federal law does not, and federal law supersedes state law)
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Get StartedWhy You Need Representation from a Federal Crimes Attorney in Scottsdale
Any time you face criminal charges, you need representation from a skilled defense attorney. Convictions come with consequences potentially reaching into all areas of your life, affecting your freedom, finances, and future. An attorney will fight to minimize those consequences, ensure your fair treatment by the criminal justice system, and protect you from saying anything that could be used against you.
Defending against federal crimes requires knowledge of the federal criminal justice system and federal criminal law. The team at Suzuki Law Firm includes former federal prosecutors, which means partnership with a Scottsdale federal crimes attorney from our firm gives you a legal advocate who knows the federal system backward and forwards. Your attorney knows how prosecutors think and can anticipate the moves they will make, knows what factors can work in your favor, and is better equipped to build you an effective defense overall.
Our team has extensive experience defending those accused of federal crimes. We know how to challenge the admissibility of evidence and of searches and seizures, and we have the resources needed to investigate your alleged crime fully and gather evidence to support your defense. Our team comprises fierce negotiators and tactical litigators who will fight for the best possible outcome to your case.
Lawyer Near Me 602-682-5270Penalties for Federal Crimes
As with state crimes, penalties for federal crimes range from moderate to severe depending on the type of crime committed and other factors. Judges may consider mitigating factors, those your attorney presents to minimize your penalties, and aggravating factors, those the prosecution presents to increase penalties. For example, if you committed the crime under threat or have no criminal record, those mitigators can help you, but if you have a criminal record or committed the crime with extreme malice, those aggravators can work against you.
Federal criminal cases can lead to sentences including prison time, fines paid to the government, and/or restitution paid to victims. Offenders may be put on supervised probation and required to undergo drug testing and substance abuse treatment, psychological counseling, job counseling, or abide by other conditions. Some offenders are sentenced to a period of home confinement and electronic monitoring.
The United States Sentencing Commission has established a set of sentencing guidelines for federal crimes. All offenses have a “base level,” more serious crimes have higher base levels, and that level can be raised or lowered based on the characteristics of the crime. A skilled, strategic federal crimes defense attorney in Scottsdale will pursue every possibility for having your crime level and subsequent penalties lowered.
When to Connect with a Federal Crimes Attorney in Scottsdale
Reach out to Suzuki Law Firm immediately after being charged with a federal crime. Prompt partnership brings prompt protection. Do not speak to any members of law enforcement (or anyone else) about your alleged crime without your Scottsdale federal crimes attorney present or without your attorney’s guidance.
Your attorney will advise you throughout your case, helping you avoid accidentally saying or doing something that could be used against you. Facing criminal charges is terrifying, and your attorney will also give you much-needed support as your case unfolds. We are proud of our client-centered practices at Suzuki Law Firm and will treat you with respect, keeping you updated and informed at every stage of your case.
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A Scottsdale Federal Crimes Lawyer Is on Your Side from Start to Finish
Call or send a message to set up a consultation with a strategic, accomplished federal crimes lawyer in Scottsdale as soon as you are charged with a federal crime. You have the right to an attorney, and exercising that right is the most important first step you can take in fighting the charges and potential penalties. From the moment you enter a partnership with us, our team will offer critical protection and guidance, working to compile evidence, challenge the prosecution, and safeguard your rights.
Suzuki Law Firm is on your side from start to finish. Reach out today for the superior legal representation you need and deserve.
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