When you are facing federal criminal charges, your future could be on the line. Although you might assume state and federal charges are the same, they are actually quite different. Federal criminal offenses are prosecuted at a higher level and often carry far more severe penalties.
If convicted, you could be sent to federal prison as part of your sentencing. Take steps to protect your freedoms. Contact an experienced Arcadia federal crimes lawyer to help you dodge a conviction.
Common Types of Federal Criminal Offenses
There are numerous criminal offenses that you could be facing under federal law. Generally, criminal charges will be filed in criminal court if you have committed a crime across state lines if the value of your crime exceeds a certain amount, if there is a large number of drugs involved, or if you were otherwise found in violation of the U.S. criminal code. You could also face criminal charges if your crime occurred on federal property.
Some of the more common types of federal criminal offenses you could be charged with in Arcadia include:
- Computer crimes
- Corporate crimes
- Drug crimes
- Tax crimes
- Espionage or counterintelligence
- Mortgage fraud
- Money laundering
- Embezzlement
- Social Security fraud
- Internet crimes
- Sex crimes
- Immigration crimes
- Murder as a federal offense
If you are under investigation for a federal offense, or you have been charged with a crime at the federal level and are unsure where to turn for help, reach out to a federal crimes lawyer in Arcadia to find out how to move forward with your defense
For a free legal consultation with a federal crimes lawyer serving Arcadia, call (310) 896-2723
Penalties Associated with Federal Criminal Convictions
Federal criminal convictions carry harsher penalties than charges tried at the state level. The types of penalties you could face will vary widely depending on the type of crime you are convicted of. Generally, federal crimes carry longer jail and prison terms, higher fines, and other types of penalties, including:
- Completion of court-ordered mental health counseling, anger management, drug or alcohol treatment, or other programs
- Community service hours
- The requirement that you register as a sex offender
- Suspension or revocation of your driver’s license
- Restitution paid to victims in your case
These are just a few of the different criminal penalties you could be dealing with if you are convicted at the federal level. Since these penalties are often more severe than crimes charged at the state level, your attorney may be able to get the federal charges against you reduced to state-level charges where you may be able to work with the prosecuting attorney to secure a more favorable outcome.
Collateral Fallout When You Are Convicted at the Federal Level
Criminal penalties are not the only consequence you will face if you are found guilty of a federal crime. In addition to the criminal consequences such as prison time and fines, your life could also be considerably affected by a federal criminal conviction.
Here are some of the more common ways your life could be affected if you are found guilty of a federal offense:
Loss of Child Visitation or Custody
A federal-level conviction could have a devastating impact on your ability to retain your child visitation or custody rights. Your child’s other parent may petition the court for sole custody if you are found guilty of a federal offense.
If your rights are taken away, it could make it difficult or impossible for you to maintain a relationship with your child, even after you have been released from prison.
Difficulty Finding or Maintaining Gainful Employment
After your conviction, your criminal record will reflect what you have been through. When you attempt to find a new job once you have been released, you may find it challenging to find an employer who will be willing and able to overlook your past.
Your criminal record could also make it difficult for you to keep your job, especially if your employer, colleagues, or the public who you may work with are initially unaware of your conviction, and learn of it later.
Loss of Federal Student Aid Eligibility
Federal criminal convictions mean you are no longer eligible for federal student aid. Once you have been released from prison, you may be hoping for a fresh start. This might mean going back to school so you can find work and make a career for yourself.
However, you will not be able to rely on federal student loan money to pay for college, higher education, or other related fees.
Loss of Gun Rights
Convicted felons are prohibited from owning firearms under California state and federal laws. If you are found guilty of a federal crime, you will lose your right to bear arms.
If you already own firearms, you will be expected to forfeit them to a person of your choosing or the government, who will then retain possession or dispose of them as necessary.
Destroyed Personal and Professional Reputations
Arguably one of the worst consequences of a federal criminal conviction is the way your personal and professional reputations will be affected. Once you have been accused of a crime, even if you are innocent, your friends and family, coworkers, your employer, and other people in your life may jump to conclusions and assume you are guilty.
You could have difficulty maintaining relationships with those who care about you most and even face suspension or revocation of your professional licenses. If you hope to avoid these penalties, you need to take charge of your life. Get help from an experienced legal defender who can help you avoid the disastrous penalties of a conviction at the federal level.
Arcadia Federal Crimes Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Contact a Federal Crimes Attorney in Arcadia for Help Today
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the federal criminal charges against you, you are not alone. With a dedicated Arcadia federal crimes attorney advocating for your liberties, you could enter a pretrial diversion program, defend yourself at trial, or otherwise obtain a favorable outcome in your case.
Start working on your defense strategy today. Call us or complete our secured contact form to find out which potential defenses may be best suited for your case.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form