The U.S. uses several different court systems to prosecute criminal acts. You could be charged in a state court for some crimes, including drug possession, assault, and battery. Other crimes are handled in federal court, which is considered more serious and which hands down harsher penalties.
Dealing with a federal charge effectively requires legal knowledge and experience. You can get the help you need from a highly-trained criminal defense lawyer in Downey. The sooner you begin building a defense, the better your odds in court will be.
Criminal Charges in the Federal Court System
It can be difficult to understand all the differences between state and federal courts. Similar crimes are sometimes handled by both court systems. However, federal courts can only hear cases if a federal law is broken or if crimes take place across state lines. Specific charges that are handled at the federal level include:
- Fraud
- Theft
- Conspiracy
You can also be charged in federal court for:
- Child Pornography
- Antitrust Violations
- Federal Gun Offenses
- Federal Property Crimes
The federal court system also handles issues related to immigration law. Convictions for federal crimes can lead to serious penalties, up to and including life in prison. You don’t have to face a federal trial on your own. The Simmrin Law Group can provide you with the legal help you need today.
For a free legal consultation with a Criminal Defense lawyer serving Downey, call (310) 896-2723
Federal Charges of Theft and Fraud
Theft and fraud are two crimes that can be charged at the state or federal level. The federal court system will handle cases only if:
- The parties to the case live in different states
- The claim exceeds $75,000
- The U.S. is a party
- The crime violated a federal or Constitutional law
There are several unique charges used to handle theft or actions related to theft at the federal level, including:
- Bank Robbery
- Identity Theft
- Counterfeiting
- Money Laundering
The federal court system can handle fraud cases if they deal with:
- Bank Fraud
- Mail Fraud
- Wire Fraud
- Bankruptcy Fraud
You could be left with incredibly high fines or sentenced to decades in federal prison if you are convicted of fraud or theft in the federal system. Getting professional help right away can improve your chances of beating a federal charge.
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Federal Property Crimes and Gun Offenses in Downey
Some criminal acts, such as arson, burglary, vandalism, and theft become federal property crimes if they are committed on federally owned land. You can be charged twice, once at the state level and once at the federal level, if you are accused of a federal property crime, and your sentence can be very high if you are convicted.
Federal gun offenses are used to prosecute the misuse of firearms. You can face federal charges if you:
- Use a gun within a school zone
- Move stolen guns over state lines
- Give a minor a firearm
- Have a gun with the serial number removed
Note that the U.S. government has also prohibited some people from firearm ownership, including felons and individuals convicted of certain crimes. You could be charged with a federal crime if you are found with a gun that you are not legally allowed to own.
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Other Criminal Charges Used in Federal Court
The power of the federal court system allows it to handle many additional charges, including:
- Conspiracy
- Child Pornography
- Antitrust Violations
- Immigration Law
You can be charged with conspiracy if you plan out a crime with another individual. Your plan doesn’t have to work for you to be convicted of conspiracy. The exact penalties you will face if convicted will depend on the crime you conspired to commit.
Child pornography includes any image of a minor that is sexually explicit. You could be charged with a federal crime if you make, own, or give out any kind of child pornography. A child pornography conviction can lead to 30 years of prison time.
The federal government set up antitrust laws to protect consumers from unfair business practices, like price fixing and the creation of monopolies. You could face a decade of time in prison and $1 million in fines if convicted of an antitrust violation.
The federal court can also handle cases that deal with immigration law, which can lead to deportation from the country. While California has several protections in place for immigrants, these laws cannot easily protect individuals with a criminal record, so getting help right away can be very important.
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A Federal Crimes Lawyer in Downey Can Help You
Dealing with federal charges on your own can result in decades of time in prison and incredibly high fines. You can get the help you need right away by working with the Simmrin Law Group. Our federal crimes lawyers have experience facing federal prosecutors and winning. Find out how we can help you today with our FREE consultation. Start building a defense right now by filling out the form on the right or calling (310) 997-4688.
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