Not all crimes are dealt with in the same manner. Most of the time, the procedure is at the local level, either by the state, county, or city attorney’s office. Some crimes, though, are at a higher level and prosecuted by the federal government. The rules and procedures are different from the state, so these cases require unique skills and knowledge.
If you have been charged by the United States government, speak with a West Palm Beach federal criminal defense lawyer at The Law Offices of Robert David Malove. Our team of experienced defense attorneys knows how to navigate the nuances of your situation and work towards a fair outcome.
What Makes It a Federal Crime Instead of A State One?
For the most part, crimes are defined under state law and, therefore, are primarily tried in the state courts. This is because every jurisdiction has slightly different definitions for the same offense. It is for this reason that the federal courts do not want to get involved in something that is supposed to be exclusively a state issue.
The federal level may intervene, however, when there is a conflict or question about which state is the most appropriate forum for the charges. In that sense, many federal crimes are those that cross state lines, involve interstate commerce, or are related to financial misconduct. The list of federal crimes that an attorney in West Palm Beach could help defend may include:
- Tax evasion
- Mail fraud
- Wire fraud
- Securities fraud
- Healthcare fraud
- Money laundering
- Intellectual property infringement
- Drug trafficking
A key difference is who investigates and files charges for these types of offenses. Most of the time, it is at the direction of a federal agency such as the FBI, though some situations may begin with a civil investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Either way, these agencies take their jobs very seriously, so having qualified legal counsel is essential.
How A Lawyer Could Help In Federal Defense Cases
Being contacted by an FBI agent or anyone else representing the government is understandably intimidating, and people may feel like they need to answer any of their questions. However, the FBI is not exempt from following Constitutional procedures, and anyone under a federal investigation in West Palm Beach still has the right to have an attorney present. This is important to protect the accused’s Constitutional rights and ensure that law enforcement follows the rules.
Federal judges also have some discretion when it comes to sentencing following a conviction. While there are statutory requirements for some crimes, judges also follow Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which provide for a range of prison lengths based on the severity of the crime and the offender’s criminal history. However, judges may consider any other aggravating or mitigating factors to make their determination.
A skilled West Palm Beach attorney knows how to talk to the judge and convince them to pass a lenient sentence. Having an advocate could ensure a fair outcome.
Contact a Federal Defense Attorney in West Palm Beach
If you have been accused of a crime against the United States, get a West Palm Beach federal criminal defense lawyer from The Law Offices of Robert David Malove to represent you. We understand that this is a distressing time, and our attorneys are always here for support.
Whether it is negotiating with the prosecutor or arguing your case at trial, we could be by your side while the process unfolds. Call The Law Offices of Robert David Malove and tell us about your situation.