Federal Criminal

Federal criminal charges proceed through the federal court system, which is entirely different and separate from the state court system. Federal criminal offenses are notorious for carrying harsh prison sentences and high fines. Consequently, getting the advice of an Alabama federal criminal lawyer could be essential when you are facing such charges.

Federal investigations can be lengthy processes that only result in an indictment after months or even years of intense investigatory actions. This could allow the federal government to amass substantial amounts of evidence against you before ever charging you with a crime. If you become aware that federal government officials have targeted you in a criminal investigation, you may wish to consult with an accomplished criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Law enforcement authorities can seek criminal prosecution of any number of criminal offenses in either federal or state court. Consequently, federal prosecutors often hand-pick high-profile cases that are likely to garner media attention and result in harsh sentences.

This strategy also tends to result in a higher conviction rate in federal court, which could make having the advice of a federal criminal lawyer in Alabama during court proceedings all the more crucial.

Some common types of criminal offenses prosecuted in federal court include:

• Multi-jurisdictional drug trafficking operations
• Kidnapping across state lines
• Bank, mortgage, investment, wire, and mail fraud
• Internet-based child pornography possession and distribution

All these crimes impact interstate commerce since they involve a criminal activity that crosses state lines. Accordingly, these offenses could all qualify for prosecution as federal crimes.

It should also be noted that federal criminal statutes explicitly allow prosecution for these specific offenses, often with harsher associated penalties than the accused individuals would face in state court. As an example, the presence of an illegal firearm may increase the potential sentence that an individual could face for a drug-related charge.

The federal government has numerous resources they could utilize to investigate unsuspecting persons for federal crimes. Individuals may wish to get advice and guidance from an Alabama attorney as soon as they become aware of involvement in any manner in a federal criminal investigation.

The federal government uses its investigative resources and powers to build strong cases against all parties involved in federal criminal offenses. Federal prosecutors often use any evidence they collect to seek a formal indictment of individuals on criminal charges before a grand jury, which is a necessary step towards prosecution for federal criminal charges.

After retaining legal counsel, federal criminal defendants should take care to refrain from discussing the case or any events related to the situation with anyone other than their legal team. Open discussion of the case might place an individual at risk of self-incrimination throughout wiretapped conversations, emails, text messages, social media posts, and other forms of communication.

Facing indictment for a federal crime can be an overwhelming and stressful experience. It is essential to recognize, however, that a mere indictment is not a conviction. With the help of legal counsel, you may be able to overcome the charges against you or face reduced charges.

A seasoned Alabama federal criminal lawyer should have the knowledge and skills you may need to defend yourself effectively when the charges that you are facing pose a threat of long prison sentences and high fines. Once you are indicted for a federal crime, there is a limited amount of time for you to prepare and defense and fight back against your charge, so acting quickly is generally in your best interest. Call today to get started.