If prosecutors charged you with a federal crime, you must do a lot of work to prove your innocence. Facing down federal lawyers in the federal courts will be a challenging process, no matter what charges you face. If you were wrongfully accused of a federal crime and are not sure where to go next, we are here to help.
Our team of criminal defense lawyers at Kenny Perez Law in Brownsville wants to help you prove your innocence and escape federal criminal prosecution. We will do everything to help you gather evidence supporting your innocence and build a strong case to take to court. If you stand accused of a federal crime, do not wait to reach out to us for help. Contact Kenny Perez Law today to get started.
What Are Federal Crimes?
A federal crime is committed against the federal government, not against the state. Sometimes, state laws and federal laws overlap. However, federal law enforcement will investigate and United States attorneys prosecute federal crimes in federal courts.
Federal crimes cover a wide range of crimes, some of which could be tried under state law if they had not occurred on federal land. Many crimes could be considered federal, and it can be hard to define them all.
However, some of the main federal crimes you may run into include:
- Drug trafficking
- Money laundering
- International organized crime
- Corrupt public officials’ conduct
- Human rights violations
- Child exploitation
- Hacking
- Financial fraud or misconduct
- War crimes
- Immigration violations
- Corporate fraud, bank fraud, etc.
- Health care fraud
- Bribery of foreign government officials
- Child sexual exploitation
- Computer and intellectual property crime
- Terrorist crime
- Copyright crime
- Forgery
- Identity theft
- Tax evasion
Though the state could try many crimes, including manslaughter, murder, sexual assault, and robbery, if you allegedly committed them on federal property or an Indian Reservation, you might face federal charges.
The penalties for federal crimes vary just as those for state crimes do. For example, you may face felony or misdemeanor charges. You could face the death penalty if the court convicts you of murder. In any federal criminal case, you do have the right to a criminal defense lawyer who can help you prove your innocence and escape an unjust sentence.
What Happens When Authorities Accuse Me of a Federal Crime?
If authorities accuse you of a federal crime, they may charge you only after investigating. You may not know that the federal government is investigating you. Once you find out, they will charge you with a federal crime, and those who investigated your case will likely bring the charges against you before a federal prosecutor.
In some situations, the federal prosecutor may call together a grand jury, composed of various members of the community, to hear your case. The grand jury can decide whether to file charges against you.
Once charged, federal authorities will arrest, charge, and arraign you. At the arraignment, you will go before a judge for formal charges. At this time, the judge may decide whether to release you on bail until your trial concludes.
After the arraignment, you and your lawyer will work to gather evidence and other important information that can prove your innocence. The federal prosecutors will also gather evidence to prove your guilt. Get legal support during this time so you do not miss important information that could save you from prison.
If the federal court allows it, you may enter a guilty plea in exchange for a reduced sentence. However, an innocent person may not want to do this. Sometimes, your lawyer may file a motion to dismiss the charges against you if they believe the evidence is enough to exonerate you.
Finally, you will be tried in court, charged as the judge and jury see fit, and sentenced to your punishment. You may be able to appeal your sentencing, though the appeals process often takes several years.
What to Do When Accused of a Federal Crime
If authorities accuse you of a federal crime, but you know that you are innocent, you need help. The best thing you can do is hire someone experienced in fighting federal criminal charges to help you seek justice in your case.
Here is what you should do after being accused of a federal crime.
- Say nothing. You do have the right to remain silent when accused of a crime. Take advantage of this right by remaining quiet and not protesting your innocence or admitting guilt. Do not say anything to the police, other accused persons, or even your family and friends.
- Call an attorney. A federal criminal lawyer is essential to proving your innocence. Do not hesitate to call a lawyer as soon as possible so that you can start fighting the unfair charges against you. Contact Kenny Perez Law today.
- Keep track of evidence. In any criminal trial, you need evidence to prove your innocence. Do what you can to keep records of any relevant conversations, your alibi at the time of the criminal incident, and other records that could be important. Your lawyer will help you know what evidence to preserve and present.
Do not panic if authorities accuse you of a federal crime. While this is a stressful time and a long, complicated process, you do not have to go through it alone. With help from a federal criminal defense lawyer, you can still fight your way to justice.If authorities allege you committed a federal crime in Brownsville, reach out to a federal criminal defense lawyer from Kenny Perez Law as soon as you can. We can make sure you find the evidence you need to get the justice you deserve in the federal courts. Give us a contact us at (956) 544-9292 as soon as possible so we can help you.
Kenny Perez Law
1900 N Exp 77. Suite A,
Brownsville, Texas 78521
(956) 420-6888
“Definitely a law firm that you can trust! Professional, reasonable, and knowledgeable. The legal team has great customer service skills. They were able to help and guide us every step of the way after our accident.” – Cynthia Barrera
Rating: 5/5
03/14/2021
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