Being charged with a federal crime is a bit different than being charged with a state crime. Violations of most local laws are investigated at the local level or at the state level. Depending on the severity of the crime, some local cases can become federal crimes.
Any crime committed on federal property, against federal personnel, or against the government is automatically federal jurisdiction. Also, any crimes that include going from one state into a different state are prosecuted at the federal level. There are many different crimes that can be prosecuted in the federal courts.
Kidnapping
Kidnapping is intentionally taking another person against their will. Sometimes this can be taking another person and demanding a ransom for their return. It could also be taking someone against their will to terrorize them.
In some cases, a person can be charged with kidnapping if they take a child during a custody battle. This crime can be at the state or federal level. When a victim is moved across state lines, it becomes a federal crime.
Trafficking And Distribution
Growing, manufacturing, or selling illegal drugs is a serious crime. Drug trafficking and distribution charges at the federal level carry very high penalties. Even someone charged for the first time could face years of prison if they are convicted.
Immigration Fraud
Immigration fraud falls into two categories – document fraud and benefit/qualification fraud. Document fraud includes creating, selling, or using counterfeit documents. This could include birth certificates, social security cards, passports, or employment authorizations.
Benefit/qualification fraud is misrepresenting facts to qualify to stay in the United States. This could be a sham marriage, for example. It includes lying about living in the US long enough for naturalization or omitting a criminal conviction.
Illegal Re-entry
Someone can be charged with illegal re-entry if they have been deported and come back into the country. Anyone who has been denied entry into the United States and comes in illegally can also be charged.
Money Laundering
Money laundering is the process of taking money gained from illegal activities like selling drugs and making it look like the money was gained legally. This can be done by using a fake business, depositing it into a foreign account, or depositing small amounts over time.
Conspiracy
Conspiracy is an agreement between two or more people to commit a crime. A federal conspiracy charge means that the government believes someone made an agreement with another person to commit a federal crime. The prosecution does not have to prove the person actually committed the crime, just that they agreed they would commit the crime.
RICO Federal Crimes
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act was passed in 1970. When a person has a pattern of racketeering activity connected with an enterprise, they can be charged with a RICO violation. The enterprise could be a mob, a street gang, or a corporation.
Are You Under Investigation For A Federal Crime?
People charged with a federal crime need to have a federal crimes defense attorney who has experience with federal courts. Both Vinas & Graham, PLLC, have the experience you want. With over 30 years of experience and being former Felony Chief Prosecutors turned criminal defense attorneys, they have a unique perspective.
Let their knowledge and experience help you with the federal crimes charges you are facing. So, reach out for a private and confidential consultation and be sure to follow them on Facebook for more federal crimes information.
