Federal laws are separate and distinct from state laws. When federal laws are allegedly violated, defendants often find themselves faced with federal criminal charges. If you have been charged with a federal crime, attorneys at Vinas & Graham, PLLC, know that you need an attorney who has experience defending clients in federal prosecutions.
In part 1, we discussed six different types of federal crimes. In part 2, we will go over seven additional crimes and how a criminal defense attorney can help you defend your federal charges. The consequences for federal convictions can be life-altering, which is why you should only entrust your case to an attorney with specialized knowledge of federal laws.
Drug/Narcotics Trafficking & Distribution
Drug and narcotics trafficking and distribution charges are more serious than a possession charge. Trafficking and distribution are often charged as a federal crime, especially when there is a large amount of drugs and evidence that the drugs were moved across state lines.
Federal prosecutors are often overzealous with drug charges. Even if you are charged with trafficking and distribution, prosecutors may not have the evidence they need to secure a conviction. Your attorney will help review the evidence against you, examine how that evidence was collected, and help you build a defense to challenge the prosecution’s allegations.
Money Laundering
There are various types of money laundering schemes. All of those schemes involve obtaining illegal funds and attempting to make it appear as though the funds came from a legitimate source. For example, ‘laundering’ money derived from drug trafficking to make it look as though the money came from a legitimate business, such as restaurant profits.
Money laundering schemes are often complex operations, and sometimes innocent people are used to further a money laundering operation without their knowledge. Lack of intent, lack of knowledge, and the funds were illegally obtained are common defenses to money laundering charges that your attorney may raise.
Federal Conspiracy Charges
Federal conspiracy charges involve an agreement between two or more people to commit a federal crime or defraud the United States. Additionally, you can only be convicted if one co-conspirator takes an overt act in the commission of the conspiracy. Federal crimes attorneys know the requirements for a conspiracy conviction, and they will closely examine the facts of your case to help determine your best defense strategies.
White Collar Crimes
Federal criminal defense attorneys have access to the resources and experts necessary to defend white collar crime charges. White collar crimes such as money laundering, corporate fraud, bankruptcy fraud, and embezzlement typically involve complex financial and legal matters. Because of this, only an experienced attorney with sophisticated resources should defend these cases.
Kidnapping
Kidnapping convictions can often be avoided if you have a viable defense and an attorney who aggressively advocates for your rights. Kidnapping cases are often the result of misunderstandings and miscommunications. Frequently raised defenses to federal kidnapping charges include that you had no knowledge or intent to abduct the alleged victim or that you are the parent of the alleged victim and you were attempting to assume lawful control of your child.
Federal Theft Crimes
Theft crimes involve taking or using someone else’s property with the intent to deprive the owner of that property permanently. Shoplifting, automobile theft, money laundering, and embezzlement are crimes that can be charged at the federal level under certain circumstances. Criminal defense attorneys know the elements required to prove theft crimes, and they will go over the evidence against you and discuss your potential defenses.
Illegal Re-entry
Illegal re-entry is an immigration crime that may result in prison time, removal, and a ban on returning to the United States. Illegal re-entry charges are generally based on allegations that the defendant was previously removed from the United States and was caught in the United States or attempting to enter the U.S.
Defendants in immigration cases are often at a disadvantage, especially if they do not have an attorney representing their interests. There are often language barriers and a lack of due process for the accused. An attorney will make sure that your rights are protected and your case is heard before any judgments are made.
Texas Federal Crimes Attorney
Texas federal crimes attorneys at Vinas & Graham, PLLC, represent clients in all types of federal prosecution matters. To schedule a consultation, contact our office at 713-229-9992 or here to send us a message.
We know that a federal conviction can lead to serious and lifelong consequences. Our attorneys will stand up to federal prosecutors and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. Follow us on Facebook for more information about our law firm and the cases we handle.
