Last Updated on: 28th February 2023, 10:44 am

What You Need to Know About Federal Criminal Cases in the United States

If you’re facing a federal criminal charge, you may feel like you’re in uncharted territory. Unlike state-level criminal cases, federal criminal cases are handled by federal courts and involve violations of federal laws. This article will provide you with an overview of what to expect during a federal criminal case, including the potential consequences of a conviction.

Types of Federal Crimes

Federal crimes cover a wide range of offenses, including drug trafficking, mail fraud, wire fraud, healthcare fraud, and robbery of federally-insured banks. Essentially, any offense that violates federal law is considered a federal crime.

How Federal Prosecutions Work

Federal prosecutors are responsible for pursuing charges against individuals or entities suspected of committing a federal crime. Unlike state-level criminal cases, which are handled by local courts, federal crimes are investigated and prosecuted by the federal government. This means that federal prosecutors have significant resources at their disposal to pursue convictions.

The Consequences of a Federal Conviction

If you’re convicted of a federal crime, the penalties can be severe. In addition to heavy fines and restitution, you could face a lengthy prison sentence. Unlike state-level criminal cases, federal defendants are not eligible for parole, meaning that you will serve your entire prison sentence if convicted.

Important Stages of the Federal Criminal Process

The federal criminal process is complex and can be difficult to navigate. However, understanding the various stages of the process can help you better prepare for what’s to come. Here are some of the key stages in a federal criminal case:

Investigation

During the investigation stage, federal agents gather evidence to support a potential criminal charge. If you’re a suspect in a federal criminal investigation, you should expect agents to contact you – either directly or indirectly.

Charging

If federal prosecutors believe they have enough evidence to support a criminal charge, they will formally charge you with the offense. At this point, you should seek the advice of a qualified federal criminal defense attorney.

First Court Hearing

Your first court hearing will typically be your arraignment, during which you will enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. It’s important to have legal representation during this hearing to ensure that your rights are protected.

Discovery

During the discovery phase, both the prosecution and defense are required to share any evidence they have with the opposing party. This is a critical phase of the process, as it can often uncover evidence that may help your case.

Plea Bargaining

If the prosecution and defense are unable to reach a plea agreement, the case will proceed to trial. However, plea bargaining is often used as a way to resolve cases without going to trial.

Preliminary Hearing

During the preliminary hearing, the prosecution must demonstrate that there is enough evidence to support the criminal charge. If the judge determines that there is sufficient evidence, the case will proceed to trial.

Pretrial Motions

Both the prosecution and defense can file pretrial motions to address any legal issues that may arise before trial. These motions can cover a wide range of issues, including the admissibility of evidence and the validity of search warrants.

Trial

If the case proceeds to trial, both the prosecution and defense will present their evidence to a jury. The jury will then determine whether you are guilty or not guilty of the charges against you.

Protect Your Rights with Help from Experienced Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers

Facing federal criminal charges can be an incredibly stressful experience, both for yourself and for your loved ones. The serious nature of these charges can leave you feeling helpless and uncertain about what to do next. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to better position yourself in these situations, including hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney and taking advantage of your legal rights.

What is a Federal Crime?

A federal crime is any act or conduct that is illegal under U.S. federal legislation. These crimes can be prosecuted at both the federal and state levels, though the most serious offenses are typically prosecuted federally. This includes crimes that involve federal agencies or agents, those committed on federal property, and those that cross state or international borders. Common federal charges include drug crimes, homicide, fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, and more.

What Happens Next?

If you find yourself facing federal charges, the legal process can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate. Working with a skilled criminal defense attorney can help you better understand your legal rights and make informed decisions based on the specifics of your case. Depending on your situation, you may need to determine your status in the investigation, appear before a magistrate judge, negotiate a plea deal, or appeal a conviction.

Protect Your Rights

The first step in protecting your rights when facing federal criminal charges is to consult with a skilled criminal defense attorney. These legal professionals can provide you with expert guidance and representation throughout the legal process, increasing your odds of a favorable outcome. It is also important to exercise your right to remain silent and to determine whether cooperating with federal authorities is in your best interest.

Don’t wait to get the help you need when facing federal criminal charges. Contact Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers today to learn more about your legal options and to start building a strong defense.