Last Updated on: 17th October 2023, 10:57 pm

Nebraska Federal Criminal Lawyers

If you have been charged with a federal crime in Nebraska, you need an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer on your side. Federal crimes are serious business and carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences. Having a knowledgeable attorney to defend you can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

In this article, we’ll provide an overview of federal criminal law in Nebraska and how an attorney can help. We’ll look at common federal crimes charged in Nebraska, the federal criminal process, potential defenses, and what to look for when hiring a federal criminal lawyer.

Common Federal Crimes in Nebraska

Some of the most common federal crimes charged in Nebraska include:

• Drug crimes – Drug trafficking, distribution, manufacturing, and possession crimes are frequently prosecuted at the federal level in Nebraska. This includes marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, prescription medications, and other controlled substances.
• White collar crimes – Wire fraud, mail fraud, tax evasion, embezzlement, money laundering, and other financial and corporate crimes are routinely charged as federal offenses.
• Child pornography – Distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography are serious federal crimes carrying steep penalties.
• Firearms offenses – Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, using a firearm in a crime, illegal firearm sales, and other federal gun crimes are prosecuted in Nebraska.
• Immigration violations – Illegal re-entry after deportation, alien smuggling, visa fraud, and other immigration-related crimes can be charged federally.
• Computer and internet crimes – Hacking, identity theft, computer fraud, and online solicitation of minors are federal crimes.

The list goes on – from terrorism and national security violations to interstate domestic violence, human trafficking, and civil rights offenses. Pretty much any crime crossing state lines or occurring on federal land or against the federal government can be charged federally.

The Federal Criminal Process in Nebraska

The federal criminal process differs in important ways from the state process:

• Federal crimes are investigated by federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, ATF, ICE, IRS, and others. State and local police sometimes assist.
• Federal charges are prosecuted by the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska, part of the US Department of Justice.
• Federal criminal cases are filed and tried in the US District Court for the District of Nebraska, which has courthouses in Omaha, Lincoln, and North Platte.
• Federal sentencing guidelines and mandatory minimums often result in longer prison sentences for federal convictions.
• There is no parole in the federal system – inmates serve at least 85% of their sentence.
• Appeals of federal convictions from Nebraska go to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.

So facing federal charges in Nebraska is extremely serious. The federal government wins over 90% of its cases, in large part due to the massive resources at its disposal. Having an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer is critical.

Possible Defenses to Federal Crimes

A skilled federal criminal lawyer will thoroughly examine the facts of your case to determine any possible defenses. Here are some common defenses used in federal cases:

• Fourth Amendment violations – If evidence was obtained through an illegal search or seizure, it may be suppressed.
• Miranda rights violations – Incriminating statements can be thrown out if Miranda warnings were not properly given.
• Entrapment – When law enforcement induces someone to commit a crime they otherwise wouldn’t, entrapment may apply.
• Self-defense – For assault, homicide, or certain other charges, self-defense may justify the actions.
• Mistake of fact – A genuine mistake about a material fact of the case could undermine criminal intent.

Other possible defenses include alibi, insanity, diminished capacity, duress, statute of limitations expirations, and constitutional violations. But the viability of any defense depends on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.