New Orleans Parish Federal Criminal Lawyers: Your Guide to Finding the Best Defense

Getting charged with a federal crime in New Orleans Parish can be an incredibly stressful and frightening experience. The stakes are high, and the federal criminal justice system can seem complex and intimidating. Having an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer on your side is crucial for navigating the system and achieving the best possible outcome for your case. This article provides an overview of federal criminal law in New Orleans Parish, things to look for when hiring a federal criminal lawyer, where to find top-rated attorneys, common federal charges, and potential defenses.

Common Federal Charges in New Orleans Parish

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana prosecutes a wide range of federal crimes. Some of the most common federal charges seen in New Orleans Parish include:

Drug Crimes

Federal drug cases make up a substantial portion of the criminal docket. Common charges include:

• Possession/distribution/manufacturing of illegal drugs
• Drug trafficking and conspiracy
• Operating illegal pill mills
• Drug-related gun offenses

Harsh mandatory minimum sentencing applies under federal law, even for nonviolent drug offenders.

Financial Crimes

Federal prosecutors often pursue complex white-collar cases involving:

• Tax fraud and evasion
• Wire/mail/bank fraud
• Money laundering
• Bribery of public officials
• Embezzlement

High-profile targets like politicians and business executives often face these charges.

Violent Crimes

Violent federal crimes prosecuted in New Orleans include:

• Federal gun charges
• Robberies/carjackings involving interstate commerce
• Kidnappings crossing state lines
• Crimes on federal property

Penalties for federal gun and robbery charges are severe, involving decades-long sentences.

Sex Crimes

Sex offenses prosecuted federally include:

• Child pornography
• Interstate sex trafficking
• Traveling interstate to engage in sexual acts with minors
• Sexual exploitation of children

The Internet has increased federal jurisdiction over many sex crimes.

Immigration Violations

Some common immigration-related charges:

• Illegal re-entry after deportation
• Alien smuggling
• Visa/passport fraud
• Falsely claiming U.S. citizenship

Proximity to the Mexican border means Louisiana sees many immigration cases.

This overview shows the diversity of potential federal charges. The penalties are severe, so building an effective defense requires an experienced federal criminal attorney.

Potential Defenses to Federal Charges

When facing federal prosecution, there are various defenses an experienced lawyer may use to get charges dismissed or reduced, or at least lower potential prison time:

Fourth Amendment Violations

If evidence was obtained illegally through:

• Unreasonable searches
• Arrests without probable cause
• Racial profiling

It may be excluded if it violated your Fourth Amendment rights.

Entrapment

If you were induced by law enforcement to commit a crime you otherwise wouldn’t have, this is entrapment.

Duress/Necessity

You may have valid defenses if you committed crimes due to:

• Threats/abuse (duress)
• Preventing greater harm (necessity)

Mental Incompetence

If mental illness left you unable to understand criminal actions or assist in your defense, charges could be dismissed.

Statute of Limitations Expiration

If prosecution begins after the expiration of the statute of limitations for a crime, the case could get thrown out.

Sentencing Mitigation

Even if convicted, skilled federal lawyers can present mitigating evidence about your mental health, addiction, background, etc. to justify a lower sentence under federal guidelines.

An experienced federal criminal defense attorney will thoroughly examine the evidence, conduct investigations, and research any viable defenses to build the strongest case possible. Mounting an aggressive defense is essential to counteract the high conviction rates and harsh penalties of the federal system.

Takeaways

Being charged federally in New Orleans can be daunting, but an experienced local federal criminal lawyer can help even the odds. Be sure to take time finding the right attorney for your case – someone with extensive federal experience, negotiation skills, resources, and who will be a tireless advocate on your behalf. Thoroughly vet any lawyer and understand the credentials that set apart the best.