Last Updated on: 19th October 2023, 12:50 pm

Phoenix Federal Criminal Lawyers

If you’ve been charged with a federal crime in Phoenix, you need an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer on your side. Federal crimes often carry severe penalties, so having skilled legal representation is crucial.

In this article, we’ll provide an overview of federal crimes, the federal court process, and how a knowledgeable Phoenix federal criminal attorney can defend your rights. We’ll also discuss common federal charges in Phoenix like drug crimes, white collar offenses, and immigration violations.

Overview of Federal Crimes

Federal crimes are offenses that violate U.S. federal laws, not state laws. Some examples include:

• Drug crimes like drug trafficking or distribution
• White collar crimes like fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion
• Firearms offenses
• Immigration violations
• Cybercrimes like hacking
• Terrorism

The FBI and other federal agencies like the DEA or ATF usually investigate federal crimes. If your charged, your case will go through the federal court system, not state courts.

The Federal Court Process

If your charged with a federal offense, here’s a basic overview of what to expect:

1. Initial appearance – This is when you’re formally charged and informed of the allegations against you. You’ll also have a detention hearing where bail is discussed.
2. Preliminary and detention hearings – The prosecution must show probable cause you committed the crime to proceed to trial. Your bail/release conditions are also reviewed.
3. Grand jury – This body decides if there’s enough evidence for you to be indicted (formally charged). If they return an indictment you’ll be arraigned and asked to enter a plea.
4. Plea bargaining – Many federal cases end with plea deals negotiated by the defense and prosecution. You plead guilty in exchange for a lighter sentence.
5. Motions – Your lawyer will file motions to suppress evidence or statements, often before trial. This can get incriminating evidence thrown out.
6. Trial – If no plea deal, your case will go to trial before a judge or jury. The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
7. Sentencing – If convicted, the judge determines your penalty based on federal sentencing guidelines. Your lawyer argues for leniency.
8. Appeal – You can appeal your conviction or sentence if errors are made in the trial or sentencing process.

Having an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer is key to navigating this complex process and building the strongest defense.

Finding the Right Phoenix Federal Criminal Lawyer

When facing federal charges, it’s critical to have a skilled Phoenix federal criminal defense attorney on your side. Here are important tips for finding the right lawyer:

• Look for experience handling federal cases specifically – Federal law is complex so you want a lawyer well-versed in it.
• Consider board certification – Lawyers can become board certified in federal criminal law, showing advanced expertise.
• Find someone familiar with federal courts – Each district court has unique rules so local experience helps.
• Examine credentials like education, bar admissions – Top lawyers often have backgrounds like federal clerkships.
• Ask about plea bargaining skills – Most federal cases end in pleas so negotiation experience is invaluable.
• Consider resources the firm offers – Big firms have teams of lawyers, investigators, and forensics specialists.
• Gauge trial experience – If your case may go to trial, find a litigation-focused lawyer.
• Check reviews and ask for referrals – This helps assess the lawyer’s reputation and past results.
• Meet for a consultation – Schedule a meeting to discuss your case details and evaluate compatibility.

Taking the time to carefully choose your federal criminal defense lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

Common Federal Charges in Phoenix

Some federal crimes we see frequently in Phoenix include:

Drug Crimes

Phoenix is close to the Mexican border so drug trafficking is common. Charges often include:

• Drug trafficking – Importing or distributing illegal drugs. Penalties based on drug amounts.
• Drug possession – Having illegal drugs on your person or property.
• Drug conspiracy – Making plans with others to commit a drug crime.
• Drug manufacturing – Making drugs like methamphetamine or growing marijuana.

Even peripheral involvement like driving someone else’s drugs across the border can lead to federal charges. An experienced drug crimes lawyer can help.

White Collar Crimes

White collar federal offenses prosecuted in Phoenix include:

• Fraud – Deceiving others for financial gain, like identity theft, benefits fraud, or Ponzi schemes.
• Embezzlement – Stealing from an employer.
• Bribery – Offering payments to a public official for favors.
• Tax evasion – Illegally avoiding paying taxes.
• Money laundering – Hiding criminal profits to appear legal.

An experienced federal fraud defense lawyer can analyze complex financial records and highlight reasonable doubts in your case.

Immigration Offenses

Common federal immigration charges we see in Phoenix include:

• Illegal entry/re-entry – Entering or returning to the U.S. without authorization after deportation.
• Alien smuggling – Bringing undocumented immigrants into the country.
• Visa fraud – Lying on visa applications.
• Passport fraud – Using a fraudulent U.S. passport.
• Aiding undocumented immigrants – Assisting them in illegally entering or remaining in the U.S.

An experienced immigration lawyer can help defend against unlawful search and seizure, Miranda rights violations, and other issues that may arise in these cases.