Federal Crimes

A federal criminal attorney is only as good as their experience defending their clients in federal court. Criminal law expertise is important, certainly. But simply quoting legal principles will not be enough if the attorney doesn’t have experience defending clients against federal criminal charges. Without experience within a federal court system at reducing or discharging federal charges, an attorney presenting himself or herself as a “federal criminal defense lawyer” will find that they are unable to deliver the same results that they were able to product in local jurisdictions. Just like anything else, practice makes perfect. But do you want to be someone’s practice case?

In order to develop the skills necessary to defend federal criminal charges for a client, a lawyer has to put in years of practice working on federal felony cases. Unlike many of our competitors, our team of attorneys has an outstanding track record working for our clients. Our federal criminal lawyers have been all over the United States and the globe to handle federal charges, such as computer crimes (hacking), cyber terrorism, identity theft, drug trafficking, and bribery. In fact, our firm is probably most famous for handling the UN “Oil for Food” bribery case. Having a federal crimes lawyer with experience such as ours gives you the luxury of being able to sleep at night because your criminal defense attorney has been there, done that, and got the CNN byline.

In order to truly bill yourself as a federal criminal attorney you simply have to put time in the U.S. courts.

Criminal Law: Federal vs. New York State

If accused of perpetrating a federal crime in New York, that you allegedly violated a federal law, and will be indicted in a federal court in New York State. Federal courts typically bring more severe punishments than New York State law violations. Therefore, it is vital that those accused by the Feds consult with an experienced lawyer in New York, well-informed on federal crimes and the penalties for these offenses. It is vital to hire an experienced attorney who has knowledge of New York laws, and possibly move the case to state court instead of federal court.

Federal Charges Process: Indictment, Arraignment, Courts

When charged with breaking a federal law, there are many different touch points in the legal process. As they can vary from step to step, there is no standby for the guidance of an experienced federal criminal attorney.

The beginning step in the process is the complaint, followed by the issuing of an arrest warrant followed by the actual arrest. The prosecutor will issue a complaint, which includes the reasons, or allegations, for a charge and likely cause for the government to arrest the alleged offender. Following the apprehension, the offender will then make an initial appearance before a judge. At this step, the judge will determine if there is enough evidence to indict the individual, to inform the alleged offender of his fundamental rights, and to set bond. At this step of the process, the individual charged will also want to retain an attorney.

A hearing to decide if the offender should be let out on bond is generally held within 72 hours of arrest.
Within 10 days of the arrest, a hearing in a federal Court will occur for the prosecutor to show evidence that the accused committed the crime.A federal defense lawyer can also put on evidence negating probable cause. The U.S. prosecuting attorney can choose to file an indictment instead of a complaint. In this situation, the prosecuting attorney initially presents the evidence to the grand jury. The grand jury in the end decides whether to indict a federal criminal case.

1. Next, the federal arraignment will take place, where:
2. The accused formally hears the charges
3. The defendant learns of his rights
4. The accused enters a plea of either guilty or not guilty
5. The trial date placed on the court docket

The case will then go to trial, unless a plea agreement is reached. The U.S. prosecutor must show that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The sentenced will be punished by the court if found guilty. Sentences can include jail time, probation, fines, or any combination.

The final stage is an appeal. The offender must file a Notice of Appeal within ten days after being sentenced. Be careful when making plea deals – they may necessitate the defendant to give up his right to appeal. An experienced federal defense attorney is needed to help make sure rights are protected during the plea bargain.

Who Investigates Federal Crimes

Different government agencies examine various crimes. A few of the agencies are the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The FBI is a central agency that has authority over a variety of federal crimes.

Some of the issues the FBI investigates are:

• Kidnapping;
• Cyber Crime;
• Murder;
• Rape;
• Mail Fraud;
• Credit Card Fraud
• Bank Fraud.

Crimes the DEA investigates are:

• Drug Trafficking;
• Drug Manufacturing;
• Possession of a Controlled Drug

ATF regulates tobacco and alcohol sales and possession among the different states.

A few wrongdoings falling under the ATF’s jurisdiction are:

• Violent Crimes
• Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
• Unlawful Import or Export of Weapons
• Trafficking in Firearms

When accused of breaking a federal statute or law, contact the Bukh Law Firm to talk about the crucial facts of your circumstance, and your defense options. Arkady Bukh is one of the best federal criminal lawyers in the nation, who will provide you with a free consultation about your alleged federal charges.

Many crimes can be handled under federal or state law. The first step must be to retain an experienced New York criminal attorney who has knowledge of New York laws and can work to have the charges moved to state court.

Federal Crimes

Those are but some of the more “serious” and well-known FEDERAL OFFENSES. Hate crimes, including name-calling where an individual felt threatened, are also designated as Fed crimes. Crimes committed while on an Indian reservation are Fed crimes. Even the theft of art from a museum is considered a Fed crime. In general, Federal crimes are those that affect or can have an effect on individuals or entities beyond the boundaries of the state itself—even philosophically as is the case with Civil Rights violations.

Expungement

Expungement is the process involving the sealing of arrest and court records. Every state has laws that permit individuals to expunge arrests and permit the individual whose record has been expunged to refrain from disclosing the offense and/or conviction to potential employers. In New York, an arrest record can be sealed if the case ended in the accused’s favor such as the charges being dismissed, dropped or vacated.

Noncriminal offenses, i.e., traffic violations, can be sealed. Drug conviction may be sealed once the individual has satisfactorily completed an approved treatment program.

Felony convictions can not be expunged in New York.

Why Do You Need the Top Federal Crimes Lawyer?

If you’ve been charged by U.S. District Attorney you will need as many resources and subject matter experts as possible at your disposal. The government has resources beyond what local or state officials can muster, and they will come after you to the full extent of the law.

But we can help.

Federal charges are no joke. The Feds have a long arm and deep wallets. When they come for you it’s with mountains of evidence and the very best of prosecutors. The federal crimes lawyers in our office understand this. We know that the US Justice Department doesn’t make a move until they believe that whatever federal charges they have will stick. Every federal criminal attorney knows that he has to be just as prepared, just as precise as the Feds and twice as confident. Federal defense attorneys must go in with as much confidence as the prosecutor on the other side of the aisle because in addition to evidence and court room expertise, they must also play a game of psychological chess. Knowing when to fight and when to cooperate is important. A federal criminal defense lawyer must be able to push the Feds to the point where they are uncertain of their own case before they will even begin to put forth a reasonable offer.

And that’s where the real work begins.

Let Top Ranked New York Criminal Defense Law Firm handle your case. Call us today 800-601-0207. We are available 24/7.