Garden City Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys

Representing Clients in Garden City, NY

When you think of a crime, you probably think of a state crime. State crimes are those that are committed against the state and are prosecuted by the state. They are the most common types of crimes and include things like theft, assault, and murder. However, there is another type of crime that is less common but can be much more serious: federal crimes.

Federal crimes are those that are committed against the federal government and are prosecuted by the federal government. They are often more serious than state crimes and can carry much more severe penalties. If you have been charged with a federal crime, you need to take the situation very seriously and contact an experienced Garden City federal crimes lawyer as soon as possible.

At Barket Epstein Kearon Aldea & LoTurco, LLP, we have been representing clients in federal cases for decades. We have a deep understanding of the federal criminal justice system and know how to build a strong defense on your behalf. We will fight to protect your rights and your future.

If you have been charged with a federal crime, call our Garden City federal criminal lawyers at (888) 779-0267 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

What is a Federal Crime?

A federal crime is an offense that violates United States federal laws, as opposed to state or local laws. These crimes are prosecuted in federal courts and typically involve violations of federal statutes, laws that govern matters such as interstate commerce, national security, taxation, immigration, and other areas where federal jurisdiction applies.

Common types of federal crimes include:

1. Fraud: This encompasses various forms such as bank fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud, healthcare fraud, and securities fraud.
2. Drug Trafficking: Crimes related to the illegal manufacturing, distribution, or trafficking of controlled substances.
3. White-Collar Crimes: Including insider trading, embezzlement, money laundering, and tax evasion.
4. Cybercrimes: Offenses involving hacking, identity theft, online fraud, or other illegal activities conducted through the internet or computers.
5. Federal Tax Evasion: Willful attempts to evade paying taxes owed to the federal government.
6. Immigration Violations: Such as illegal entry, overstaying visas, or smuggling individuals across borders.
7. Counterfeiting: Creating or distributing fake currency, documents, or goods.
8. Firearms Offenses: Including illegal possession, trafficking, or sale of firearms across state lines.
9. Terrorism: Crimes related to planning, aiding, or engaging in terrorist activities.
10. Civil Rights Violations: Infringements on an individual's civil rights, including hate crimes or discrimination based on race, gender, or religion.

These offenses are investigated by federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, ATF, IRS, and others, and prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office in federal courts. Federal crimes often carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines.

What are the Penalties for Federal Crimes?

Federal crimes carry significant penalties due to their violation of national laws. Penalties for federal crimes can vary widely based on the nature and severity of the offense.

Some of the potential penalties include:

• Imprisonment: Not only must you serve time in federal prison, rather than state prison, but federal crimes often lead to substantial prison sentences. For serious offenses, the sentences can range from a minimum of 5 or 10 years to life in prison without parole.
• Fines: Individuals convicted of federal crimes may face substantial fines. The fines can range from thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the offense.
• Restitution: Courts may order the convicted individual to compensate victims for financial losses incurred as a result of the crime.
• Probation: In some cases, instead of or in addition to prison time, a convicted individual may be placed on probation, requiring compliance with certain conditions under the supervision of a probation officer.
• Forfeiture of Property: In cases involving financial crimes or drug trafficking, the government may seize assets or property obtained through illegal activities.
• Mandatory Minimum Sentences: Certain federal crimes have mandatory minimum sentences, requiring a convicted individual to serve a specified minimum term of imprisonment.
• Enhancements: Factors such as prior convictions, the use of firearms, or the involvement of minors in the crime can lead to enhanced penalties.
• Death Penalty: In extremely severe cases, such as certain types of terrorism or murder, federal law allows for the imposition of the death penalty.

Federal sentencing guidelines help judges determine appropriate sentences based on factors like the nature of the offense, the defendant's criminal history, and other circumstances. These guidelines provide a framework for judges to consider when sentencing individuals convicted of federal crimes.

How Can a Garden City Federal Crimes Lawyer Help Me?

If you have been charged with a federal crime, you need to contact a Garden City federal criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. The federal criminal justice system is very different from the state criminal justice system, and you need an attorney who has experience representing clients in federal cases.

When you hire our firm, we will:

• Conduct a thorough investigation into the charges against you
• Review all of the evidence in your case, including any evidence that the prosecution has failed to disclose
• Identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case against you
• File any necessary pretrial motions on your behalf
• Represent you at all pretrial hearings and proceedings
• Negotiate with the prosecution to try to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed
• Represent you at trial, if necessary
• Advocate for you at your sentencing hearing
• Help you explore your options for an appeal, if you are convicted

Our Garden City federal criminal attorneys will be there for you at every stage of the process and will fight to protect your rights and your future. We will do everything we can to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed and will fight to get you the best possible outcome in your case.

Contact us today at (888) 779-0267 to let us protect your rights, reputation, and future.