When a United States Attorney initiates a prosecution, the outcome can be life-altering for the accused. Federal law carries steep penalties for most offenses, and a conviction can lead to repercussions that follow you for the rest of your life.
If you are facing federal charges, now is the right time to seek legal counsel. A dedicated defense lawyer can provide you with a strategy capable of obtaining a favorable verdict at trial. Let an Arkansas federal criminal lawyer protect your constitutional rights.
Common Federal Charges
Federal law covers a wide range of criminal behavior. In some cases, these charges will largely mirror the laws of Arkansas. There is a common misconception that these cases are always white-collar crimes. These non-violent offenses are common at this level, but the government prosecutes numerous other charges as well. An Arkansas federal criminal defense attorney can handle any of the following allegations:
Fraud
One of the most common offenses charged in federal court involves fraud. There are many different types of fraudulent activity, each with its own set of penalties. Wire fraud involves illegal activity over the internet or through some kind of telecommunications. Other examples include fraud involving banking transactions, mortgages, or Medicare.
Drug Trafficking
Numerous charges involving controlled substances are dealt with on the state level. While this is the case with simple possession, federal authorities get involved when narcotics cross state lines. This is known as trafficking, and it involves transporting drugs to different states or countries.
Perjury
While the offense exists in Arkansas law as well, U.S. Attorneys routinely pursue perjury convictions. Many people understand that this charge involves allegations of lying in court while under oath, but not everyone is aware that it applies to other situations as well. A person could be found guilty by making a statement under oath that they willfully know to be untrue. In addition to testifying in court, someone could commit this offense by lying on an official document. It is also a crime to suborn perjury, which means to encourage others to lie.
Counterfeiting
The use of counterfeit money is also frequently charged at the federal level. The Department of Justice is especially likely to seek charges against someone who has manufactured counterfeit currency.
Who Investigates Federal Crimes?
Any time a criminal prosecution is initiated on the federal level, the United States Attorney and the U.S. Department of Justice are in charge. These parties will ultimately pursue the case to trial, but there are numerous other entities that could be involved in the investigation as well.
The specific nature of the allegations can play a role in determining which entity is in charge. For example, accusations of illegal weapons sales are often pursued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The United States Secret Service will generally look into allegations of counterfeit currency. Other agencies that are commonly involved include the FBI, the DEA, or the IRS.
Anyone under federal investigation is best served by seeking legal counsel immediately. Regardless of the agency looking into a case, a federal criminal defense lawyer in Arkansas can help fight back.
Talk to a Federal Criminal Defense Attorney in Arkansas Today
If you are facing prosecution, there is no time to waste when it comes to securing legal counsel. The right defense attorney could make all the difference in beating the allegations against you. Contact an Arkansas federal criminal lawyer with Price Benowitz, LLP, as soon as possible for a complimentary case evaluation.
