A federal crime is an act deemed illegal or criminal by federal law that is litigated in federal court. The majority of federal crimes are outlined and defined under Title 18 of the United States Code. Many federal crimes are very serious in nature and can affect livelihoods, rights, and freedoms.
In many respects, the federal criminal process is far more intricate and complicated than the state criminal process. Because of how severely law enforcement views many federal criminal charges, you will likely face inquiries and accusations from prosecuting attorneys and even the FBI, DEA, or Homeland Security. If you are facing federal charges, it may be imperative for you to seek advice and legal insight from a qualified and experienced South Carolina federal criminal lawyer. An adept criminal defense attorney could work diligently to pursue the best possible outcome for you.
What Federal Crimes Could an Attorney Help Fight?
The list of crimes that fall under federal jurisdiction is vast. If someone is subject to any of the following criminal charges, they are likely to face federal criminal prosecution:
- Drug trafficking
- Perjury
- Hate crimes
- Embezzlement
- Fraud (computer, credit card, mail, tax, health/insurance, etc.)
- International money laundering
- Organized crime
- Bribery
- Counterfeiting
- Securities or consumer fraud
- Felon in possession of a weapon
- Child Pornography
Since federal crimes is a blanket term for many different crimes with many unique characteristics, it is often important to enlist a federal criminal attorney in South Carolina who could help prepare and execute a defense strategy for anyone charged with any of the above federal crimes.
Investigation and Charging of Federal Offenses
Federal crimes often involve an investigation before arrest and/or prosecution, so a South Carolina federal criminal attorney may be very instrumental from an early stage, even before their prospective client is charged with committing a crime. A qualified and knowledgeable lawyer could provide counsel on the best strategy to employ while an investigation occurs, including advice on strategies to avoid implicating oneself.
If federal authorities arrest someone after issuing a warrant, that party must appear before the judge within 72 hours of their arrest. Before appearing, however, the law allows this party to consult with a lawyer to coordinate the early stages of a defense strategy.
A South Carolina federal criminal lawyer can also be very important in pre-trial, trial, and post-trial stages, including sentencing after conviction. At each stage, having a dedicated and determined legal advocate could be crucial to any efforts to avoid or lessen some of the typical consequences for federal crimes, including federal prison times, steep fines, and long-term probation time. Furthermore, in the event of a guilty verdict, a skilled attorney may be able to get a person’s sentence reduced based on factors such as a lack of prior record.
CONSEQUENCES OF FEDERAL CRIME CONVICTIONS
A federal crime conviction can have severe and long-lasting consequences. Legal penalties for federal crimes can include significant prison time, hefty fines, probation, and mandatory restitution to victims, depending on the nature and severity of the offense. Convictions for certain crimes, such as drug trafficking or violent offenses, can result in particularly harsh sentences due to mandatory minimum sentencing laws.
Beyond the immediate legal penalties, federal convictions also carry substantial collateral consequences. These can affect various aspects of a person’s life, including the loss of voting rights, ineligibility for certain professional licenses, and restrictions on firearm ownership. Employment opportunities can be severely limited, because many employers conduct background checks and may be reluctant to hire individuals with criminal records. Federal convictions can also lead to difficulties in securing housing and obtaining loans or financial aid for education.
For non-citizens, a federal conviction can significantly impact their ability to remain in the country and even result in deportation or removal. Furthermore, individuals convicted of federal crimes may face social stigma and challenges in their personal relationship, adding to the long-term burden of a conviction.
Given these far-reaching consequences, it is crucial to seek the guidance of an experienced federal criminal lawyer in South Carolina when you are facing federal charges. An attorney can provide essential legal advice, help navigate the complex federal legal system, and work to mitigate the impact of a conviction on your life.
Speaking with a South Carolina Federal Criminal Attorney
If you or a close acquaintance are facing federal criminal charges, an experienced and determined South Carolina federal criminal lawyer could be the best route towards an acceptable or even desirable resolution. Call today to schedule an initial consultation to start exploring your options.
