Common Federal Criminal Offenses

 Posted on December 08, 2023 in Federal Crimes

Being charged with a crime has serious repercussions, but even more so if you are charged with a federal crime. The penalties for committing a federal crime will be subject to federal sentencing guidelines and are usually more severe than a state criminal offense.

There are a variety of circumstances by which a person may face federal criminal charges, some of which include if the individual is in violation of federal law if the offense happened on federal property or against a federal employee, or the offense is particularly severe, like acts of terrorism

If you face federal charges, you need a Chicago federal criminal lawyer to defend these charges brought against you

Money Laundering

A white-collar crime includes any non-violent offense that has a financial motive. Money laundering is a type of white-collar crime. It is the act of making “dirty” money look like it came from a legitimate source.

 In an effort to get away with the crime, the offender must conceal the money’s true source. Commonly, the offender will transfer money between offshore bank accounts to cover up the scheme.

 Punishment for money laundering may include up to 20 years in federal prison, a potential fine of up to $500,000 or two times the laundered funds

 Immigration Fraud

A person who knowingly misrepresents information on an application to gain entry into the United States will likely be charged with immigration fraud. This is commonly done when an immigrant wants to gain entry into the United States but does not meet the requirements to become a U.S. citizen.

There are certain elements that the government must prove to convict you of immigration fraud. Most importantly, you must have known the facts you presented were false, you willfully must have made the false representation, the representation must have been significant in allowing entry into the country, and the representation must have been made to a U.S. government official.

If you are convicted of immigration fraud, you may be facing up to five years in jail, a potential fine of $250,000, or a combination of both. In some cases, you may even be deported.

Child Pornography

Child pornography is the act of depicting children in an erotic manner for sexual exploitation. The pornography may be featured in photographs, videos, or films

There are certain circumstances in which you will be federally charged for child pornography. An example would be if you used interstate commerce in exporting child pornographic images and videos.

Under Title 18 of the United States Code § 2252, a child pornography conviction will carry a prison sentence of five to 30 years, along with a fine

Just because you have been charged with a federal crime does not necessarily mean that you committed it. If you are facing federal charges, you need the legal guidance of a Chicago federal criminal lawyer

Charged with a Federal Crime? Contact a Chicago, IL, Federal Criminal Lawyer to Defend You

If you are facing allegations of committing a federal criminal offense, you need to seek legal counsel immediately. A Chicago, IL, federal criminal lawyer may be able to get your charges reduced or even negotiate a plea bargain to obtain a reduced sentence. If you are facing federal criminal charges, contact Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney today online or by calling 312-629-0669to schedule your free consultation