What to Do If You Are Charged with a Federal Crime

 Posted on June 25, 2021 in Federal Crimes

A federal crime is any offense that violates United States federal laws. These crimes are prosecuted by government agencies and can come with harsher punishments than state crimes. If you were recently charged with a federal offense, the steps you take afterward can have a large impact on the outcome of your case, including your chances of avoiding conviction or reducing your sentence.

Steps to Take If You Are Facing a Federal Criminal Charge

Facing a federal criminal charge can definitely be a frightening ordeal. However, it is important to maintain your composure and take the necessary steps to protect your rights and build a strong defense.

• Understand whether you could face both federal and state charges. If you violated both federal and state laws, you may be up against both federal and state charges. This means that even if you get convicted or acquitted of a state crime, the government can still charge you with a federal crime. Knowing the stakes can help you choose the most appropriate response.

• Hire the right criminal defense lawyer. When you are facing federal charges, it is not enough to hire just any criminal attorney. It is essential to hire one who has experience and success in defending against federal criminal charges. An experienced lawyer will take quick action and make sure that your legal rights are protected.

• Gather evidence for your defense. If you have been officially charged with a federal crime, you can bet that the government has a good amount of evidence they can use against you. That is why you should obtain as much information as possible to prove your innocence, including witness statements and phone and financial records.

• Ask questions. If you are up against federal charges, you likely have dozens of questions on your mind. You may want to know what the federal court process is like and what kinds of penalties you are up against. Do not be afraid to ask your attorney these questions during your meetings. The more information you know about your federal case, the better prepared you will be for what comes next.

Contact a Chicago, IL Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with a federal offense, you should discuss your case with an Illinois federal criminal defense attorney. At the Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel, we understand how confusing and scary the federal court process can be, and we will be there for you every step of the way. Our compassionate attorney has extensive experience handling federal charges. We encourage you to call us at 312-629-0669 to schedule a free consultation.

Source:

https://uscode.house.gov/browse/prelim@title18&edition=prelim