Morris County Federal Crime Lawyer

Types of Federal Crimes

Federal crimes encompass a wide range of offenses, many of which carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. Some of the most common types of federal charges include:

• White-Collar Crimes: Offenses such as fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, identity theft, and money laundering often involve complex financial transactions and are aggressively prosecuted by federal authorities.
• Drug Crimes: Federal drug charges can stem from trafficking, distribution, manufacturing, or conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Cases involving large quantities, interstate activity, or connections to organized crime often trigger federal jurisdiction.
• Firearms & Weapons Offenses: Possession of illegal firearms, gun trafficking, felon in possession of a firearm, and violations of federal gun laws can lead to serious federal charges.
• Conspiracy Charges: Even if a crime was never carried out, individuals can face federal charges if prosecutors allege they conspired with others to commit an offense.
• Cyber Crimes: Computer fraud, hacking, identity theft, and child pornography-related offenses are aggressively pursued under federal law.
• RICO & Organized Crime: Charges under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act are often applied to cases involving alleged organized crime, including extortion, racketeering, and bribery.
• Federal Sex Crimes: Offenses such as human trafficking, child exploitation, and online solicitation of minors are prosecuted under strict federal laws with mandatory sentencing guidelines.
• Immigration Offenses: Crimes such as smuggling, visa fraud, and unlawful re-entry into the U.S. can result in federal prosecution and severe penalties.

Regardless of the type of federal charges you are facing, retaining the services of a skilled criminal defense lawyer is critical to protecting your rights.

How Are Federal Charges Prosecuted?

Federal prosecutions differ significantly from state cases in terms of procedure, investigative power, and sentencing. Typically, a federal case follows these key steps:

• Investigation & Arrest: Federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, or ATF conduct thorough investigations, often lasting months or years, before making an arrest. These investigations may involve wiretaps, surveillance, informants, and subpoenas.
  Grand Jury Indictment: In many cases, the prosecution presents evidence to a grand jury, which decides whether to formally indict the accused. Unlike state cases, federal prosecutors are not required to disclose all evidence to the defense at this stage.
• Arraignment & Detention Hearing: After indictment, the defendant appears before a federal judge for arraignment, where charges are formally read, and a plea is entered. A detention hearing may also be held to determine whether the defendant will be released on bail or held in custody.
• Pretrial Proceedings: Federal cases involve extensive pretrial motions, discovery, and plea negotiations. Prosecutors often use the threat of mandatory minimum sentences to pressure defendants into plea agreements.
• Trial & Sentencing: If a case proceeds to trial, it is heard in federal court before a judge or jury. Convictions often result in severe penalties, as federal sentencing guidelines impose harsh mandatory minimums.

Federal prosecutors have vast resources at their disposal, making it crucial to have an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands how to counter the government’s case effectively. Fortunately, if you’re reading this, you’re in the right place.

Contact a Federal Crime Defense Lawyer Today

With so much on the line, you can’t afford to proceed without a skilled criminal defense lawyer in your corner. Here at Macri Law Firm, we zealously defend clients who’ve been charged with all types of federal crimes, and we’re here to build a comprehensive legal strategy on your behalf. Contact a federal crime defense lawyer from Macri Law Firm today.