Los Angeles Federal Crimes
Federal Crimes in Los Angeles: What You Need to Know
If you have been charged with a federal crime in Los Angeles, it is important to understand that federal crimes are prosecuted differently than state crimes. Unlike state crimes that apply only to California, federal crimes are violations of the U.S. criminal code and are the same in every state. This means that you need to hire an experienced attorney who is well-versed in defending people accused of federal crimes.
The Serious Consequences of Being Charged with a Federal Crime
If you are charged with a federal crime in Los Angeles, the penalties you face are much more serious than if you were being accused of a state crime. The maximum sentences for federal crimes are higher, meaning you have a lot more at stake if you are convicted of a federal crime. Federal prosecutors do not have as much discretion as state prosecutors to negotiate plea bargains due to mandatory sentencing laws, and federal judges do not have as much discretion to issue lighter sentences.
The severity of the consequences of being charged with a federal crime is why you need to hire the federal lawyer possible to defend you. Your defense team will start working with you early in the investigation to determine whether or not it is in your interest to cooperate with the government or entering into plea bargain negotiations with the prosecution. Every case is unique, so it is crucial to get your case evaluated by a qualified defense attorney before engaging with investigators or government officials in any way.
The Different Types of Federal Crimes
The federal justice system deals with numerous crimes that range from mail fraud to drug trafficking. Certain state crimes can be prosecuted in federal courts if they qualify. If you commit a state crime while also committing a federal crime, you can be charged in federal court for both of these crimes. A notable example is bank robbery, which is a federal crime. Murder, on the other hand, is traditionally a state crime. If you kill someone while robbing a bank, you will probably be prosecuted in federal court for both crimes.
The Crackdown on Crime by the Federal Government
Since 9/11, the federal government has been cracking down on crime much more severely. The federal court system has also been provided with more resources to try to prove people guilty to boost conviction rates. The government aims to appear tough on crime and not let guilty people walk free. Unfortunately, this results in the wrongful imprisonment of innocent people or the conviction of criminals with sentences that do not correspond to the seriousness of their crimes.
The federal government takes advantage of the fact that many people do not have the legal experience to know their rights. The government may also lie or employ aggressive tactics to extract information from individuals. Since many people cannot afford to hire a great lawyer and may have to depend on inexperienced public defenders, the worst mistake anyone accused of a federal crime can make is not to hire an experienced lawyer right from the beginning.
How Los Angeles Federal Crimes Lawyers Can Help
With an experienced federal crimes lawyer in Los Angeles, you can get the charges against you dropped, negotiate with the government for reduced charges, or get the sentence possible for your case.
Table of Federal Crimes
Crime | Description |
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Bank Fraud | Using deception to obtain funds from a financial institution |
Drug trafficking | The illegal production, distribution, sale or transportation of controlled substances |
Identity Theft | The use of a person’s personal information without their permission |
| | Money laundering | The process of hiding the proceeds of illegal activities |
Racketeering (RICO) | The use of an organization to engage in illegal activity |
Sex trafficking | The illegal trade of human beings for sexual exploitation or prostitution |
Terrorism | Acting aggressively or creating widespread fear among innocent people to achieve political, ideological or religious goals |
|
The table above shows a list of federal crimes that federal crimes lawyers in Los Angeles are experienced in defending.
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