If you or any of your family members are facing federal criminal charges and stuck facing a lengthy prison sentence if convicted, you need help from an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer. You can get assistance from Southern California’s Premier Defense Firm – Kenney Legal Defense. Lets first have a look at what is Federal Criminal Law.
What is Federal Criminal Law?
Criminal prosecutions can happen at either a state level or federal level. Offenses that are prosecuted by the federal courts fall under federal criminal laws found in the United States Code. In order to be prosecuted in a federal court, the crimes committed must somehow involve or affect the federal government or some aspect of interstate commerce.
When someone violates a federal criminal law, they are subject to federal criminal procedures, which are governed by the Bill of Rights and certain provisions of the US Constitution. Crimes committed on federal property, like a post office, the international borders, national park or inside a federal building are heard in the federal criminal court jurisdiction.
Federal criminal law is much different and much more severe than state criminal law. Federal authorities such as the FBI, DEA, and ATF will be the enforcement agencies investigating crimes that fall under federal criminal law. Punishments and sentences at the federal level are much worse than at the state level. Federal criminal sentencing is governed by the United States Sentencing Guidelines and is a highly complex and serious aspect of the federal justice system.
Federal Criminal Law Lawyers
Being charged with a federal criminal offense can be life-changing if unrepresented by a professional criminal defense lawyer. The FBI or other federal authorities may find ways to trap you, and you could find yourself testifying in front of a grand jury and facing severe sentencing repercussions.
It is important to retain an experienced federal criminal law attorney that is familiar with the complexities of federal criminal law and procedures to represent you. If you are accused of a federal offense, a federal criminal attorney can help you through the legal proceedings in the federal court system. A federal criminal law lawyer may be your best chance at a strong defense.
Not every criminal lawyer can or does practice in federal criminal courts. It is important to ensure the criminal lawyer you hire has experience and can represent you in federal criminal court.