Mobile, Alabama, Federal Crimes Defense Attorney
When a federal agent knocks on your door, a case has likely been building against you for months. It is vital that you contact an experienced federal criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to help protect your rights.
Federal crimes are extremely serious and carry heavy sentences that can impact the rest of your life. From our office in Mobile, our experienced attorney at The Law Office of Brian J. Lockwood, LLC can help you through the overwhelming process, from investigations to defending your freedom in court. He will build a strong case to protect your rights and advocate for your best interests.
Defense Against Federal Criminal Charges
A federal crime is a violation of United States federal law that is prosecuted in either federal or state court. A federal criminal conviction can result in serious penalties, including a lengthy federal prison sentence. A wide variety of crimes fall under federal jurisdiction, including any criminal activity that occurs in multiple states or on federal property.
Our attorney can defend you against numerous federal criminal charges, including:
- Drug cases
- Postal crimes
- Fraudulent PPP loans
- Bank burglary or robbery
- Gun possession
Federal drug crimes include actions declared unlawful by Congress, criminal activity that occurs in multiple states or on federal property. This may consist of trafficking, possession, manufacturing, distribution and conspiracy. Federal criminal cases often carry harsher penalties, and defense requires specific legal experience. At The Law Office of Brian J. Lockwood, our attorney has over 25 years of experience protecting clients in complex federal criminal cases. Our team has the knowledge, experience and resources to successfully defend your rights and freedom.
What Are The Differences Between Federal And State Criminal Charges?
A crime classified as a federal crime largely depends on whether federal law was violated. For example, assault typically falls under state law, but if you assault someone on federal property in a national park, it will be a federal crime. Federal crimes also include crimes that involve citizens of multiple states or cross state lines.
Another difference between federal and state charges comes down to where the court proceedings will take place or who has jurisdiction. There are three levels to the court system for a federal crime: the district court, the court of appeals or the Supreme Court. State crimes are tried in the city or county where the crime occurred.
Federal agencies such as the FBI and U.S. attorneys investigate federal crimes. In contrast, the local and state police investigate state criminal charges. The charges and manner of punishment are also different. For example, those convicted will serve time will in federal prison, and the fines may be significantly more.
What Is PPP Loan Fraud And Why Is It A Federal Crime?
In March 2020, congress passed the $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) to provide emergency financial assistance in response to the pandemic. Since then, the federal government has opened investigations into many businesses for federal PPP loan fraud.
PPP loan fraud is when businesses make false statements on their loan application or misuse funds. Because it is a federal loan, fraud investigations and charges fall to federal prosecutors and criminal investigators. Potential penalties include the loss of your professional or business license, hefty fines, disqualification from other federal programs or assistance and a federal prison sentence.
When Is A Drug Crime A Federal Crime?
Drug crimes committed on federal land, such as in a national park, or when the crime occurs in multiple states, such as trafficking, are charged as federal crimes.
Federal drug crimes are typically more serious drug offenses, such as trafficking, distribution, manufacturing or intent to sell. The state typically handles the vast majority of drug crimes, such as possession, even though it is a federal crime. However, if the amount possessed exceeds a certain quantity, you may face federal and state charges.
The federal government’s drug scheduling system determines charges and punishments. It ranges from schedule 1, including marijuana and heroin, to drugs that are low risk, such as Xanax and Robitussin. The most severe, schedule 1 charges may leave you facing life imprisonment and fines in excess of $10,000,000.
When Does A Weapons Crime Become A Federal Crime?
Weapons and firearm regulations exist at the state and federal levels. Weapons charges on the federal level are some of the most serious charges you can face that come with severe consequences. Federal weapons charges include:
- Unlawful possession
- Firearms trafficking
- Violent crimes
- Fraud
- Untaxed/unlicensed suppressors and fully automatic weapons, including modified semi-automatic weapons.
If a weapon is present while committing a federal criminal offense, such as robbing a bank or committing a felony while possessing an unlawful weapon, it will be automatically considered a violent federal crime. Penalties for federal weapons crimes will bar you from owning a firearm in the future and may include a long prison sentence.
Don’t Wait To Contact An Experienced Defense Attorney
If you are being investigated for a federal crime, don’t wait to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The sooner our firm gets involved, the more we will be able to protect your rights and freedom. Call us today at 251-298-8554 or complete an online contact form to schedule a consultation