Federal sentences tend to be longer than state sentences for crimes. Supervision of people after serving their sentence is not feasible because there is no probation penalty for federal crimes.
Federal crime laws, like state crime laws, are codified and found in the U.S. Code at Title 18 of the U.S. Code or in the relevant portion of another statute. For example, failure to file a tax return is a crime and the law is contained in the Internal Revenue Service Code. Additionally, any crime committed on federal property or on Indian Reservations are considered a federal crime.
If you were charged with a federal crime, you should seek the services of a Birmingham federal criminal lawyer to represent you in criminal proceedings. A qualified criminal defense attorney can work towards a positive resolution in your case.
Investigative AgenciesThe law enforcement agency responsible for investigating federal crimes is the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). Some other types of offenses, like drug trafficking, are investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) or firearm violations by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
There are instances where local law enforcement works with federal law enforcement agencies to investigate and arrest suspects, like human trafficking crimes. Generally, the arrest is prosecuted by lawyers for the arresting agency.
Other federal investigative agencies include the Secret Service, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), among others.
ProsecutionFederal crimes are prosecuted in the U.S. District Courts by government attorneys from the U.S. Attorneys’ Office. The investigative agencies gather evidence and conduct investigations. They submit their findings to the U.S. Attorney who then makes the decision to prosecute or decline prosecution.
Federal CrimesThere are over 200 federal crimes, ranging in subjects from counterterrorism to bank robberies. Below is a list of federal crime subjects. They include:
Federal penalties are assessed depending on the classification of the federal crime. Federal crimes are classified as felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions.
Felonies carry a prison sentence for over one year, and misdemeanors carry a prison sentence for less than a year. Almost all crimes are punishable by a fine, imprisonment or combination of the two. Therefore, it is essential for defendants to reach out to a dedicated Birmingham federal criminal lawyer right away.
How a Birmingham Federal Criminal Attorney Can HelpCriminal defense of a federal crime involves extensive investigation and preparation for trial by a Birmingham federal criminal attorney. At every stage of the case, from arrest to arraignment, bail hearing to discovery, motion practice to trial, a Birmingham federal criminal lawyer is present. Prior to trial, however, plea negotiations occur, reducing charges or minimizing jail sentences, where possible.