Allegations that a person has violated a portion of the Federal Criminal Code are always a matter for concern. Federal offenses are specific to the United States government and can arise out of the same conduct as those that result in state criminal charges.
People accused of federal criminal behavior need to take aggressive steps to protect themselves and their future. A conviction for a federal offense creates a permanent criminal record, and the penalties for these offenses are always harsh.
A Maryland federal criminal lawyer may be able to help. A skilled defense attorney could work to explain the federal criminal charge you have been accused of and the potential consequences. A qualified legal team could review your case and advise you on the best steps to take.
When most people imagine what it means to violate the law, these violations generally involve state-level criminal offenses. Most criminal prosecutions include allegations of theft, assault, drug possession, or DUI that violates a Maryland law.
Accusations of federal charges work on a similar premise. The United States Congress has enacted a federal criminal code that works in much the same way as Maryland’s. These laws state that it is illegal to commit certain acts and that the U.S. Government has the jurisdiction to bring charges that allege violations.
As a result, a United States District Court holds trials to determine the guilt of criminal defendants. The judges in these cases are federally appointed, and members of the United States’ Attorney’s Office serve as prosecutors. Defendants in these cases have the same right to cross-examine witnesses and to ask a jury to determine a verdict. A federal criminal attorney in Maryland could build a strong case on a defendant’s behalf.
Criminal charges can be separated into two categories. The first is charges that are unique to the federal criminal code. The second is charges that are present in both Maryland law and U.S. law.
Charges that appear only in federal law are those that affect the federal government. The government has a vested interest in protecting interstate commerce, lines of communication, and its own authority. As a result, actions that threaten that power can result in criminal accusations. For example, 18 United States Code §1341 states that it is illegal for any person to use any wire, telephone, or television communications to defraud or attempt to defraud another party. Similarly, 18 U.S.C. §1002 makes it a crime to possess any false or altered document for the purpose of defrauding the United States.
Other activities are illegal under both state and federal laws. Prominent examples include drug possession, kidnapping, child pornography allegations, and DUI. It is important to remember that individuals may face charges in both state and federal courts that arise out of a single incident. Convictions in both venues could result in concurrent sentences. A Maryland federal criminal attorney could help people who are facing any type of federal criminal charge defeat these allegations in court.
If you are facing federal charges, you need to act quickly to protect yourself. The FBI and United States Attorney’s Office have the resources to gather evidence and present strong cases to juries. Furthermore, a conviction for even a relatively minor crime can come with harsh penalties and a criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life.
A Maryland federal criminal lawyer could explain and protect your rights. An experienced attorney could evaluate the strength of the prosecutor’s case to determine where it may be possible to raise reasonable doubt. Call today to begin protecting your future.
