If you are facing federal charges, what steps should you take to reduce your chances of facing such a nightmare scenario? Contact our experienced Cincinnati federal crimes lawyers from Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers at (513) 333-0014.
Being arrested and charged with a federal crime by the FBI, DEA, or ATF is not something that should be taken lightly. If you are convicted, you could be sent to a federal prison in a state that is hundreds, or even thousands, of miles away from your family and friends.
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How Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help You Fight Back Against Your Federal Charges in Cincinnati, OH.
The Cincinnati criminal lawyers at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, are dedicated to providing our clients with the vigorous defense they deserve. When you hire us to defend you against your federal criminal charges, we will:
Protect Your Constitutional Rights
As a resident or citizen of the United States, you are afforded certain protections by the U.S. Constitution. When investigating and prosecuting you, the federal government and its representatives must respect those rights. Unfortunately, in an effort to improve their chances of landing a conviction, they sometimes fail to do so.
Having worked in the legal field for many years, our lawyers are experts at spotting constitutional rights violations. Should we notice a prosecutor or federal agent attempt to cross the line during your case, we will intervene immediately. If necessary, we will also raise the matter with the presiding judge.
Negotiate with the Prosecuting Attorney
Depending on the specific nature of your federal crime, the prosecutor in charge of your case may not want to take it to trial. Instead, they might prefer to settle the matter using a plea bargain agreement. Should you wish to explore the possibility of accepting such a deal, it is generally advisable to spend some time negotiating its terms first.
The attorneys here at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, have over 100 years of combined experience negotiating with federal prosecutors. During that time, we have learned many of the best tactics to use to convince them to offer more lenient sentences. When you hire us, we will use all of our experience to try to land you a favorable plea bargain deal.
Represent You in Federal Court
If the opposing federal prosecutor is not interested in offering a plea bargain agreement, your case will almost certainly end up in court. There, a federal judge will hear the prosecution’s case against you as well as your defense. If you would like the trial to run smoothly, you would be wise to have an experienced attorney by your side throughout.
Our lawyers have been representing clients in federal courts for years. We understand how the process works and how to argue a case in a way that is likely to resonate with the judge. With our team on your side, you can be confident that you will receive a fair and unbiased hearing in court.
Are you ready to begin fighting back against your federal charges? Then please do not hesitate to reach out to the team here at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, in Cincinnati. Our experienced attorneys are ready and waiting to help you with your case.
Understanding the Difference Between State and Federal Crimes
The vast majority of arrests made in the city of Cincinnati are related to violations of the Ohio Revised Code. Even serious offenses, such as murder and rape, are typically classified as state crimes.
Violations of Ohio state law are usually investigated by local law enforcement officers. Once an arrest has been made, these offenses are then prosecuted by a state district attorney in a county municipal court.
Federal crimes work a little differently. They are generally investigated by the FBI, DEA, or another federal law enforcement agency. When a suspect has been taken into custody, they are then tried in a U.S. district court by a federal prosecutor.
So, what makes an offense a federal crime, rather than a state crime? Well, first and foremost, it must be a violation of the Code of Laws of the United States. However, when determining whether or not an individual will be charged with a state or federal crime, the following factors are also considered:
- Were state lines crossed? Most offenses that take place in more than one state are classified as federal crimes.
- Was the offense related to a large criminal operation? Offenses that involve an organized crime syndicate are almost always prosecuted by the federal government.
- Was a federal agency involved in the investigation? If the FBI, ATF, or DEA investigates a crime, they usually prefer to try it in the federal courts.
The criminal defense attorneys here at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, in Cincinnati, Ohio, are experts in all areas of state and federal law. If you would like to have us help you fight back against your criminal charge, please reach out to us as soon as possible. We would love to schedule a free consultation to review the details of your case.
Commonly Charged Types of Federal Offenses
Federal law enforcement agencies have the authority to arrest Cincinnati residents for any violation of the Code of Laws of the United States. Generally speaking, however, most of the arrests made by federal agents fall into one of the following categories:
Federal White-Collar Crimes
White-collar offenses can be broadly defined as any nonviolent crime in which the perpetrator was motivated by financial gain. The federal government, particularly the FBI, spends a huge amount of time and resources investigating and prosecuting crimes of this nature.
A short sampling of some of the most commonly charged white-collar federal crimes would include:
- Health Care Fraud – 18 U.S. Code § 1347
- Wire Fraud – 18 U.S. Code § 1343
- Bank Fraud – 18 U.S. Code § 1344
- Laundering of Monetary Instruments – 18 U.S. Code § 1956
- Securities Fraud – 18 U.S. Code § 3301
- Insurance Fraud – 18 U.S. Code § 1033
Federal Drug Crimes
Each state has the authority to set its own drug laws. However, these local regulations can be superseded by federal rules when necessary.
Federal agents frequently charge Ohioans with the following drug offenses:
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession
- Drug Paraphernalia
Almost all federal drug offenses are prosecuted under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
Federal Sex Crimes
Offenses such as rape are typically prosecuted by the criminal justice systems of individual states. However, federal agencies like the FBI still spend a great deal of time investigating sex crimes in the United States.
A brief list of some of the most common federal sex crimes that Cincinnatians are accused of would include:
- Sexual Exploitation of Children – 18 U.S. Code § 2251
- Sexual Abuse – 18 U.S. Code § 2242
- Aggravated Sexual Abuse – 18 U.S. Code § 2241
- Sex Trafficking – 18 U.S. Code § 2421-2424
Individuals who are found guilty of committing one of these crimes are usually forced to register as sex offenders.
Federal Weapons Crimes
The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution grants Americans the right to “keep and bear arms.” However, this right is not absolute. It is heavily regulated by the federal government. The FBI, ATF, and other agencies frequently charge Ohio residents with the following federal weapons crimes:
- Possession of a Firearm By a Prohibited Person – 18 U.S. Code § 922(g)
- Sale of a Firearm to a Prohibited Person – 18 U.S. Code § 922(d)
- Possession of a Firearm in a School Zone – 18 U.S. Code § 922(q)(2)(A)
- Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Crime or Violent Crime – 18 U.S. Code § 924(c)
Have you been charged with one of the federal offenses outlined above? Then you need the assistance of a Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, federal criminal defense attorney. Reach out to us today to set up a free consultation at our Cincinnati law office.
Punishments for Federal Criminal Convictions
The criminal penalties for violating federal law can be quite severe. In many cases, the punishments doled out in federal courts are significantly harsher than those handed down for similar offenses in Ohio municipal courts.
Most individuals who are convicted of violating federal criminal law will face at least one of the following penalties:
- Prison time
- A fine
- Probation
- House arrest
- Forfeiture of assets
- Permanent criminal record
If you have been accused of committing federal crimes, please Visit our criminal defense office, Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, as soon as possible. We may be able to help you reduce your punishment or even get your charges dismissed.
Your Experienced Cincinnati Federal Crimes Lawyers
The experienced federal crime attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, have been providing the people of Cincinnati with the legal advice and guidance they need for years. If you need us, we will be there for you as well. Our attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience. To set up a free consultation with a member of our skilled legal team, just give us a call or contact us online.