We all have a duty to obey state criminal laws, but some crimes are considered federal offenses and are prosecuted by the United States Attorney. A conviction of a federal crime can lead to long-term incarceration, significant fines, and a permanent mark on your record.
Those accused of federal crimes need an experienced Chicago federal defense lawyer to stand up to aggressive investigators and ruthless prosecutors. Our firm will fight to protect your rights and freedom.
White Collar Crimes
White collar crimes are usually financial in nature and have been prosecuted by federal prosecutors more frequently as the Wall Street meltdown of 2008 brought new attention to the issue. Prosecutors are zealous about investigating these cases and typically conduct lengthy investigations that can last years. A Chicago white collar defense lawyer can use his skills to scrutinize the prosecution’s case and determine whether or not there is an element of entrapment.
A conviction for any type of white crime can ruin an individual’s professional life, taint their reputation and prevent them from being hired in the future. In addition, fines and restitution can be huge.
Defending these types of charges requires an attorney who is knowledgeable about the legal process and familiar with criminological theory. Sociologist Edwin Sutherland coined the term “white collar crime” in 1939, and it has been used to refer to nonviolent offenses that involve deception and theft. These are often business-related and can have devastating consequences for the victims.
Drug Trafficking
Federal drug trafficking charges are serious criminal allegations resulting in significant penalties including years or even decades of prison, exorbitant fines and a permanent mark on your record that prevents you from seeking expungement. Our firm is committed to providing tenacious representation for clients facing these cases, drawing on our years of experience, unmatched knowledge of federal court procedure and genuine passion for taking tough cases to trial.
A large part of this casework involves drug possession, but prosecutors can charge you with trafficking if the drugs were moved across state lines. Typically, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies conduct extensive and lengthy investigations into these cases before they arrest you or serve search warrants.
We can help defend against a drug trafficking conviction by raising doubts about the legality of the search and seizure of your property, such as money, cars, houses, weapons or other assets used in the business. We may be able to have your charges dropped entirely or reduce the severity of the penalties you face.
Second-Degree Murder
If you are charged with second degree murder, you face significant jail time and a conviction that will leave you classified as a felon for the rest of your life. Your federal criminal defense attorney will work hard to prove mitigating factors that may reduce your penalty or help you avoid a conviction.
To be charged with second degree murder, the underlying crime must have involved an act that shows malice or a disregard for human life. However, unlike first degree murder, prosecutors do not need to prove premeditation to charge you with this felony.
A common defense to a murder charge is that you acted in the heat of the moment and with reasonable self-defense. You can also try to show that you were not in a position of authority and did not have the power to control the situation that caused someones death. Other defenses include showing insanity, intoxication, or youth as the cause of the incident.
Fraud
Fraud crimes are often prosecuted at the federal level, especially if they involve money or affect people in multiple states. This includes mail fraud, wire fraud and other types of fraud involving interstate communications. The penalties for federal fraud convictions can include significant prison sentences, expensive fines and a permanent criminal record that may prevent you from obtaining employment or financial aid.
A skilled Chicago federal criminal defense lawyer can help you fight your charges. He can contest the prosecution’s case at a preliminary hearing, argue that the statute of limitations has expired or that you did not communicate the alleged misleading facts in the first place.
If you are facing federal charges, it is vital to seek legal representation immediately. Contact our firm today to arrange a confidential, no-fee office consultation. We are available on weekends and have experience defending clients against federal charges throughout the state of Illinois. We offer 24/7 access and a results-driven approach to all cases we represent.