Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys in Savannah, GA
Representing Clients in Federal Courts in Georgia
Federal crimes are activities that are in violation of federal law. Federal law enforcement agencies investigate these cases and defendants are prosecuted in federal court. When facing federal charges, it is important to hire a Savannah federal defense attorney with knowledge of the complexities and procedures of the federal court system.
At Schneider Lerch, LLC, our federal criminal lawyers in Savannah are comfortable negotiating with federal prosecutors and presenting complex cases in federal court. With more than four decades of experience and numerous of cases successfully handled in both state and federal court, our attorneys are prepared to protect your rights and freedom throughout the legal process – no matter how complex your case may appear.
Federal criminal charges are overwhelming. Call (912) 417-5008 or contact us online to learn what you may be up against in a free consultation.
Examples of Federal Crimes in the U.S.
Crimes that are often prosecuted in federal court include:
- Bank fraud: This involves using deception to illegally obtain money from a financial institution. Examples include forging checks, identity theft, and fraudulent loan applications.
- Computer crimes: Also known as cybercrimes, these involve illegal activities conducted using computers or networks. Examples include hacking, phishing scams, spreading malware, and identity theft.
- Controlled substance violations: These involve the illegal possession, distribution, or trafficking of drugs regulated by the government. Examples include selling prescription drugs without authorization, possession with intent to distribute.
- Drug manufacturing: The illegal production or cultivation of controlled substances. Examples include operating a meth lab, growing marijuana without a license, producing counterfeit prescription drugs.
- Espionage: The act of spying or providing sensitive national security information to foreign entities.Examples include selling classified government documents to another country.
- Felon in possession of firearms: It is illegal for convicted felons to own, possess, or transport firearms. Such as a convicted felon caught with a gun, even if not used in a crime.
- Health care fraud: Involves defrauding government health programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Examples include billing for services not provided, fake medical diagnoses, kickbacks for patient referrals.
- Immigration law violations: Crimes related to entering or remaining in the U.S. illegally or assisting others in doing so. Examples include human smuggling, visa fraud, illegal re-entry after deportation.
- Internet fraud: Fraud committed using the internet to deceive individuals or businesses. Examples include online auction scams, credit card fraud, fake investment schemes.
- Securities fraud: Deceptive practices in the stock and investment markets. Examples include insider trading, Ponzi schemes, misleading investors with false information.
- Tax crimes: Violations of tax laws, including tax evasion and fraud. Examples include failing to file tax returns, underreporting income, hiding assets offshore.
- Terrorism: Violent acts intended to intimidate or coerce governments or civilians for political, religious, or ideological purposes. Examples include bombings, cyberterrorism, providing material support to terrorist organizations.
State vs. Federal Crimes
State crimes and federal crimes differ in several key ways, including jurisdiction, enforcement, prosecution, and penalties. Here’s a breakdown of their differences:
- Jurisdiction: State crimes are violations of state laws and are prosecuted in state courts, with laws varying from state to state. Federal crimes break U.S. federal laws and are prosecuted in federal courts, with laws that apply nationwide.
- Enforcement Agencies: State crimes are investigated by local and state law enforcement, such as police departments and state troopers. Federal crimes are handled by agencies like the FBI, DEA, and ATF, which have jurisdiction across all states.
- Types of Crimes: State crimes typically involve offenses like theft, assault, and drug possession, which occur within state boundaries. Federal crimes often involve offenses that cross state lines, affect national security, or involve federal property, such as terrorism, bank fraud, and drug trafficking.
- Prosecution: State crimes are prosecuted by local district attorneys or state attorneys in state courts. Federal crimes are prosecuted by U.S. attorneys in federal courts, which follow federal sentencing guidelines.
- Punishments and Sentencing: State crime penalties vary by state and may include fines, probation, or imprisonment in state prisons. Federal crimes usually have stricter penalties, including longer prison sentences in federal facilities and larger fines.
- Double Jeopardy and Dual Sovereignty: A person cannot be tried twice for the same crime in the same jurisdiction due to double jeopardy laws. However, under the dual sovereignty doctrine, a person can be charged separately at both the state and federal levels if the crime violates both jurisdictions.
- Examples: A state crime example is burglary of a home, which is handled by state courts. A federal crime example is robbing a federally insured bank, which falls under federal jurisdiction.
Georgia Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys
There are differences in criminal proceedings in state and federal court that require an attorney with the right skill set and experience. In addition, federal charges are often the result of an extensive investigation and pursued with the full resources of the federal government. Our Savannah federal crimes lawyers know how to navigate the federal court system, is confident in the federal system, and is experienced with representing clients in federal court.
If you are facing federal charges, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Contact our law firm at (912) 417-5008 for a free consultation.
At Schneider Lerch, LLC, you have an entire legal team on your side when dealing with serious criminal matters. We are ready to help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
