Have you been charged with a federal crime in Chicago, IL? Contact Elizabeth Franklin-Best, P.C., at (843) 620-1100 to schedule a consultation. Our experienced Chicago federal criminal lawyer is ready to fight for your rights and secure the best possible outcome.
Our leading federal criminal defense law firm has 43 years of combined experience helping clients respond to a wide range of charges and achieve successful outcomes. We are uniquely qualified to handle federal crime cases and will immediately prioritize your case if you decide to work with us.
Reach out to us today to learn more. We can advise you on the best course of action when we meet to review your case.
Why Choose Elizabeth Franklin-Best, P.C., for My Federal Criminal Case in Chicago, Illinois?
Federal crime cases are prosecuted by United States Attorneys with vast resources at their disposal, and these charges usually aren’t brought until a lengthy investigation has already begun. Going up against that kind of preparation without experienced legal representation on your side puts you at a serious disadvantage.
Elizabeth Franklin-Best, P.C., has spent decades defending clients in federal court and can help you level the playing field against the prosecution.
Clients in Chicago, Illinois, turn to us because:
- We have an in-depth understanding of federal court rules and procedures.
- We will keep you informed about your case’s progress at every stage.
- We have received numerous awards and accolades for our work, including being recognized among The Best Lawyers in America.
- We prepare every case with the expectation that it could go to trial.
You don’t have to leave your future to chance. Contact our Chicago federal criminal defense attorney to arrange a consultation.
What Are Federal Crimes?
A federal crime is any offense that violates United States federal law. These cases are investigated by federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, IRS, and Secret Service, among others. They are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court rather than in state court, and they follow the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Federal crimes are typically more serious than state offenses and usually carry more severe penalties. Mandatory minimum sentences apply to many federal charges, meaning judges may have less discretion in sentencing than in state court. Federal prison sentences also do not offer parole, though inmates may earn limited good time credits.
Some of the factors that can make a case federal rather than state include:
- The crime took place on federal property.
- The offense crossed state lines or international borders.
- A federal agency conducted the investigation.
- The crime involved a federal institution.
- The case involves large-scale operations.
In many situations, conduct that could be charged at the state level is instead prosecuted federally because of the scale of the offense and the involvement of federal agencies. When that happens, the stakes increase dramatically.
We Can Help With Any Type of Federal Charge in Chicago, IL
Federal criminal law covers a wide range of offenses. Our defense attorneys have the experience to defend clients facing virtually any type of federal charge, including:
Drug Trafficking and Distribution
Federal drug cases often involve agencies like the DEA and FBI that primarily gather information through surveillance and informants. We know how to challenge this type of evidence and fight for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
White-Collar Crimes
Fraud and embezzlement are a couple of examples of crimes that fall under the category of white-collar crimes. Our team can analyze complex financial evidence and identify weaknesses in the government’s theory.
Firearms Offenses
Federal firearms charges cover everything from illegal possession to trafficking, and the associated penalties are always steep. We can help you understand what you are up against and build an effective defense.
Conspiracy
Conspiracy is one of the most broadly applied charges in federal court. You can be charged even if the underlying crime was never completed, and prosecutors often sweep in individuals who played a minor role. We know how to challenge the scope of these charges and limit your exposure.
RICO and Organized Crime
RICO cases carry some of the harshest penalties in the federal system, including decades in prison and asset forfeiture. Defending against these charges requires deep knowledge of federal procedure and sentencing law, which is exactly what we bring to the table.
Sex Offenses
Federal sex crime charges come with severe mandatory minimums and lifetime registration requirements. These cases demand aggressive, experienced representation from an attorney who actually grasps the stakes involved.
Public Corruption
Abuse of public office and similar crimes, such as bribery, are taken seriously at the federal level. If you are a public official or a private citizen accused of involvement in a corruption case, we can provide the defense you need.
No matter what federal charge you are facing in Chicago, Elizabeth Franklin-Best, P.C., has the qualifications to help. Contact us today to learn more about what you should do next.
What Are the Potential Penalties for a Federal Criminal Conviction?
Federal sentencing is governed by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which establish recommended ranges based on the severity of the offense and the defendant’s criminal history. While judges do have some limited discretion, federal penalties are generally harsher than those you would face in state court for comparable conduct.
Some of the penalties that a federal conviction can carry include:
- Lengthy sentences in federal prison
- Mandatory minimum sentences that the judge cannot go below for certain offenses
- Substantial fines
- Supervised release following your prison term
- Forfeiture of assets and restitution payments to victims
Some defendants may have post-conviction options, such as filing an appeal or seeking compassionate release. Our lawyers can also help you determine your legal options if your case is already at this stage.
Collateral Consequences of a Federal Conviction
The penalties handed down by the court are only one part of the equation. A federal criminal conviction can create lasting problems that extend well beyond your sentence.
Some of the collateral consequences that may affect you include:
- Permanent loss of the right to possess firearms
- Loss of voting rights during incarceration and potentially beyond
- Difficulty finding employment, particularly in fields that require background checks
- Ineligibility for certain professional licenses
- Loss of federal benefits, including student financial aid
- Immigration consequences, including deportation for non-citizens
- Damage to personal relationships and your reputation in the community
Many of these consequences are either permanent or are extremely difficult to reverse. This makes it all the more important to ensure you have a federal criminal defense lawyer on your side from the start.
What Defenses Can Be Raised in a Chicago Federal Criminal Case?
The government bears the burden of proving every element of your charges beyond a reasonable doubt. That is the highest standard of proof in the legal system, and it gives your defense team real room to work with. Depending on the facts of your case, there may be several options available to challenge the prosecution’s case.
Common defenses in federal criminal cases include:
- Constitutional violations, such as an illegal search and seizure
- Insufficient evidence, if the prosecution cannot meet its burden of proof
- Entrapment, if law enforcement coerced you into committing the crime
- Lack of criminal intent, if your state of mind does not entail culpability
- Mistaken identity, if you weren’t the person who committed the crime
- Challenging cooperating witnesses, if their statements are contradictory or unsubstantiated
The best defense strategy will ultimately come down to the unique facts and circumstances of your case. We will conduct a thorough review of every aspect of your situation to determine your best defense. Don’t lose hope about what’s to come; reach out to us today for award-winning legal help.
Contact Our Chicago Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys to Schedule an Initial Consultation
Federal criminal charges in Chicago, IL, demand immediate attention. The federal system moves quickly, the penalties are more severe, and the margin for error is slim. If you are under investigation or have already been charged, the time to act is now.
At Elizabeth Franklin-Best, P.C., we have dedicated our lives to defending clients in federal courts across the country. Our lawyers bring 43 years of combined experience to every case we take on, and our reputation in the federal criminal defense community is well established.
Give our Chicago federal criminal defense attorney a call today to schedule a consultation. The sooner we get involved in your case, the more we can do to help.
