If you are under investigation for a Virginia federal crime, seek legal counsel as soon as possible. A Virginia federal criminal defense attorney can answer your questions and help you determine the best next steps. Through early intervention, your lawyer will seek to reduce or dismiss the charges against you. Contact a Virginia federal criminal defense lawyer today to discuss your situation and learn more about your options.
Table of contents
- Virginia Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
- Examples of Virginia Federal Crimes
- What Virginia Law Enforcement Agencies Investigate Federal Crimes?
- U.S. Federal Sentencing Guidelines
- Virginia Federal District Courts
- How a Virginia Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
- Confidential Case Evaluation: Virginia Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys
Virginia Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
Our team of experienced and competent Virginia federal criminal defense attorneys collaborates to provide our clients with exemplary legal counsel. They are diligent criminal trial attorneys representing clients throughout all criminal prosecution phases.
Federal crimes include a full range of offenses, ranging from white-collar crimes to more serious federal offenses. Financial crimes, cyber crimes, identity theft, and drug crimes are types of federal felonies. You can be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the alleged criminal conduct. You may face significant penalties as a result of a conviction.
A seasoned Virginia federal criminal defense lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal system and mount a vigorous defense. Our attorneys have a wealth of knowledge defending clients in federal court and are well-versed in the specific rules and procedures.
If you’re facing federal charges, don’t hesitate to call our firm for an initial consultation. We will thoroughly examine the facts of your case and work tirelessly to develop an effective defense strategy.
Examples of Virginia Federal Crimes
In the United States, the federal government and individual states have the authority to create and enforce criminal laws. In general, crimes that occur within a single state fall under that state’s laws and jurisdiction. These crimes are prosecuted in state courts.
However, there are some circumstances where crimes become federal offenses. These federal cases are prosecuted in federal courts, requiring a skilled defense law firm.
For instance, if a crime is committed on federal property or involves interstate commerce, it can be prosecuted by the federal government. Additionally, crimes such as terrorism, racketeering, and money laundering are typically charged as federal offenses.
If you are accused of committing a crime, you must understand whether you face state or federal charges. A seasoned Virginia federal criminal defense attorney can assist you in navigating the legal system and ensure your rights are safeguarded.
Read on to learn more about common types of federal crimes.
Federal White-Collar Crimes
Federal white-collar crimes typically involve some sort of financial fraud or deception. Embezzlement, money laundering, public corruption, and tax evasion are examples of white-collar crimes. Individuals convicted of federal white-collar crimes can face harsh penalties, including federal prison time, fines, and restitution.
Federal Drug Crimes
“Drug crimes” refers to all crimes under the Controlled Substances Act. These offenses include possessing, distributing, and manufacturing many types of drugs, including:
Depending on the case’s specifics, these offenses can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies. For federal drug crimes, convicted persons may face hefty penalties, such as jail time, fines, restitution, and probation.
Federal Sexual Crimes
Federal sexual crimes typically involve producing, distributing, or possessing child pornography. Depending on the circumstances, these crimes may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies. Individuals convicted of federal sex crimes can face harsh penalties, including prison time, fines, and sex offender registration.
What Virginia Law Enforcement Agencies Investigate Federal Crimes?
Federal crimes are those that violate the United States Code. Federal government agencies investigate these offenses, with the United States Attorney’s Office prosecuting them. Virginia federal criminal defense lawyers defend against these cases.
The following are the key agencies responsible for federal investigations and referring cases to federal prosecutors:
- Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)
- Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
- Secret Service
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Examples of federal crimes include tax evasion, money laundering, counterfeiting, fraud, and kidnapping. While state and local law enforcement agencies also investigate and prosecute crimes, federal agencies are usually involved when the offense crosses state lines or occurs on federal property.
If federal law enforcement investigators contact you, immediately seek out the help of a qualified federal criminal defense attorney. A sharp defense lawyer will protect your rights and interests and ensure prosecutors don’t take advantage of you. With an experienced attorney on your side, you will have the best chance of securing a favorable case outcome.
U.S. Federal Sentencing Guidelines
Sentencing guidelines provide federal judges with recommended punishments for those convicted of federal offenses. These guidelines are based on the severity of the crime, the defendant’s criminal background, and other case factors.
Judges must consider the guidelines when sentencing criminal defendants, but they are not required to follow them. In some cases, judges order sentences outside the recommended range when aggravating or mitigating circumstances are present.
The Sentencing Guidelines were created because of widespread sentencing disparity among federal criminal defendants. Before the guidelines were implemented, there was no uniformity in how defendants were sentenced for similar crimes. This often led to disparate sentences, as some defendants would receive much harsher penalties than others for committing similar offenses.
The guidelines promote equity in sentencing while still giving judges the flexibility to take into account the unique circumstances of each case. Judges must carefully weigh all of the factors involved in a case before imposing a sentence. They may deviate from the recommended range if they believe it is warranted.
Virginia Federal District Courts
The United States District Courts are the trial courts of the federal court system, and all federal criminal cases are heard in these courts.
Virginia has two federal districts:
- Eastern District of Virginia
- Western District of Virginia
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia has four locations: Norfolk, Alexandria, Richmond, and Newport News.
The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia has five primary locations: Abingdon, Big Stone Gap, Charlottesville, Danville, Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, and Roanoke.
Once a case is filed, proceedings are held before a magistrate court judge. This judge rules on preliminary issues such as arraignments, bond hearings, and pretrial investigation matters. Defendants then decide whether to go to trial or plead guilty.
A pretrial investigation report is generated if the defendant is convicted. The sentencing hearing is held upon conviction and finalization of the pre-sentence report.
During this hearing, the judge hears sentencing arguments from the government and defense. Defendants are also allowed to make a statement. After the conclusion of these procedures, the judge imposes a sentence.
How a Virginia Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
A Virginia federal criminal defense lawyer can help if you face criminal charges. They will work to get your charges dismissed or reduced. They can also help you obtain a more lenient sentence if you are convicted.
If you are charged with a crime in Virginia, it is essential to seek out the services of an experienced Virginia federal criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. They will review your case and determine the best course of action to take. In some cases, they may even be able to get the charges against you dropped entirely.
If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will represent you fighting to clear your name. They will also negotiate with prosecutors to get your charges reduced or your sentence lessened.
A Virginia federal criminal defense lawyer can still help you if you are convicted of a crime. They may be able to secure a lighter sentence. They may also negotiate a plea deal resulting in a reduced sentence or even charge dismissal.
When choosing a defense law firm, finding one with experience handling cases like yours is crucial. You should also ensure they are well versed in federal law and how it pertains to your case. The lawyer should be someone you feel comfortable with and can trust to represent you.
If you are facing criminal charges in Virginia, don’t hesitate to seek out the help of a Virginia federal criminal defense attorney.
Confidential Case Evaluation: Virginia Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys
Federal criminal law is complex and can be challenging to navigate. If you or a loved one are charged with a federal crime, it is essential to seek legal representation from an experienced Virginia federal criminal defense lawyer.
The attorneys at our firm have significant experience defending clients against complex federal criminal charges. These include federal cases involving drugs, computers, and financial crimes. They defend clients in federal courts across the state, including Northern Virginia.
Contact a Virginia federal criminal lawyer today for a consultation – we’re here to help.
Published Feb 15, 2022 by Christopher Zoukis, JD, MBA | Last Updated by Christopher Zoukis, JD, MBA on May 12, 2023 at 1:16 pm