Federal Crimes
Federal Crimes are a serious criminal offense. If you or a loved one are facing federal criminal charges in California, you need to seek the advice of an experienced and aggressive Los Angeles federal crimes defense attorney immediately. The Law Offices of Jonathan I. Kelman can provide you with the knowledge and experience that is crucial when defending you in federal court.
Federal laws are based on the U.S. criminal code and are regulated under title 18 of the U.S. Code – crimes and criminal procedures. Federal laws are passed in congress and are administered by the judicial branch of the U.S. government.
There are over 120 categories of offenses that fall under the jurisdiction of the federal court system. Some of the more common crimes are as follows:
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In addition to specific crimes listed in the U.S. criminal code, any crime that takes place on federal property is a federal crime. If you, for instance, commit a robbery in the State of California and commit the robbery at a U.S. Post Office, you will be charged under title 18 of the U.S. code with a federal offense. Beware that the State may also have the option of prosecuting you for the same offense under California state law.
Federal Criminal Procedures
The federal criminal procedures are extremely complicated and complex. Only an attorney who is accustomed to the federal court process can provide a successful defense. Under the promise of “equal justice for all,” the punishments associated with federal crime convictions are uniform throughout the country. Federal judges appointed by U.S. Congress are under the scrutiny of the U.S. Sentencing Commission and must use the guidelines established by the Commission as advisory only. Since there is some leeway for sentence reduction, etc., it is crucial that your Los Angeles federal offense lawyer have a complete understanding of U.S. Constitutional law in order to competently and effectively represent you in federal court.
Punishments for federal crimes are based on a point system. For example, previous convictions may add to the length of the sentence, strong community ties may subtract time from the sentence, and so on. Your lawyer’s ability to successfully argue the “point value” given to your sentence may mean the difference between freedom and incarceration.
If you are arrested for a federal crime, you will be taken to a federal detention facility until a federal magistrate determines whether or not you will be released on bail. No evidence will be heard at that time. The federal magistrate will grant bail based on a report submitted by a Pre-trial Services Officer. The officer will investigate your past, your community ties, your likelihood to flee, etc., and based on the findings, will make a bail recommendation.
Given the complexity of criminal defense in general and federal crimes in particular, it is vital that you choose a Los Angeles federal criminal defense attorney who combines experience with a good track record, a thorough understanding and familiarity with the law and the local courts, and a commitment to each and every client. If you have you been accused of a federal crime, your time to get the right experienced California federal criminal defense lawyer is limited. The Law Offices of Jonathan I. Kelman has successfully represented numerous clients charged with federal crimes throughout the United States. The Law Offices of Jonathan I. Kelman prides itself on aggressive representation with a personal touch. Armed with the knowledge and experience to build a winning defense, Jonathan I. Kelman is accustomed to taking on the criminal justice system and achieving the best results for his clients.
When your future is on the line… Call the Law Offices of Jonathan I. Kelman immediately. Your phone consultation is free and completely confidential.