Crimes on any level not only disrupt the lives of the victims but also put strains on the social, economic, and psychological well-being of individuals, communities, and society in its entirety. It strains public resources and erodes trust.
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The United States Congress passes federal laws that are enforced by federal courts. This is different from state laws, which are handled by state courts. In the United States, the government has jurisdiction over crimes that they deem to affect the national interest, which include cybercrime, drug trafficking, and counterfeiting.
When charged with a federal crime, the need for a federal criminal defense attorney is paramount, especially if you wish to gain a favorable outcome for your case.
Federal crimes are usually investigated by agencies such as.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
List of Federal Crimes
Some crimes that can be charged at a federal level such as:
- Terrorism
- Cyber crimes
- Public corruption
- Civil rights violations
- White collar crimes
- Drug offences
- Violent crimes
- Firearms and explosive crimes
- Immigration crimes
Categories of Federal Crimes and Their Penalties
Below are the categories of federal crimes:
Violent Crimes
A violent crime is one in which a victim is harmed or threatened with violence. Violent crimes include:
- Terrorism
- Domestic Violence
- Kidnapping
- Assault charges
- Murder
- Hate crimes
The penalties for these crimes vary based on the severity of the crime. The penalties imposed for such crimes include
- Life imprisonment
- Death
- Long prison sentences
- Asset seizure
- Financial penalties
One must contact a good defense lawyer to navigate the federal court system, defend a person's constitutional rights, and understand the technicalities of federal legislation.
Public Corruption Offenses
Public corruption offenses are another category of federal offense. The punishment given to offenders in such cases depends on the seriousness of the offense. Crimes that fall under this category include the misuse of public office or the embezzlement of public funds.
White-collar Crimes
White-collar crimes refer to nonviolent crimes committed by people or organizations while conducting business or professional activities. Crimes such as tax evasion and money laundering fall under this category. These crimes are investigated by the federal government, and offenders can face criminal prosecution.
A well-known example of a white-collar crime is the Ponzi scheme run by Madoff. Bernard Madoff was sentenced to 150 years in prison for federal crimes in 2009 for running a Ponzi scheme.
Through his firm, he defrauded thousands of investors, which led to an estimated loss of $65 billion. His charges include security fraud, investment adviser fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, and penury.
Cybercrimes
Crimes involving computers and networks, hacking, identity theft, child pornography, ransomware, extortion, and other illegal activities carried out through digital means are considered federal crimes.
Counterintelligence crimes involving the unauthorized sharing of classified information, which is known as espionage, can lead to federal penalties.
Immigration crimes
The illegal stay of an individual or group of individuals in the U.S. or the conduct of criminal activities by those considered immigrants can be charged as a federal crime.
The immigration status of an individual or a group of individuals can be affected by their participation in illegal activities.
There are a wide range of immigration crimes. Some examples of immigration crime include
- Human smuggling
- Re-entry after deportation
- Marriage fraud
- Illegal entry into the country
These offenses can carry severe penalties.
Hiring a good attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of a criminal case, as they can provide the expertise and support needed to navigate the complex legal landscape.
