Most federal crimes fall in one of several categories. Crimes can “go federal” if they cross state lines implicating the Interstate Commerce Clause, if the postal service is used to commit a crime, if the crime involves the IRS or federal benefits, if a crime involves a federal agency, or if a crime occurs on federal land. Prosecution for the same conduct can occur at both the federal and the state level under the Dual Sovereignty Doctrine. Unlike state court, where you can often negotiate a final outcome of the case, that is rare in federal cases. Sentencing is nearly always determined by a federal judge who follows the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The entire process is very formal and goes very quickly. You need an attorney with experience in federal court go guide you through the scary process of fighting the United States Government. Possible federal charges are listed below:
Common Federal Crimes Implicated by the Interstate Commerce Clause
- Narcotics Trafficking
- Child Pornography
- Bank Robbery
- Kidnapping across state lines
- Organized Crime – RICO Violations
- Possession of Firearm by a Felon
- Immigration Offense
- Money Laundering
Common Federal Crimes Involving the Postal Service
- Wire Fraud
- Mail Fraud
- Threatening or Harming a Postal Worker
- Stealing U.S. Mail
- Forging or Stealing Postal Orders
Common Federal Crimes Involving the IRS or Federal Benefits
- Income Tax Evasion
- Tax Fraud
- Failure to Withhold Federal Taxes from a Paycheck
- Forging or Stealing a U.S. Treasury Check
- Welfare Fraud
- Social Security Fraud
- Making a False or Exaggerated Claim for Federal Disaster Relief
Common Federal Crimes Involving a Federal Agency
- Counterfeiting
- Failure to Pay Wages or Benefits
- Insider Trading
- Forging Securities
- Illegal Dumping of Toxic Substances
- Fraudulent Agricultural Loans
- Illegal Firearms
- Importing or Selling Firearms Without a License
- Election Law Violations
- Assaulting or Killing a Federal Agent
- Antitrust Violations
Common Federal Crimes Occurring on Federal Land
- Any State Crime that occurs on Federal Property
- Impersonating Military Personnel
- Stealing Military Property
- Selling Federal Classified Information
If you have been arrested, charged, or are being investigated for any federal criminal offense, you need a law firm that has federal trial experience. Contact the attorneys at Nickols & White, PLLC at (817) 617-7500 for a free, private consultation.