Melbourne Federal Crimes Defense Attorney
Understanding Federal Offenses in Florida
There are two ways in which an individual could be charged with a federal offense in Florida. The first, more common charges stem from a violation of federal law. The second, less common way, is by committing a crime on federal property or against a federal agency.
Violations of federal law could include, but are not limited to:
- Federal drug offenses
- Child pornography
- Internet crimes
- White collar crimes (credit card fraud, identity theft, financial fraud)
- Immigration violations (such as illegal re-entry after deportation)
- Firearms offenses
- Terrorism offenses
- Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) offenses and/or conspiracy charges
- Gang-related offenses
Committing crime on federal property or against an agency could include, but are not limited to:
- Airports and/or airplanes
- Federal government buildings
- Federal or national parks
If you are currently dealing with federal charges, it is vital that you take every step necessary to defend your name and freedom during this difficult and stressful time in your life. You should immediately seek legal counsel from a qualified Melbourne criminal defense attorney who has the procedural knowledge to guide you through the complicated process. At The Law Offices of Bryan J. McCarthy, the attorney is backed by 10+ years of experience representing the criminally accused.
If you are under investigation for a federal crime, call (321) 248-7742 for a FREE consultation with a Melbourne federal crimes attorney.
Key Differences Between Florida State and Federal Charges
There are a few key differences between how state and federal offenses are tried. First, there is no bail schedule for a federal case. If arrested on a federal charge, the arrestee must be taken before a United States Magistrate for bail to be set. Second, during the pre-trial stage, the “pre-trial discovery” in federal court is not required until much later in the case. Under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, the prosecutor is not required to provide witness statements until after the witness has testified in the trial.
Lastly, in federal court, both the United States Code and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines control sentencing instead of the judge exercising discretion. A federal judge is required to sentence according to a formula, which is a combination of the offense of conviction and the defendant’s criminal history. Once the offense of conviction and the prior record is determined, the judge uses a chart to determine the sentence that must be imposed.
Contact The Law Offices of Bryan J. McCarthy for Federal Offense Defense
Being under investigation for a federal offense can be an anxiety-inducing and scary situation. It can seem as though the federal government can do whatever they want, whenever they want. Even though there have been instances of the federal government abusing their power, they are to be held accountable for their mistakes, like any other organization. A competent federal criminal defense attorney can effectively argue in your defense and make certain that your constitutional rights are protected.
If you or a loved one is currently under investigation for a federal offense in the state of Florida, it would be in your best interest to work with a Melbourne criminal defense attorney who can effectively defend you against the charges that have been levied against you. With all of the complications and consequences that could stem from a federal charge, knowing your options and acting on them in a timely fashion is paramount in finding a favorable solution to this problem.
The firm proudly represents individuals throughout Central and Eastern Florida, including Brevard, Orange, Volusia, Seminole, Indian River, and Osceola counties, among many others.
Facing Federal Charges in Florida? Discuss Your Case in a free consultation with the Melbourne federal criminal defense attorney from the firm today.