Federal Crime Attorneys in West Palm Beach

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If you are facing an investigation or have been arrested for a federal offense, turn to the Law Offices of Greg Rosenfeld, P.A. Our West Palm Beach federal crimes lawyers can stand by you throughout the judicial process and fight to protect your interests.

Having an attorney early on in the investigation is critical to seeking a favorable outcome. In some instances, the case may never go to trial. We have the experience, insight, and tenacity to aggressively fight federal charges.

Federal crimes are usually incredibly complex, and federal law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI or DEA, may spend months or even years conducting their investigations. These agencies and federal prosecutors also have extensive resources at their disposal and are relentless when seeking a conviction.

For defense from attorneys who will be dedicated to fighting for your rights, call us at (561) 902-1122 or contact us online today.

What Is Considered a Federal Crime?

Although many crimes are prosecuted in state court, some offenses fall under federal jurisdiction. In certain instances, a case may be pursued at both the state and federal level.

An act is considered a federal offense if it:

• Violates laws established by the U.S. Government
• Crosses state lines (either the act itself or the alleged offender)
• Takes place on federal property
• Is committed against a federal officer
• Involves an immigration or customs violation

Federal crimes are investigated by federal agencies (such as the FBI and DEA), as opposed to state or local law enforcement offices. Additionally, in a federal matter, a U.S. Attorney will handle the case. In contrast, state crimes are prosecuted by state or district attorneys.

If the case proceeds to trial, federal matters will be heard in federal court and state crimes in municipal or county courts. The federal and state court processes are markedly different.

Because of the distinctions between state and federal offenses, if you’ve been charged with the latter, it’s crucial that you retain the services of an attorney who has experience in these types of cases.

We provide aggressive defense for a range of federal crimes, such as:

• White collar crimes: This term encompasses a broad range of offenses that generally involve nonviolent conduct occurring in the business sector.
• Healthcare fraud: This offense occurs when either a beneficiary or provider knowingly provides false information to obtain benefits that he or she is not entitled to from a public or private health care program.
• Public corruption: These types of charges are levied against government officials who accept bribes or make deals to obtain something of value for his or her own gain.
• Drug trafficking: A person may be charged with this offense if he or she manufactures, distributes, or dispenses controlled substances.
• Identity theft: A charge for this offense is triggered when a person knowingly receives, transfers, or uses another’s personal identifying information to further an unlawful act.
• Money laundering: This is the process of integrating money derived from crimes back into the financial system to conceal the funds' source and make them appear legitimate.
• Weapons offenses: These crimes involve various types of unlawful conduct with firearms and other weapons. Some of the more common federal weapons offenses are possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, possession or use of a gun during a drug trafficking offense or violent crime, sale of firearms without a license, and sale of illegal firearms.
• RICO: The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act prohibits people from engaging in any activity that is part of a criminal enterprise. Racketeering activity involves various crimes, including, but not limited to, murder, kidnapping, gambling, arson, drug dealing, and mail and wire fraud.

What Is the Punishment for a Federal Crime?

The penalties vary depending on the severity of the crime and the defendant’s criminal history. For the most crimes, federal sentences are longer than state sentences for similar offenses.

If you are convicted of a federal crime, you may face time in federal prison, probation, and fines. For many crimes, such as drug trafficking, judges must impose mandatory minimum sentences, which often entail significant prison terms.

The U.S. government also has the authority to seize assets that it believes were used to commit the crime. Once taken, it can be extremely difficult to recover the assets.

Below are some examples of conviction penalties that may be imposed:

• Trafficking in certain schedule I or II drugs (21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(C)):
  • Up to 20 years in prison (first offense),
  • Up to 30 years in prison (second offense), and/or
  • Up to $1,000,000 in fines (first offense)
  • Up to $2,000,000 in fines (second offense)
• Health care fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1347):
  • Up to 10 years in prison and/or
  • A fine
• Money laundering (18 U.S.C. § 1956):
  • Up to 20 years in prison and/or
  • Up to $500,000 in fines

Start with a Free Consultation Today

Federal crimes require an aggressive, well-prepared defense. The Law Offices of Greg Rosenfeld, P.A. can put our skills and experience on your side. We encourage you to get started at your earliest convenience by setting up your first meeting with us.

To discuss your case with our West Palm Beach federal crimes attorneys, call (561) 902-1122 or send us a message.