Federal Charges
The team at Robert M. Helfend, Attorney at Law, is dedicated to protecting the rights of those who have been accused of a federal crime. When a crime is being investigated at a federal level, there is more at stake than when it is a local or state offense. If you have been accused of a federal offense, I could aggressively fight for you. Since 1984, I have been handling criminal cases and you could have my years of experience and skill on your side by getting in touch with my office. If you have questions about federal crimes, please read through the frequently asked questions below.
What is a federal crime?
Put simply, a federal crime is an offense that violates federal legislation. The way the U.S. government operates is that crimes can be prosecuted at both the state and federal level. Certain aspects of the case can change the charges from a state offense to a federal offense. For example, if a drug trafficking case involved drug crimes which crossed state or country borders, it comes under federal jurisdiction. Also, if the crime was committed on property owned or operated by the federal government, it is a federal offense. There are other crimes which in and of themselves are federal offenses, such as mail fraud, bank robbery, or tax evasion.
Who investigates federal crimes?
One aspect of federal crimes which make them so serious is the formidable agencies which investigate and prosecute them. These agencies have a considerable more amount of resources and manpower than do state authorities. One such agency is the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The F.B.I. has jurisdiction over crimes committed on Indian Reserves as well as over 200 categories of federal crimes. Another agency you could be facing is the Drug Enforcement Administration. They are not only able to investigate domestic offenses, but overseas as well. The Internal Revenue Service may also be called in to handle cases involving tax evasion and related tax crimes.
Are tax crimes federal crimes?
Yes, crimes committed which involve taxes can be considered federal crimes. Not only are they federal offenses, but they are also prosecuted as felony crimes rather than misdemeanors. The Internal Revenue Service takes the lead into the enforcement and investigation of suspected crimes, an agency with a considerable amount of resources. Examples of tax crimes include falsifying records, failing to file a return, leaving out income, claiming fake deductions, and more. It is important to take these investigations seriously as you could be subject to harsh penalties.
Do I need an attorney?
If you are unsure of whether or not you need an attorney, a cursory investigation into the penalties which you could be facing show just how important it is that you act quickly. Whether you think you are under investigation for a specific crime or have already been arrested, you need to have a legal representative on your side who understands these types of cases and has handled them before.
I have over 28 years of experience in federal and criminal law. Should you choose to work with me, you will be able to have peace of mind knowing that a strong legal representative is by your side every step of the way. In cases such as these, who you choose to defend you could significantly alter the outcome of your case. I offer a free case evaluation so that you can let me know the details of your case quickly and easily. To learn more, call my office as soon as possible. Do not wait to get the help you need.