If you find yourself facing federal charges in Los Angeles, CA, it’s imperative that you equip yourself with a knowledgeable legal representative focused on your defense. Federal criminal cases are complex and nuanced, often involving rigorous investigations and severe penalties upon conviction.
Not all criminal defense attorneys are capable of handling these types of charges, but fortunately, we are here to help you. With more than a decade of legal experience, you’ll be in trusted hands if you choose a Los Angeles federal crimes lawyer at The Law Office of Ryan Peabody to represent you.
If you need assistance with a federal charge, contact the Law Office of Ryan Peabody today at (310) 709-2000 to schedule a free consultation.
How Law Office of Ryan Peabody Can Help If You’re Arrested
If you find yourself facing federal charges in Los Angeles, it’s essential to have expert legal help in your corner. Fortunately, we’re here to provide the critical support and guidance you need during this challenging time. Here’s how our Los Angeles criminal defense attorey will help:
Investigation
In any criminal matter, an initial investigation is essential. Our team will meticulously go through every detail of your case. This will usually include examining police reports, reviewing witness statements or evidence collection procedures, and engaging in our own investigation to find additional evidence to help defend you.
This scrutiny helps us spot discrepancies or potential constitutional violations that can become instrumental while developing a legal defense.
Explain Your Situation
Facing any type of criminal charge is a harrowing experience. Dealing with federal charges is even more intimidating as there are different rules and procedures and often more serious penalties than when you’re facing state charges.
We will explain the situation to you so you know what’s going on. Understanding what is happening and what to expect can ease some of your anxiety and can help you make informed decisions regarding your case.
Negotiate With Prosecutors
Most criminal matters are handled through plea agreements rather than ending up in a trial. Understanding the art of negotiation is something that comes only from considerable experience, an asset our knowledgeable lawyers possess.
We will work with the prosecutor to come to an agreement that makes sense for you and mitigates your potential charges and penalties.
Represent You in Court
With vast expertise inside the courtroom, we will fiercely advocate for you should your case end up in court. We will present gathered evidence, effectively cross-examine prosecution witnesses, present our own witnesses, and provide a compelling closing statement explaining why you should be found not guilty.
If you’re facing federal charges in Los Angeles, California, let us help you. Contact the Law Office of Ryan Peabody today to get started with a free case review.
Overview of Federal Crimes in California
In the United States, federal crimes are offenses that violate U.S. federal laws – as such, they attract strict punishments upon conviction.
Monitoring for possible violations and enforcing these specific statutes falls under the jurisdiction of dedicated federal enforcement agencies. Agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Department Of Homeland Security (DHS), and Secret Service are responsible for this.
Federal Charges vs. State Charges
Most criminal cases tend to be associated with violations of state laws, rather than federal. These typically include crimes such as murder, rape, kidnapping, theft charges, burglary, assaults, and other crimes that violate a specific penal code of a state or jurisdiction.
A crime becomes a federal charge when it violates U.S. state law or if the offense involves more than one state, therefore crossing interstate lines.
For example, if a crime crosses from one state into another – such as human trafficking, interstate fraud schemes, and kidnapping over state lines – then it’s likely to fall under federal jurisdiction due to its interstate nature.
Some of the Most Common Federal Charges
Federal charges can encompass a wide variety of offenses, but some of the most common include the following:
Drug Trafficking or Distribution
Federal drug charges, like trafficking or distribution, encompass actions that involve the production, distribution, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances such as Fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamines, marijuana, and cocaine, among others. Nationwide initiatives are in place to fight these types of crimes due to their widespread societal harm.
Medicaid or Medicare Fraud
In terms of financial federal crimes, Medicaid and Medicare fraud is rather common. These offenses involve overcharging these insurance programs for medical services, billing for non-existing patients or services not provided, and prescription drug fraud, among other unethical and illegal practices in healthcare administration.
Wire Fraud
Wire fraud involves any scheme to defraud someone via electronic means. Modes could include phone calls, radio broadcasts, or the use of the internet.
Human Trafficking
This severe federal charge involves the exploitation of people through force, fraud, or coercion for various exploitative purposes like forced labor, slavery, or commercialized sexual exploitation.
Weapon Charges
Federal weapon or firearm charges can be quite serious, and often are associated with cases where someone crosses state lines with certain types of firearms without the necessary legal obligations being met.
We have the skills and experience to assist you with any type of charges you may be up against. Contact our law offices today.
What Are the Penalties for Federal Crimes in Los Angeles, California?
Federal crimes in Los Angeles, California, are subject to penalties under federal sentencing guidelines. Although these guidelines are advisory rather than mandatory, they heavily guide federal judges when determining the sentence for a defendant.
Punishments for committing federal crimes generally involve more severe consequences compared to state or local charges due to their gravity and potentially widespread impact. Additionally, certain criminal convictions carry mandatory minimum sentences, giving the federal judge no discretion when determining if you are sentenced to prison or not.
Overall, the most common federal penalties include the following:
Prison Sentences
Lengthy terms of imprisonment may be imposed based on the severity of the crime and whether multiple charges or repeat offenses are in play. Sentences range from short stints in federal prison to life imprisonment without parole for more severe crimes.
Probation
Federal judges sometimes sentence defendants to probation instead of or alongside a period of incarceration. An offender is obliged to comply with specific conditions, often including remaining arrest-free, reporting regularly to a probation officer, remaining drug-free, attending therapy or other treatment programs and classes, and seeking employment.
Fines
Another typical penalty enforced for federal crimes involves monetary fines that vary depending on the severity of the offense.
The exact penalties you face will primarily depend on the severity of the offense as well as your criminal history.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for a Federal Crime in Los Angeles?
If you find yourself arrested and facing federal criminal charges, the best course of action is always to consult a legal professional. However, it’s helpful to know that there are defense strategies available.
Self-Defense
Self-defense works by acknowledging that you engaged in potentially illegal behavior, but are claiming that your actions were a response to imminent harm or danger to yourself or someone else. You must also prove that any force you employed against another person was proportionate to the danger you were facing.
False Allegations
A false allegation implies that someone has wrongly accused you, which is typically shown by pointing to issues of mistaken identity or discrediting the accuser’s credibility. Key to this approach will often be bringing forth exculpatory evidence such as video footage and witness testimony.
Alibi
An alibi defense is an attempt to prove that you were elsewhere when the alleged crime took place. This shows that you couldn’t have possibly committed the crime. Providing evidence of your whereabouts could include things such as receipts, witnesses who were with you, or digital data that verifies your location.
Consent
In certain cases – particularly those involving charges of theft or sexual offenses – proving that the other party consented can be a valid defense.
While these are commonly used defenses, their effectiveness will vary widely depending on the specific facts of the case, available evidence, and your attorney’s ability to argue effectively in court.
Regardless of the severity or nature of the federal charges filed against you, seeking counsel from a lawyer should be one of the first steps you take after being arrested. Being proactive could mean the difference between successfully fighting your charges or spending significant time in prison.
If you need help with a federal charge, contact the Law Office of Ryan Peabody at (310) 709-2000 to schedule a free consultation with a Los Angeles federal crimes lawyer.
Visit Our Criminal Defense Law Firm in Los Angeles, CA
Law Office of Ryan Peabody
5757 W Century Blvd #722
Los Angeles, CA 90045, United States
(310) 709-2000
