Miami Federal Crimes Lawyer

Accused of a Federal Offense? Reach Out to our Law Firm for Defense.

When the federal government receives a crime report, investigators from big-name agencies, such as the FBI, DEA, U.S. Secret Service, or ATF, are dispatched to determine whether a federal offense has occurred and who committed it. Agents have considerable resources and will use various investigative techniques to identify a suspect, like wiretapping, surveillance, and online activity review. After the federal investigation, which can take months or even years, investigators hand over the file to a U.S. Attorney, who will prosecute and seek maximum penalties. Suppose you have been accused of a federal crime. In that case, you need a federal criminal defense attorney ready and willing to do what it takes to protect your rights and future.

At Jeffrey S. Weiner, P.A., our Miami federal crimes attorneys have extensive experience and are ready to put in the time and effort to defend you. We recognize how intimidating and scary it is to be investigated by federal agents. That is why we will stand by your side, providing the guidance and information you need to understand your federal case and legal options. Our federal criminal team has fought for clients in a range of federal criminal cases and has the knowledge, skills, and resources to challenge the accusations made against you.

To discuss your federal case and legal avenues we can explore, contact our federal crimes lawyers in Miami at (305) 985-6640. Your initial consultation is free.

What Are State vs. Federal Crimes?

In the U.S., each state and the federal government have their own sets of laws concerning criminal behavior. State laws are enacted by state legislatures and pertain to illegal conduct occurring within the state itself. If a person violates one or more of these statutes, they commit a state crime.

In contrast, federal laws are passed by Congress. They typically concern unlawful activity that crosses state lines or country borders, occurs on federal property, or is committed against a federal employee.

While separate state and federal laws exist, some statutes are the same. For example, both Florida and the U.S. government have a law against kidnapping. Depending on how the offense occurred, it can be prosecuted as a state crime, federal crime, or both.

Although the way state and federal crimes are handled are similar, there are also several differences. If a person is accused of a state crime, local law enforcement officials will investigate, a District Attorney will prosecute, and the federal case will be heard in state court. With a federal crime, federal agents investigate, a U.S. Attorney prosecutes, and the case will be heard in federal court.

Even though, on the surface, federal and state criminal cases appear similar, several nuances exist differentiating the two. That is why, if you have been charged with violating a federal law, you need the help of a Miami federal criminal defense lawyer familiar with the federal judicial system. Our Miami federal crimes attorneys can provide the advice and guidance you need throughout your case.

What's Considered a Federal Crime?

As mentioned earlier, federal crimes are those that violate federal laws. The U.S. government has several statutes concerning criminal behavior. Because the number of federal laws is numerous, it would be difficult to mention them all here.

However, below is a list of some the federal crimes our Miami criminal defense lawyers handle:

• Grand Jury Subpoenas and Investigations
• Conspiracy
• Contempt of Court
• Money Laundering
• Bulk Cash Smuggling
• Hawala – underground banking – foreign exchange transfers
• Currency Transaction Reporting forms
• Health Care Fraud
• Paycheck Protection Program(PPP) fraud
• Mail Fraud
• Bank Fraud including false statements to a bank, and misapplication of bank funds
• Wire Fraud
• Mortgage Fraud
• Insurance Fraud
• Internet and Computer Crimes including Child Pornography
• Immigration offenses
• Obstruction of Justice
• Bribery
• Extortion
• Hobbs Act violations
• Forgery
• Perjury
• False Statements to Law Enforcement
• Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
• Arms Export Control Act violations
• Drug cases including possession with intent and distribution
• Environmental and Hazmat Crimes
• Endangered Species crimes
• Sentencing, punishment and issues under the United States Sentencing Guidelines
• Voluntary surrender and Bureau of Prison designations including half-way houses, compassionate release, medical issues.

If you have been accused of any of the above federal offenses, reach out to Jeffrey S. Weiner, P.A. as soon as possible. Our federal crimes attorneys in Miami, thoroughly prepare for these cases and will examine every detail to build a strong defense on your behalf.

What Are the Penalties for Federal Crimes?

Just as there are several types of federal crimes, there are also several types of penalties that can be levied. In many cases, a person found guilty of a federal offense will be sentenced to a term of imprisonment and/or a fine. The length of incarceration and the financial penalty are tied to the crime committed and the facts of the case.

Some examples of federal conviction penalties include the following:

• Health care fraud:
  • Up to 10 years of imprisonment and/or
  • A fine
• Wire fraud:
  • Up to 20 years of imprisonment and/or
  • A fine
• Bank fraud:
  • Up to 30 years of imprisonment and/or
  • Up to $1 million in fines

Bribery violations:

• Up to 5 years of imprisonment for individuals
• Up to $250,000 in fines for individuals, or
• Up to $2 million in fines for business entities

Accounting violations:

• Up to 20 years of imprisonment for individuals, and/or
• Up to $5 million in fines for individuals, or
• Up to $25 million in fines for business entities

The punishments for federal crimes are severe and can substantially impact your life. To seek to avoid or minimize penalties, fight your charge with the help of a skilled attorney.

Miami Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers

At Jeffrey S. Weiner, P.A., our Miami federal criminal defense lawyers are committed to assisting our clients through difficult federal criminal cases. We genuinely care about those we help and do everything in our legal power to seek a favorable result.

Our Miami federal crimes lawyers are ready to provide the personalized legal representation and aggressive defense you need.

Related Reading: How Can I Get My Federal Conviction Expunged from my Record?

Schedule a free consultation with a member of our team by calling (305) 985-6640 or submitting an online contact form today.