Miami Federal Crimes Lawyers

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

When the federal government receives a report of a crime, investigators from big-name agencies, such as the FBI, DEA, U.S. Secret Service, or ATF, are dispatched to determine whether an offense has occurred and who committed it. Agents have considerable resources and will use various investigative techniques, like wiretapping, surveillance, and online activity review, to identify a suspect. After the 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. If you have been accused of a federal crime, you need an attorney on your side 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 case and legal options. Our 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 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 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 an attorney 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 federal crimes our Miami lawyers handle:

• Health care fraud: This offense involves knowingly making false statements to a federal or private health care benefit program to unlawfully receive benefits or payments. It can be committed by medical providers, patients, and others looking to defraud the health care system. A few types of health care fraud include making multiple claims for the same service, charging for services that were never rendered, using another person's medical insurance number, and unlawfully selling prescription medications.
• Mortgage fraud: This is a type of financial institution fraud, where someone makes misstatements, misrepresentations, or omissions on loan documents a lender relies on to make lending decisions. Mortgage scams can include loan modification schemes, appraisal fraud, and straw purchases.
• Paycheck Protection Program fraud: PPP fraud can occur in several ways, including misusing funds, receiving loans from multiple lenders, and making false statements on applications.
• Wire fraud: Wire fraud involves using electronic means, such as telephone, television, email, or text, to further a scheme to defraud someone out of money or property.
• Bank fraud: This offense is committed when someone engages in a scam or other artifice to unlawfully obtain anything under the control of a bank, credit union, or other federally insured financial institution.
• Foreign Corrupt Practices Act: The FCPA prohibits bribing foreign officials to obtain government contracts, make business deals, or gain any other improper advantage. It also requires corporations and other entities to maintain accurate financial records for all transactions.

If you have been accused of any of the above 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 an 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
• FCPA:

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.

Florida Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers

At Jeffrey S. Weiner, P.A., we are committed to assisting our clients through difficult 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 formtoday.