Federal Crime Defense Attorneys

Being charged with a federal crime is a serious matter. Federal crimes are typically more complex and carry more severe penalties than state crimes. If you are facing federal charges, you need an experienced Hillsboro federal crime defense attorney on your side.

At Cornerstone Law Group, our federal crime defense attorneys have the knowledge and experience to handle even the most complex federal cases. We have a proven track record of success and have helped many clients achieve favorable outcomes in their cases. We understand the stress and anxiety that comes with being charged with a federal crime, and we are here to provide the strong legal guidance you need and deserve.

If you have been charged with a federal crime, contact our firm at (503) 461-5005 to schedule a consultation with one of our Hillsboro federal crime defense attorneys.

What Is a Federal Crime?

A federal crime is a crime that is illegal under federal law. Federal crimes are typically more serious than state crimes and carry more severe penalties. Federal crimes are investigated by federal agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and are prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office.

Some examples of federal crimes include:

• Bank robbery
• Drug trafficking
• Identity theft
• Mail fraud
• Wire fraud
• Counterfeiting
• Child pornography
• Weapons offenses
• Immigration offenses
• White-collar crimes
• Computer crimes
• Terrorism
• Kidnapping
• Human trafficking
• Sex crimes
• Violent crimes
• Homicide
• Assault
• Arson
• Bank fraud
• Perjury
• Obstruction of justice
• And more

Many federal crimes are also illegal under state law. If you are charged with a federal crime, you may also face state charges. In these cases, you will need a criminal defense attorney who is experienced in handling both state and federal cases.

What Are the Penalties for Federal Crimes?

Federal crimes carry more severe penalties than state crimes. If you are convicted of a federal crime, you will face a mandatory minimum sentence. This means that the judge will have no discretion in sentencing and must impose the mandatory minimum sentence.

Some examples of mandatory minimum sentences for federal crimes include:

• Drug trafficking: 5 years to life in prison
• Child pornography: 5 to 20 years in prison
• Armed robbery: 7 years to life in prison
• Bank robbery: 10 years to life in prison
• Carjacking: 15 years to life in prison
• Sex trafficking: 15 years to life in prison
• Human trafficking: 20 years to life in prison
• Drug trafficking resulting in death: 20 years to life in prison
• Aggravated sexual assault: 25 years to life in prison
• Sexual exploitation of a child: 25 years to life in prison
• Sexual exploitation of a child resulting in death: life in prison or the death penalty
• First-degree murder: life in prison or the death penalty

Many federal crimes also carry a maximum sentence of life in prison or the death penalty. The death penalty is reserved for the most serious federal crimes, such as terrorism and murder.

In addition to prison time, you may also face other penalties if you are convicted of a federal crime. These penalties may include fines, restitution, probation, parole, and more. You may also face other consequences, such as the loss of your professional license, the loss of your right to own a firearm, and the loss of your right to vote.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Federal Crimes?

The statute of limitations is the time limit for filing criminal charges. If the statute of limitations expires, the government can no longer file charges against you. The statute of limitations for federal crimes is typically longer than the statute of limitations for state crimes.

Some examples of the statute of limitations for federal crimes include:

• Child pornography: 10 years from the victim’s 18th birthday
• Bank robbery: 5 years
• Wire fraud: 5 years
• Mail fraud: 5 years
• Identity theft: 5 years
• Computer crimes: 5 years
• Drug trafficking: no statute of limitations
• Violent crimes: no statute of limitations
• Sex crimes: no statute of limitations
• Crimes against the government: no statute of limitations

There are also exceptions to the statute of limitations. For example, if you are charged with a federal crime and then flee the jurisdiction, the statute of limitations will be tolled, or paused, until you are apprehended. If you are charged with a federal crime and then commit another federal crime, the statute of limitations for the first crime will be tolled until you are apprehended for the second crime.

What Is the Legal Process for Federal Crimes?

The legal process for federal crimes is different than the legal process for state crimes. If you are charged with a federal crime, you will be arrested by a federal agent. You will then be taken into custody and transported to a federal detention center.

After you are arrested, you will be taken before a federal magistrate judge for your initial appearance. At your initial appearance, the judge will inform you of the charges against you and your rights. The judge will also determine whether you will be released on bail or held in custody until your trial.

If you are released on bail, you will be required to comply with certain conditions of release. These conditions may include checking in with a pretrial services officer, attending all court hearings, not committing any new crimes, not possessing any firearms, and more. If you violate any of these conditions, your bail may be revoked, and you may be taken back into custody.

After your initial appearance, your case will be assigned to a federal district court judge. Your case will then proceed to the discovery phase. During the discovery phase, your federal crime defense attorney will review the evidence against you and conduct an independent investigation. Your attorney will also file any pretrial motions, such as a motion to suppress evidence or a motion to dismiss the charges.

If your attorney files a motion to suppress evidence, the judge will hold a hearing to determine whether the evidence was obtained legally. If the judge determines that the evidence was obtained illegally, the evidence will be suppressed, or excluded, from your trial. If your attorney files a motion to dismiss the charges, the judge will hold a hearing to determine whether the government has enough evidence to proceed to trial. If the judge determines that the government does not have enough evidence, the charges will be dismissed.

If your case proceeds to trial, your case will be heard by a jury. The jury will determine whether you are guilty or not guilty of the charges against you. If the jury finds you guilty, the judge will impose a sentence. If the jury finds you not guilty, you will be acquitted, and the charges will be dismissed.

You have the right to appeal your conviction. If you choose to appeal, your case will be heard by the United States Court of Appeals. If the Court of Appeals affirms your conviction, you may be able to appeal your case to the United States Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is not required to hear your case, and it may choose to deny your appeal.

How Can a Federal Crime Defense Attorney Help?

If you are facing federal charges, you need an experienced federal crime defense attorney on your side. Federal crimes are typically more complex than state crimes and require a higher level of legal skill and knowledge. An experienced federal crime defense attorney will have the knowledge and experience to handle even the most complex federal cases.

Some ways that a federal crime defense attorney can help include:

• Conducting an independent investigation
• Reviewing the evidence against you
• Filing any pretrial motions
• Negotiating with the prosecutor
• Representing you at trial
• Appealing your conviction

At Cornerstone Law Group, our federal crime defense attorneys have the knowledge and experience to handle even the most complex federal cases. We understand the stress and anxiety that comes with being charged with a federal crime, and we are here to provide the strong legal guidance you need and deserve.

If you are facing federal charges, contact our firm at (503) 461-5005 to schedule a consultation with one of our Hillsboro federal crime defense attorneys.