Facing federal charges is a serious situation, and when you’re up against the federal government, the stakes are high. Federal crimes often lead to long investigations, and if convicted, the penalties can include lengthy prison sentences and large fines. Whether you are accused of drug trafficking, fraud, or any other federal offense, you need a skilled and experienced Los Angeles federal crimes attorney to protect your rights.
Hurwitz Law Group helps clients in Los Angeles who are facing federal criminal charges. As a trusted Los Angeles federal crimes attorney, our team is experienced in handling federal cases, providing the guidance and support you need through every step of the federal criminal process. With a strong understanding of federal law and federal court procedures, we work hard to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.
Federal criminal charges in Los Angeles can come with severe consequences. If you’re accused of committing a federal crime, the prosecution will be handled by federal authorities, and the case will go through the federal court system. A conviction could lead to years in federal prison, large fines, and other long-term consequences.
With the right federal criminal defense attorney, you can fight back against these charges and seek to have your case dismissed, reduced, or resolved favorably.
A crime becomes a federal offense when it violates federal law or occurs across state lines. Some crimes are automatically federal, like drug trafficking, wire fraud, and money laundering. Additionally, crimes that involve federal property, federal law enforcement agencies, or violations of federal regulations are considered federal offenses.
Federal authorities, including the FBI, DEA, and U.S. Attorney’s Office, handle these cases, and they often carry more severe penalties than state-level charges.
Federal criminal cases cover a wide range of offenses. Some of the most common types of federal crimes we handle at Hurwitz Law Group are:
Drug trafficking is one of the most serious federal crimes, often leading to long prison sentences and significant legal consequences. Under 21 U.S.C. § 841, federal law makes it illegal to manufacture, distribute, or possess controlled substances with the intent to distribute. Federal law enforcement agencies like the DEA investigate these crimes, and they often have extensive resources to pursue offenders.
Convictions can result in lengthy prison sentences, heavy fines, and even life imprisonment in certain cases. The severity of the punishment depends on factors such as the type of drug involved, the quantity, and whether there are any aggravating circumstances, like the involvement of minors or the use of firearms.
Defending against drug trafficking charges requires an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer who understands the intricacies of federal law and can develop a strong strategy to challenge the evidence or mitigate the penalties.
Wire fraud is another serious federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1343, and it involves using electronic communications, such as the internet, phone, or other forms of interstate communication, to intentionally defraud individuals or organizations for financial gain. This can include anything from fraudulent online transactions, investment schemes, or even misrepresentation through emails or phone calls.
Federal prosecutors are highly skilled at prosecuting wire fraud cases, often relying on advanced technology and forensic experts to track and gather evidence. Convictions for wire fraud can lead to significant prison sentences, often reaching up to 20 years, along with steep fines.
The key to defending against wire fraud charges is showing that there was no intent to deceive or challenging the evidence that links the accused to fraudulent activities. A strong defense can often help reduce the charges or avoid harsh penalties altogether.
Mail fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1341 is a federal crime that occurs when someone uses the United States Postal Service or any other mail system to engage in fraudulent activities. This can involve sending false or misleading documents, checks, or communications with the intent to deceive others for personal gain. Federal prosecutors take mail fraud very seriously, and convictions can result in substantial penalties, including up to 20 years in federal prison and hefty fines.
The crime is often associated with schemes like fake charities, fraudulent loans, or investment scams that rely on using the mail to defraud individuals or businesses. Due to the federal involvement of the postal service, the penalties for mail fraud are severe compared to similar state-level fraud offenses. A federal criminal defense lawyer can help challenge the evidence, argue the lack of intent to defraud, or negotiate a plea to minimize penalties in a mail fraud case.
Conspiracy, as defined by 18 U.S.C. § 371, involves an agreement between two or more people to commit a federal crime, even if the crime is never actually carried out. In a conspiracy case, a defendant does not need to directly engage in the criminal activity but must have been involved in planning, organizing, or supporting the crime.
This broad definition means that anyone involved in the conspiracy can face federal criminal charges, regardless of their specific role in the crime. Conspiracy charges are serious and carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences. Federal prosecutors can use conspiracy charges to go after individuals involved in drug trafficking, fraud, organized crime, or even terrorism.
The defense against a conspiracy charge often focuses on proving that there was no agreement to commit a crime, or that the accused was not actively involved in planning or participating in the conspiracy.
Money laundering under 18 U.S.C. § 1956 and § 1957 is a federal crime that involves concealing or transferring illegally obtained funds to make them appear legitimate. It often occurs when someone tries to hide the origin of money obtained through criminal activities such as drug trafficking, fraud, or tax evasion. The federal government treats money laundering seriously because it allows criminal enterprises to continue operating by disguising their profits.
Money laundering charges can lead to significant consequences, including long federal prison sentences, hefty fines, and the forfeiture of assets. The law provides for both "international" and "domestic" money laundering charges, depending on whether the transactions involve foreign financial institutions or cross-border transfers. Defending against money laundering charges often involves challenging the evidence that links the defendant to the illegal transactions or proving that the funds were obtained through legal means.
A federal criminal defense lawyer can build a strong defense by questioning the source of evidence, the intent behind the transaction, and whether the defendant knew that the funds were illicit.
Federal gun offenses (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)) happen when someone has a gun but isn’t allowed to have one, like if they have been convicted of a crime or are under certain legal restrictions. It’s illegal to possess a gun in these situations, and if caught, the person can face serious punishment, including prison and fines.
Federal agents like the ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives) investigate these cases, and the laws are strict. If you're facing gun charges, it’s important to get help from a lawyer who knows how to defend against these serious charges.
Child pornography from 18 U.S.C. § 2252, § 2251, to § 2252(a) involves illegal images or videos of children in sexual situations. It is a very serious crime under federal law. People caught creating, sharing, or having these kinds of images can face long prison sentences, heavy fines, and may have to register as sex offenders for life.
Federal authorities, like the FBI, investigate these crimes, and the punishments are strict. If you’re accused of child pornography, it’s crucial to get legal help right away from an experienced lawyer.
Sexual assault from 18 U.S.C. § 2241, § 2242, to § 2244includes crimes like rape or forcing someone into sex without their consent. Federal law treats these crimes very seriously, and anyone found guilty can face many years in prison and large fines. These cases can be tough, and the government works hard to get convictions.
If you're facing sexual assault charges, it’s important to have a lawyer who can help protect your rights and build your defense against these severe charges.
Federal court and state court are two very different systems, each with its own rules and procedures. Federal court handles cases involving violations of federal law, while state court deals with crimes that violate state laws. Here’s a quick comparison:
Factor | Federal Court | State Court |
|---|---|---|
Jurisdiction | Cases that involve federal law or cross state lines | Cases that involve state law |
Prosecutors | Federal prosecutors represent the U.S. government | State prosecutors represent the state |
Court System | Cases heard by federal judges | Cases heard by state judges |
Penalties | Can include lengthy federal prison sentences and high fines | Typically less severe penalties compared to federal crimes |
Appeals | Appeals go to federal appellate courts | Appeals go to state appellate courts |
If you are facing federal criminal charges, you need a lawyer who knows federal law and how the court system works. Federal cases are very serious, and the punishment can be harsh, including long prison sentences and large fines. A federal criminal defense lawyer will protect your rights and work to help you avoid or reduce the consequences of the charges.
They understand how federal prosecutors and law enforcement work, and they know the best ways to defend against federal crimes. With the help of an experienced lawyer, you can better understand the charges, explore your options, and make the best decisions for your case. Having a lawyer on your side can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.
If you are under federal investigation, it’s important to act carefully and protect yourself. Here’s what you should do:
The federal sentencing guidelines are a set of rules that determine the penalties for federal crimes. These guidelines consider factors like the severity of the crime, the defendant's criminal history, and the circumstances surrounding the offense. An experienced federal criminal lawyer can help you understand how these guidelines may apply to your case and work to minimize the sentence you could face.
A federal criminal investigation is an inquiry conducted by federal authorities, such as the Federal Bureau or the United States Attorney's Office, to determine if a crime under United States federal laws has been committed. Federal law enforcement agencies like the FBI, DEA, or IRS gather evidence to support their case, and an assistant United States attorney typically handles the prosecution.
Federal criminal trials are held in federal court and are governed by federal criminal justice system rules, while state crime trials are held in state courts. The federal criminal trials usually involve cases that violate United States federal laws, like bank fraud, securities fraud, or violations of the corrupt organizations act. A Los Angeles federal criminal defense attorney will have experience with federal laws and can guide criminal defendants through the federal court system.
Yes. If you are charged with securities fraud, which involves deceiving investors for financial gain, a Los Angeles federal criminal defense attorney will be crucial in defending your case. They understand the complexities of federal criminal law and know how to navigate federal investigations and work with federal attorneys to challenge the evidence.
Yes. If you are charged with securities fraud, which involves deceiving investors for financial gain, a Los Angeles federal criminal defense attorney will be crucial in defending your case. They understand the complexities of federal criminal law and know how to navigate federal investigations and work with federal attorneys to challenge the evidence.
If you are facing charges like health care fraud or are a victim of wrongful convictions, it is important to contact a federal criminal lawyer right away. These are serious charges that can have life-changing consequences. Your law office can help investigate the facts, review your criminal history, and develop a strong defense against the accusations in federal court.
If you are facing criminal cases involving federal criminal offenses, it is important to have a Los Angeles federal crimes attorney who understands the laws and how the government works. Federal agencies like the FBI or the IRS can investigate and prosecute these serious crimes. Whether you’re accused of white collar crimes like bank fraud or other criminal offenses, our law firm is ready to help.
We offer a free consultation to talk about your case and give you the best advice. Hurwitz Law Group has the experience to handle your case and protect your rights. Don’t face federal charges alone. Contact us today to get the help you need and start building your defense.
"" ""
Brian Hurwitz Has 10+ Years of Criminal Defense Experience
Affordable Fees and Payment Plans
We Offer No-Cost, Confidential Phone Consultations
