Denver Federal Crime Lawyer
If you have been charged with a federal crime, you need to understand the gravity of your situation. Federal prosecutors have over a 95 percent conviction rate, and federal prison sentences are generally heavier than Colorado state sentencing guidelines. Federal offenses involve defrauding the US government, which has unlimited resources in its efforts to put individuals such as yourself behind bars for years. Make no mistake, your situation calls for only the most experienced criminal defense team. Here at DeChant Law, Denver federal crime lawyer Reid DeChant will personally handle your case from start to finish, ensuring that you have the best defense strategy possible.
What is a Federal Crime Vs. a State Crime?
A federal offense is a crime that violates the Constitution or in which the United States is defrauded. While there are certainly overlaps in federal and state laws, federal crimes overrule state crimes, and are tried in federal court as a result. Factors that might make a crime a federal offense versus a state offense include the following:
- The criminal activity took place in multiple states
- The criminal activity occurred on federal property
- The criminal activity involved individuals from multiple states
- The criminal activity involved wire fraud that crossed state lines
- The criminal activity involved mail fraud that crossed state lines
As a rule of thumb, if a crime occurred across state lines, involved racketeering, involved individuals from multiple states, or the victim was a federal institution or individual, the offense will likely be considered a federal crime, and tried in federal court.
Specific Examples of Federal Crimes
Many of the following offenses are both Colorado state crimes and federal offenses. As stated earlier, if there is an overlap, the defendant will be tried in federal court, as federal laws supersede state laws.
- Drug trafficking
- Drug possession with intent to distribute
- Tax fraud
- Bank fraud
- Wire fraud
- Mail fraud
- Securities fraud
- Identity theft
- Embezzlement
- Bribery
- Immigration fraud
- Medicare/Medicaid fraud
- False Claims Act offenses
- Money laundering
- Criminal conspiracy
- Child pornography
- Kidnapping
- Import or export offenses
- Felon in possession of a firearm
- Counterfeiting
- Homicide of a federal official
- Treason
- Other RICO offenses (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations)
Mandatory Minimum Sentencing For Federal Crimes
Federal crimes generally involve harsher penalties for convicted individuals. Not only are prison sentences usually longer for federal offenses than similar state offenses, but the mandatory minimum sentencing requirements are also more strict. Furthermore, those convicted in federal court generally end up serving a greater portion of their sentence than those convicted in state court. The average inmate in federal prison serves 85 percent of their sentence.
Call a Denver Federal Crime Lawyer Today
Being arrested for a federal crime means that federal prosecutors have high confidence that they will be able to convict based on the evidence they already have. To give yourself the best chance at preserving your freedom, you need to work with an experienced Denver federal crime lawyer. Call Reid DeChant today at 720-634-6789 for a free consultation.
