Crimes charged in federal court may lead to much harsher penalties than those in Omaha’s local criminal courts. If you are facing federal criminal charges or are being investigated, do not wait to contact an experienced defense attorney.
The Omaha federal crimes lawyers at Berry Law are familiar with how government agencies and law enforcement investigate and prosecute these cases. The federal criminal attorneys at our firm also possess extensive knowledge of federal sentencing guidelines and how courts weigh different circumstances for sentencing purposes.
Trust Berry Law When You Need a Federal Crime Lawyer to Defend You in Federal Court
We are a team of skilled defense attorneys and relentless trial lawyers. Since 1965, Berry Law has handled thousands of cases and successfully represented numerous clients in federal court. Not many federal criminal attorneys have the resources or the experience to go head-to-head with federal prosecutors and agencies like we do.
From investigating the details of your alleged crime and finding weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case to scrutinizing federal law enforcement search tactics and analyzing the necessary elements of relevant law, we can prepare your defense with tenacity and great attention to detail.
Which Charges Do Our Federal Crimes Lawyers Handle?
One of the most common examples of a federal criminal offense that our team handles is illegal drug distribution. According to 21 United States Code §841, selling or distributing a controlled substance can be a federal offense. In many cases, a conviction can result in a mandatory minimum jail sentence and the forfeiture of substantial assets.
Another common example of a federal crime is the use of technology to defraud other parties. Examples of these cybercrimes include intercepting wire communications and the unauthorized use of a computer. Other charges a federal crime lawyer can help with include:
- Drug trafficking or conspiracy
- Sex offenses (child pornography, solicitation of a minor, etc.)
- Public corruption
- Bribery
- Money laundering
- White-collar crimes (tax fraud, mortgage fraud, etc.)
- Sedition
- Terrorism
An Omaha federal crime lawyer at our law firm can help build a strong defense against any allegations of federal criminal activity to ensure you receive a fair case outcome.
How Does a Federal Criminal Charge Differ from a State Criminal Charge?
The federal criminal justice system operates independently of state courts. This means the laws that prohibit certain activities under federal law may be different from the provisions outlined in state law. Additionally, a violation of federal law will be prosecuted by federal authorities.
It is also possible for certain criminal conduct to violate both state and federal law. One prominent example of this is drug possession. Simply obtaining a controlled substance is illegal under both federal and state law.
In addition, the potential penalties for a conviction in state court versus federal court settings will differ. An Omaha federal crime lawyer can help you understand the differences between state and federal laws and how they can impact the outcome of your criminal case.
Can You Face State and Federal Charges for the Same Allegation?
It is possible to face charges from both state and federal prosecutors for the same crime. When you are accused of a crime that is illegal under federal and state law, neither government entity is required to give up its right to bring charges.
It is not uncommon for individuals accused of fraud, drug trafficking, or child pornography possession to face charges on the state and federal level. If this happens, it is especially crucial to work with a federal crimes lawyer who has experience in both the state and federal levels.
Additionally, the concept of double jeopardy does not apply. Double jeopardy protects you from being tried for the same offense twice. While the federal government cannot bring charges against a person who has been tried for the same offense in federal court before, this restriction does not apply between state and federal courts because state charges are not the same as federal charges.
Are All Federal Offenses Considered Felonies?
Though most of the federal crimes that receive attention in the media are major offenses, not all federal offenses are felonies. There are misdemeanors that exist under federal law. Additionally, the federal government can prosecute state misdemeanor offenses that occur on federal property.
For example, a DUI case could go before a federal magistrate if it occurs on a federal military base. A hard-working federal crime lawyer can help you build a robust defense for misdemeanor and felony offenses at the federal level. Unlike most other law firms, the Berry Law team has extensive experience representing service members in military justice cases, and we are well equipped to handle all of your federal charges.
Berry Law’s Team Provides You With Multiple Attorney Perspectives
How Does Federal Sentencing Work?
Federal law is very different from state law when it comes to sentencing. Most states apply a specific sentencing range to each criminal offense. Federal law also sets a maximum and minimum penalty, but the specific sentence within that range can vary due to several factors. The United States Federal Sentencing Guidelines contain many conditions that can increase or reduce a defendant’s criminal penalties within the range allowed by the statute.
Basically, the sentencing guidelines work as a point system. Factors such as prior convictions and the significance of your role in the crime can impact the number of points you accrue. The more points accumulated, the more severe your sentence could be. If you were charged with a federal crime, a skilled federal crime lawyer can help you determine how many points you are likely to acquire.
Call the Omaha Federal Criminal Attorneys at Berry Law For More Information
Regardless of the facts and circumstances of your case, we are here to help you get through this stressful time. We are confident that we have the resources, the skills, and the right experience to help you fight your federal charges.
Hiring a federal crime lawyer at Berry Law can help you understand the charges that you face, identify realistic goals, and develop a strategy to help make those goals a reality. Start your defense by scheduling a confidential consultation with an Omaha federal crimes lawyer at Berry Law today.