Winchester Federal Crime Attorney
Federal charges are more severe than charges at a state level because the minimum sentencing at a federal level tends to be greater. The federal system is also sending individuals to prison at a higher rate than states are. Furthermore, federal crimes are investigated by large government agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and Homeland Security Investigation (HSI). Between the extensive resources granted to these agencies, top-level prosecutors who work for the U.S. Attorney’s office, and the stiff sentencing that typically comes down from federal courts, it is crucial if you are charged with a federal offense that you get legal help.
There are plenty of state and federal laws that overlap. When this happens, both systems are allowed to prosecute the case. Sometimes it is the federal agency who has investigated the case who requests a federal charges be pressed while other times the decision is made by prosecutors. Having an experienced defense attorney who understands these decisions can be very beneficial in the early stages of your case. We can work to have the federal charges be redirected to the state level, or we can attempt to have state charges dismissed because the federal government is going to prosecute.
The Winchester federal crime attorneys at Simms Showers, LLP is well-versed in handling the following types of federal crimes, in addition to others not listed:
Drug Offenses
Some of the common reasons drug crimes will go to a federal court include if an individual is selling or manufacturing the drugs, the individual is caught with the illicit substances by a federal agent, informant, or if they are found on federal property.
Weapons Offenses
For simply carrying a weapons while committing a violent crime or trafficking drugs an individual will be sent to prison for five years. The sentences continue to increase if the weapon was used to threaten others or was used.
White Collar Crime
White collar crimes vary from healthcare fraud to counterfeiting and more. The FBI distinguishes that, “The motivation behind these crimes is financial—to obtain or avoid losing money, property, or services or to secure a personal or business advantage.“ We understand the complexity of these cases and are prepared for every scenario, including going to trial if necessary.
Crimes that Cross State Borders
A crime becomes a federal case when it crosses state lines and state jurisdiction. While our offices are located in northern Virginia, our team at Simms Showers is qualified to handle cases that are being charged in the federal courts due to the location in which the alleged crime took place.
Internet and Computer Crimes
Fraud, computer hacking, intellectual property crimes, and other internet and computer crimes carry increasingly larger punishments due to their growing prevalence. In 2005, 67 percent of small businesses interviewed by the National Computer Security Survey (NCSS) identified at least one type of cyber crime, as reported by the Bureau of Justice Statistics.
Contact Our Winchester Federal Crime Attorneys for Help
No matter the allegations against you, the Winchester federal criminal defense attorneys of Simms Showers, LLP are here to get you the best result from your case. We are eager to assist you today.
