Federal Crimes

Federal Crimes Attorney In Savannah, Georgia

According to the United States Sentencing Commission, there were 76,656 federal criminal cases in which the offender was sentenced in the fiscal year 2019. Federal crimes are crimes that are prohibited under federal statutes. Such crimes include drug crimes, immigration crimes, internet crimes, money laundering, RICO violations, and embezzlement. If convicted of federal charges, the defendant could be facing harsh mandatory minimum sentences in federal prison, hefty fines, or even the death penalty.

If you are under investigation or if you have been arrested and charged with a federal crime, it is important to retain a highly skilled and aggressive Georgia federal crimes attorney as soon as possible to build a strong defense. Our team of experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Harold J. Cronk, PC is committed to providing comprehensive legal services and dedicated representation to clients in their federal crimes cases. We will fight aggressively to defend your rights and strategize your best defense for a favorable outcome.

The Law Offices of Harold J. Cronk, PC, proudly represents clients throughout Savannah, Chatham County, Tybee Island, Garden City, and Port Wentworth, Georgia.

Understanding Federal Crimes

Most prosecutions in the American criminal justice system occur at the state level. However, the federal government may exercise its jurisdiction in any of the following situations:

• Criminal matters when the state lacks jurisdiction
• Criminal offenses that are committed on federal property
• Criminal offenses that the U.S. Constitution specifically reserves to the federal government

Furthermore, crimes that cross from one state to another may also be prosecuted by federal authorities. In these circumstances, state and federal prosecutors may pursue different actions against the defendant despite the “Double Jeopardy” clause in the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which prohibits any offender from being prosecuted twice for substantially the same crime. See “Concurrent Jurisdiction” below.

Subject Matter Jurisdiction

Under Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, the federal government has exclusive authority over issues of immigration, bankruptcy, patents, coining, and regulation of money. Such exclusive authority is referred to as “subject matter jurisdiction.” Therefore, the federal government can prosecute offenders involved in any of these matters.

Crimes Across State Lines

If a crime was committed in two or more states — for instance, mail and wire fraud — the federal government has the jurisdiction to prosecute such offenses, even though they fall under state authority. The federal government would derive jurisdiction by the fact that:

• The crime crossed state lines
• The Constitution allows it to regulate interstate commerce

Crimes on Federal Property

Additionally, there are federal statutes that apply to crimes committed on property owned by the federal government or administered by the federal authority. Such areas include U.S. National Parks, the District of Columbia, federal prisons, federal courthouses, and Indian reservations. The federal government also possesses authority over ocean-going vessels at sea and airplanes in flight and may prosecute offenses committed at any of these locations.

Examples of federal crimes include:

• Drug crimes
• RICO violations
• Internet crimes, such as identity theft, piracy, online predators, election fraud, child pornography, and hacking
• Conspiracies
• Credit card fraud
• Bank, securities, and other forms of fraud
• Violent crimes involving firearms and weapon
• Tax evasion
• Kidnapping
• Public corruption

Overlap of Federal and State Laws – Concurrent Jurisdiction

When there is a conflict between federal and state laws, federal law will be used to govern the state law. However, a mere overlap of federal and state statutes isn’t enough to strike down state laws. This is where concurrent jurisdiction comes in.

Concurrent jurisdiction exists where two or more courts from different systems have jurisdiction over a particular criminal case simultaneously. The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits any person from being “subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb.” In other words, if the government fails to convict a person of an offense, it cannot prosecute the person again for the same offense. This is often referred to as “double jeopardy.”

However, under concurrent jurisdiction, state and federal statutes are considered different “offenses,” meaning that if a person is acquitted of a federal charge, state prosecutors could still bring charges.

The Federal Crime Process

Several differences exist between how federal and state crimes are investigated and prosecuted. Some of the major distinctions include:

• Federal crimes usually involved federal agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Agency, and Immigration authorities.
• Investigators in federal cases build their case and have substantial evidence before the arrest.
• Federal cases are assigned to an Assistant United States Attorney.
• In the discovery system, the federal prosecutor can withhold information and witness statements.
• Federal judges are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate. They serve for life.
• Federal judges often impose additional conditions of release for bail.

Federal Crime Attorneys in Savannah, Georgia

Federal crimes are serious offenses with severe punishment. When facing federal crimes charges, defending yourself of these charges may increase your risks of suffering the maximum penalties. Retaining a knowledgeable Georgia criminal defense attorney immediately is crucial to help defend your rights and determine the best defense for your unique situation.

At the Law Offices of Harold J. Cronk, PC, our attorneys have dedicated their careers to providing strong representation in federal crimes matters. As your legal counsel, we review your case, conduct a thorough, private investigation, and strategize an effective defense to establish a strong case. We will fight aggressively to defend your rights and help you navigate the federal criminal justice system. Having our team on your side can increase your chances of a favorable outcome in your federal crimes case.