Have you been accused of a federal offense? Give us a call.
If you are under investigation for a federal crime or have already been charged, your future and freedom may be in jeopardy.
Federal authorities such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, DEA, Secret Service or Homeland security may be involved in the investigation. These agencies have far greater resources than local law enforcement.
The federal government has the ability to intercept phone calls, collect video evidence and use other powerful tools in an investigation.
Lastly, punishments for federal crimes can be severe.
If you or someone you know has been accused of a federal crime, you need a knowledgeable and aggressive federal criminal defense attorney who can bring the fight to the government.
Robert M. Helfend of the Helfend Law Group is a federal criminal defense attorney who has been taking on federal prosecutors and winning since 1984. Call today for a free consultation – 800-834-6434.
- Have you been accused of a federal offense? Give us a call.
- Why choose the Helfend Law Group?
- When you work with the Helfend Law Group, you get:
- What is a federal crime?
- When does a crime become a federal crime?
- What’s the difference between a state criminal case and a federal case?
- Can a federal crime be tried in a state court?
- Can a federal crime be a misdemeanor?
- Criminal defense attorney for any federal crime
- Accused of a federal crime? Contact the offices of Robert M. Helfend today
Why choose the Helfend Law Group?
Federal agents and prosecutors don’t mess around. If you have been accused of a federal crime or you believe you might be under investigation, you need an experienced federal attorney who has taken on the government before — and won.
Based in Los Angeles, Mr. Helfend has been recognized by his peers for his work in the courtroom, earning accolades from Super Lawyers, Lead Counsel and the National Trial Lawyers Top 100.
Trained at Pepperdine Law, Mr. Helfend has practiced criminal defense exclusively since 1984 and has won favorable judgments for thousands of clients in that time, including victories against federal prosecutors. See recent results.
When you work with the Helfend Law Group, you get:
- Personalized, one-on-one attention on your case – The Helfend Law Group does not use any junior attorneys, paralegals or secretaries on your case. All cases are personally managed by criminal defense lawyer Robert M. Helfend.
- Decades of experience on your side – When you have been at it as long as Robert M. Helfend, there’s nothing tricks you haven’t seen, no tactics you haven’t encountered and no strategy you haven’t planned for.
- An expert in federal litigation – While some attorneys might crack when facing the federal government at trial, Mr. Helfend doesn’t even flinch. He’s got the resourcefulness and tenacity to tackle complex federal cases and fight for the best possible outcome.
- A skilled an empathetic communicator – Mr. Helfend goes the extra mile to make complex legal issues easy to understand for his clients. His approachable demeanor ensures that clients feel at ease throughout the entire legal process.
If you or someone you know is facing federal criminal charges, call today for your free case evaluation – 800-834-6434.
What is a federal crime?
Federal crimes are offenses that violate United States Federal laws. Investigations for federal offenses are carried out by federal law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI or Homeland Security, and are prosecuted by U.S. prosecutors in a federal court.
In the Los Angeles area, prosecutors from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California handle federal cases. Federal crimes carry sentencing guidelines that judges need to follow, and penalties for federal crimes are oftentimes much harsher than for state offenses.
Many crimes that are usually handled by the state in which they occurred can also become federal offenses if they meet certain criteria.
When does a crime become a federal crime?
The majority of criminal cases fall under the jurisdiction of the state in which they occurred. There are, however, times when one of those crimes violates federal law as well and can be investigated and prosecuted by the federal government.
In general, a crime becomes federal if it violates U.S. law or occurs in multiple states. Many federal crimes involve the internet, U.S. Postal Service, or federal institutions, such as banks.
The categories of offenses that fall under federal jurisdiction include:
- Crimes that occur on federal property
- Illegal activity involves multiple states or crosses state lines,
- Acts of terrorism,
- Crimes against the government,
- Crimes that include certain aggravating factors, and
- Crimes that cause deliberate harm
What’s the difference between a state criminal case and a federal case?
State and federal investigations and litigation differ in some important ways. Whereas local law enforcement is generally responsible for the investigation of a state offense, federal crimes are investigated by federal agencies such as the FBI, Homeland Security, ICE, or the DEA.
The prosecution of federal crimes is handled by the United States Attorney’s Office and the United States Department of Justice.
Federal agencies have basically unlimited resources as their disposal when it comes to investigating and prosecuting federal crimes, which means that cases tend to move quickly. Federal judges are also required to follow sentencing guidelines and mandatory minimum sentences as opposed to using their discretion during sentencing.
Because federal cases are aggressively investigated and prosecuted and sentences are often severe, it is crucial that you hire an experienced federal defense attorney as soon as you think you might be under investigation.
Can a federal crime be tried in a state court?
A federal crime can be tried in a state court if it is a violation of both state and federal laws. The Double Jeopardy Clause of the Fifth Amendment that protects citizens from being tried for the same offense twice does not prevent both the state and federal governments from prosecuting the same offense because they are considered separate sovereigns.
That means that, if you commit an offense that is both a state and federal crime, prosecutors may decide which court to try the case in based on the severity of the crime and other factors. If both the state and the U.S. Government bring your case to trial, your case may be tried in both the federal and state courts.
Can a federal crime be a misdemeanor?
There are some federal crimes that are considered less severe and are charged as misdemeanors rather than felonies. Some common federal misdemeanor offenses include running a stop sign on federal property or reckless driving on a federal highway.
Misdemeanor offenses come with less severe penalties than felony offenses. Federal felony crimes are also categorized by their severity into five classes: A, B, C, D and E, with class E felonies being the least serious and class A felonies being the most serious. Class A felonies carry a sentence of life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Criminal defense attorney for any federal crime
Choosing the right criminal defense attorney can make all the difference when it comes to your freedom and your future. Robert M. Helfend is a top-rated Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer who specializes in difficult felonies and federal crimes.
With more than four decades of experience representing thousands of clients, he knows that serious charges require an aggressive defense. His reputation as a serious, knowledgeable defense attorney has earned him numerous accolades including recognition from SuperLawyers and the National Trial Lawyers Top 100. No matter your charges or situation, Mr. Helfend will work with you to create an ironclad defense and represent you through all stages of the legal process.
Accused of a federal crime? Contact the offices of Robert M. Helfend today
If you are facing charges for any type of federal crime, we can provide you with the care, attention, and aggressive defense that you will need in order to get through the difficult federal judicial process. Contact us today for a free initial consultation and let us get to work defending your rights and fighting for your future – 800-834-6434.
– Published January 22, 2013. Last updated September 28, 2024.