Philadelphia Federal Crimes Lawyer

 

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Get experienced, aggressive legal help from Fienman Defense.

A skilled Philadelphia federal crimes lawyer understands the different rules and procedures in federal court. When your life and liberty are on the line, there’s no time for a learning curve.

Award-winning federal crimes attorney Michael H. Fienman fights to clear your name and protect your freedom. Depending on the circumstances and evidence, we may be able to get your case dismissed or your charges reduced.

Get Fienman Defense in your corner and protect your future. For a free case evaluation, call (215) 839-9529 or use our contact form, and we’ll reach out to you.

How Does a Federal Crimes Lawyer Help Me?

While most crimes fall under Pennsylvania state law’s authority, federal prosecutors investigate the crime and prosecute the suspect in some scenarios. Federal courts have different procedures than state courts. Philadelphia federal criminal lawyer Fienman has a deep understanding of federal statutes. His federal legal experience works toward your advantage when you face the harsh penalties of these crimes.

How Is Reasonable Doubt Created?

Federal and state prosecutors have the burden of proof – they must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Federal criminal defense lawyers do not have to make an affirmative defense. Instead, a skilled trial lawyer finds weaknesses in the prosecution’s case with several effective methods.

Seek to Suppress Illegally Obtained Evidence

We seek to suppress evidence obtained from an illegal search warrant or other unlawful police action. Prosecutors cannot use evidence secured in violation of your Constitutional rights.

Reinterpret the Evidence

A Philadelphia federal criminal lawyer reinterprets or identifies flaws or uncertainties in the prosecution’s evidence. We can also secure experts to contest proof, documentation, or testimony.

Introduce Contradictory Evidence or Testimony

We may present contradictory proof, such as an alibi that points to your innocence.

Fienman Defense stands with you throughout your case. You are always informed and involved with your defense. We advise you to the best of our ability within our commitment as legal fiduciaries.

Fienman Defense Handles all Kinds of Federal Crimes

Most federal crimes fall under the U.S. Code Title 18 Crimes and Criminal Procedure, or Title 21 Food and Drugs. Fienman Law handles many types of federal crimes, including the following.

White Collar Crimes

Antitrust Violation

Antitrust violations cover many unlawful business practices, including price-fixing, unfair bidding, restricted trade, creating monopolies, or other prohibited behavior. You could pay fines of hundreds or thousands of dollars and spend years in prison if convicted. Your business partners or company might also pay fines, sometimes in the millions of dollars.

Bribery

Whether you give or receive bribes, you could spend up to 15 years in prison and pay massive fines. Under federal law prohibits giving or receiving money in exchange for the performance of an official act.

Computer Crimes

Several federal statutes, such as the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, the Identity Theft Enforcement and Restitution Act, and even the USA PATRIOT Act prohibit digital crimes. Computer crimes have severe penalties under federal law, from illegal downloading to cyber terrorism to online fraud schemes.

Embezzlement

This offense involves taking money or property that belongs to a company or organization and using it for personal gain. Embezzlement comes under the federal government’s jurisdiction when the organization is a federal agency or the company has a contract with the federal government. Embezzlement may also be a federal crime when committed by a bank or credit union employee.

Fraud

At its core, fraud involves lying to another person or an organization for personal gain. The federal government prosecutes countless types of fraud, ranging from an individual lying to receive government aid to multinational corporations misleading investors. A fraud conviction will result in fines, possible imprisonment, and restitution for victims.

Identity Theft

Since 1998, it’s been a federal crime to knowingly use other people’s personal information without their consent to commit, conspire, or abet any state felony or other offense prohibited under federal law. If convicted of identity theft, you face years in prison, heavy fines, and the obligation to repay your victims.

Money Laundering

Under the Money Laundering Control Act of 1986, it’s a federal crime to engage in commercial activities or financial transactions to conceal the profits from illegal activities. A conviction for money laundering could mean a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

Racketeering

Federal racketeering laws, including the Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organizations Act, were created to combat crime families in the mid 20th century. Today, the federal government uses these laws to charge drug traffickers and gang members. A conviction under RICO may lead to a maximum sentence of 20 years and $25,000 in fines.

Tax Evasion

Corporations, individuals, and trusts must all pay taxes. Failure to file taxes when required, misrepresenting your income, or overstating your deductions could mean prison and steep fines if you did so intentionally and with malice.

Violent, Drug & Other Federal Crimes

Armed Robbery

Armed robbery in Pennsylvania becomes a federal crime when the theft affects interstate commerce, or the victim is a bank, the U.S. mail, or a federal agency. The cost and penalties of litigating a federal armed robbery case are even more severe than under state law.

Drug Crimes & Charges

Drug crimes fall under federal jurisdiction when manufacturing, growing, trafficking, or transporting controlled substances across state lines or through the U.S. mail. While many states allow adults over 21 to use marijuana recreationally, you could still be charged with a federal drug crime if caught on federal property. The penalties for violating federal drug laws are usually stricter than state drug laws.

Conspiracy

Federal laws don’t just prohibit criminal conduct. It is also illegal to conspire or attempt to agree to commit a crime and take at least one action towards furthering the crime. The penalties for conspiracy are incredibly severe, considering that no actual crime has taken place.

Murder

Murder charges become federal depending on the location of the crime and the victim’s identity. The federal government prosecutes murder on federal land or if the victim is protected by federal law, such as law enforcement officers.

Possessing Child Pornography

It’s a federal crime to download, email links to, or view child pornography that crossed state lines. Few crimes attract as much stigma as child pornography. Individuals convicted on child pornography charges must publicly register as sex offenders.

Theft

If you steal from a federal agency or cross a state line during the commission of a robbery, you may face federal theft charges. Federal theft charges can be for stealing money, property, documents, or even data. If convicted, you could spend years in prison, pay steep fines, and provide restitution when applicable.

Witness Tampering

Federal law prohibits intimidating or interfering with the testimony of a witness through bribes, coercion, or force. It is a 10-year prison sentence for an individual convicted of threatening a witness with physical force and 20 years in prison for physically harming a witness.

Defend Yourself with a Philadelphia Federal Criminal Lawyer

Fienman Defense successfully represents individuals charged with federal crimes in Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware, and Chester counties. Our clients come from all walks of life and find themselves in trouble due to substance abuse, poor judgment, or unfortunate circumstances.

If you face federal charges in Philadelphia, give yourself the best chance to clear your name and avoid penalties. Get a free consultation with Fienman Defense. Call (215) 839-9529 or use our contact form.