ARIZONA FEDERAL DEFENSE LAWYER

Generally speaking, most criminal cases are handled at the state level. This is because most criminal cases involve a violation of state or local law. Federal courts only handle cases that violate federal law, which are less common than violations of state law. However, certain crimes completely surpass the jurisdiction of state courts and go straight to federal court. Federal prosecutors who work for the government are the people who try these cases. For these reasons, it is important to seek out an Arizona federal defense lawyer with significant experience.

If you’re facing charges for federal crimes, you need a federal criminal defense attorney who understands how to handle these complicated cases. Unfortunately, convictions for federal crimes carry harsher sentencing and penalties. That’s why knowledge and experience matter when choosing the right federal defense team for your case. Call Ybarra Maldonado Law Group for qualified legal counsel. For more information about how we can help you, please call 602-910-4040. You can also fill out our online intake form.

Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys Who Get Results

At Ybarra Maldonado Law Group, our team has an in-depth understanding of what it takes to craft an effective defense. We conduct our own investigations into the details of your case to ensure that your defense is as ironclad as we can possibly make it.

We also cross-examine evidence and witnesses that prosecutors use in their case against you. This will allow us to gather as much information as possible. Federal criminal cases have the potential to change the course of your life. An experienced federal criminal lawyer with our firm will fight tooth and nail to protect your rights and your freedoms.

Federal Cases We Handle

There are a multitude of different types of federal crimes our firm handles. Below, we list some of the most common federal offenses we see at our Phoenix law firm.

• Drug crimes (trafficking, possession, manufacturing, and distribution)
• Mail fraud
• Wire fraud
• Bank fraud
• Conspiracy
• Firearm crimes
• Immigration-related crimes
• Theft crimes
• Internet crimes
• Certain white-collar crimes

What Makes a Federal Crime a Federal Crime?

Generally, fewer crimes are charged at the federal level than are charged at the state level. This is because there are fewer areas that fall under the federal government’s jurisdiction. When national security and interests are at stake, an offense of this nature is obviously under the federal government’s umbrella of authority. One example is producing counterfeit money. This is because the federal government is responsible for producing the nation’s currency.

However, there are other reasons why a case might end up in federal court. Crimes with the following characteristics are usually federal crimes.

• The crime took place on federal property.
• It crossed state lines.
• It involved federal officers.
• The crime violated a federal law or statute.
• It involved fraud or misrepresentation of the federal government.
• It involved issues of immigration or customs violations.

Common Federal Crime Charges

There are certain specific crimes that are more commonly charged at the federal level.

• Terrorism
• Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO) violations
• Tax fraud
• Human trafficking
• Fraud
• Counterfeiting
• Drug charges
• Child pornography
• Internet and computer crimes
• Embezzlement

Are Federal Criminal Cases Different from State Criminal Cases?

It’s important for federal criminal lawyers to understand the differences between federal criminal cases and state cases. The federal criminal defense lawyers at our firm are here to help you understand the differences between the federal system and the state system.

The Differences Between Federal Court and State Court

Let’s start with the construction of each court system. Federal judges are selected by the United States President, then confirmed or denied by the United States Senate. Unless certain circumstances arise, these are lifelong positions. The only way to remove a federal judge is to start the impeachment process in the Senate.

A federal judge enjoys much prestige and respect, but they also have a lot of responsibility. Although the caseloads in the federal system are lighter, this means that federal cases will move more quickly. Therefore, judges, federal prosecutors, and federal criminal attorneys must ensure that every aspect of each federal criminal case is handled appropriately.

In state courts, it is very common for trials to be delayed several times before actually beginning. This simply does not happen in federal courts. It is very rare for a federal case to be continued in federal court.

It is possible, however, for a case to move from state court to federal court. This usually happens for the following reasons.

• There is a large amount of money or drugs involved.
• The case involves fraud on a large scale.
• Or the government is alleging a very high level of harm done by the defendant.
• The case involves something which is specifically illegal at the federal level.

The Differences Between Federal Prosecutors and State Prosecutors

Another major difference is in the state and federal prosecutor positions. Federal prosecutors must be more intensely screened and scrutinized than state prosecutors. Federal criminal case prosecutors have more prestige and fewer cases, but they must use their extra time to fully prepare for trial. This is not to say that state prosecutors are not as talented as federal prosecutors. Each position has its own benefits and drawbacks, much like judge positions.

Sentencing for Federal vs. State Cases

Additionally, penalties for state and federal crimes vary drastically. Federal sentencing guidelines are generally followed by federal judges. Federal drug charges have much harsher mandatory minimum penalties than state drug charges. Also, those convicted of federal criminal charges will go to federal prison rather than state prison.

It’s also important to note that felony convictions revoke certain civil rights. Many people wonder, “Can a felon get a passport?” We recommend reading our blog for more information on this topic.

Why Do You Need a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer?

If you’re facing federal criminal investigations, it is essential that you find an experienced federal criminal defense attorney. Federal criminal trials are a serious matter, so it’s important to have someone on your side who fully understands the laws surrounding your case. Even if someone feels strongly that they could defend themselves against a federal criminal charge, this is almost never a better idea than hiring a lawyer. Below, we explain a few reasons why you need a federal criminal defense lawyer.