Federal regulations apply to every state in the country. Federal crimes are offenses that the federal government has deemed illegal. The punishments can be severe if you’ve been charged with a federal crime. Pierce Law Firm, P.C., has extensive experience defending Oklahomans against federal charges. We bring the fierce representation you need to prevent lengthy prison sentences. Contact the dedicated criminal defense lawyers at Pierce Law Firm, P.C. to get in touch with the right attorney for your federal defense.
Common Federal Crimes Prosecuted in Oklahoma
Drug trafficking is one of the joint federal crimes prosecuted in Oklahoma. Though any amount of a controlled substance can get an individual charged with drug distribution, the transportation or even possession of a specific quantity of a substance can be considered drug trafficking.
White-collar crimes such as embezzlement and fraud are also considered federal crimes, even though they are non-violent.
Cybercrime is another federal crime. Under Oklahoma law, it refers to any criminal act using a technological device such as a mobile phone, a computer, or the Internet. Numerous offenses may be considered cybercrimes and may be prosecuted as a state or federal offense, depending on the circumstances.
U.S. federal law dictates various firearms offenses an individual can be charged with. Generally, the most common firearms offense that federal prosecutors charge is possessing or purchasing firearms if the individual has previously been convicted of a felony.
Sentencing in Federal Cases
The Federal Sentencing Guidelines are rules that dictate a uniform policy regarding sentencing criminals convicted in the U.S. federal court system. Although these guidelines must be considered when determining a sentence, they are not mandatory.
Mandatory minimum sentences, ordered by federal judges, are fixed sentences imposed for specific offenses. They were established to ensure uniformity in sentencing firearms crimes, drug crimes, and some white-collar crimes.
After a federal crime is convicted, a U.S. Probation Officer interviews the defendant to prepare a pre-sentence report. This report aims to provide the court with information to fashion a fair and appropriate sentence.
Defense Strategies in Federal Cases
Numerous defense strategies can be used in federal cases. One of the more common strategies is to challenge any evidence obtained due to constitutional violations, such as an illegal search and seizure or a coerced confession.
A good federal crime defense attorney should be able to negotiate a plea agreement or plea bargain. In this method, the defendant agrees to plead guilty in order to receive a lighter punishment. Often, this method is used to avoid the possibility of receiving a tougher penalty that could result from losing at trial.
In federal cases, an attorney can also use various tactics at trial to help the defendant, such as convincing the jury that the witness is untruthful or presenting evidence to show that the defendant is innocent.
Contact Our Dedicated Federal Defense Attorneys
When charged with a federal offense, seeking aggressive legal representation is crucial. An experienced federal defense attorney will have access to the resources necessary to build a comprehensive defense and possess the specialized knowledge to defend your case in court properly.
Work with an attorney with federal crime expertise to obtain the best outcome possible for your federal charge. Schedule a free initial consultation with Pierce Law Firm’s committed criminal defense attorneys as soon as possible.