Being charged or indicted with a federal crime in Newburgh, New York, is a serious matter. You may have been the subject of a federal investigation for some time before the government filed charges. Therefore, the government may have compiled numerous records and substantial evidence before beginning criminal proceedings. You need to act quickly to protect your rights.
Our criminal defense lawyers at Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys, have over 50 years of combined experience. Our team includes former prosecutors and skilled legal professionals. We understand all aspects of the criminal justice system. Our extensive legal knowledge and resources equip us to handle the most complicated criminal matters, including federal crimes.
Contact Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys, at (845) 566-5345 today to schedule a free consultation with one of our Newburgh federal crimes lawyers.
How Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help You Fight Charges for Federal Crimes in New York
At Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys, our lawyers are seasoned trial attorneys and skilled negotiators. We fight to have your federal charges dismissed or reduced. Our Newburgh, NY, attorneys take cases to trial when that is in their best interest. However, if going to trial is not the best option, our lawyers aggressively negotiate for favorable plea agreements.
Our lawyers handle all aspects of your federal criminal case. When you hire a Newburgh criminal defense attorney, you can trust we will:
- Complete a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to your federal criminal charges
- Explain your legal options and how federal laws impact your case
- Gather evidence to support your defense
- Work with leading expert witnesses and other professionals when necessary to build a strong defense.
- Develop a defense strategy that gives you the best chance of a dismissal, acquittal, or favorable plea deal.
- Advocate for you during all court hearings and appearances
Experience matters when choosing a criminal attorney. Our lawyers have received recognition and awards from national legal organizations, including The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and America’s Top 100 Attorneys.
We have exceptional ratings and reviews with Avvo, Super Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell. We are members of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, The New York State Bar Association, and the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Call Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys, to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Newburgh federal crimes attorney.
Why Am I Being Charged Under Federal Law Instead of State Law?
Many criminal charges overlap between state and federal laws. State crimes are charged under the New York Penal Code. State criminal charges are prosecuted in local criminal courts.
However, if illegal acts cross state borders or involve a large criminal operation, it could result in federal charges under the Code of Laws of the United States. These cases are prosecuted in federal courts.
Federal agencies investigate federal crimes. You could be charged because of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Proven Criminal Defense for Federal Criminal Charges in Newburgh, NY
Our criminal lawyers have experience in numerous areas of federal criminal law. Examples of our primary practice areas for federal crimes include:
Federal Drug Crimes
You may be charged for some drug offenses under federal drug statutes. Federal drug crimes include conspiracy, drug possession, drug trafficking, and drug manufacturing. Federal agencies often investigate and charge people with federal drug crimes when the illegal activity involves large amounts of drugs or a complex drug operation. Federal drug charges may also result from drugs coming across the border and other factors.
Fraud Charges (White Collar Crimes)
White-collar crimes involve non-violent offenses related to fraud. People commit white-collar crimes for financial gain. Examples of white-collar crimes and fraud include, but are not limited to:
- Embezzlement
- Tax crimes
- Bank fraud
- Health care fraud
- Public corruption
- Securities and commodities fraud
- Insider trading
- Money laundering
- Ponzi schemes
- Insurance fraud
- Bribery
- Intellectual property theft
The FBI investigates many of the federal white-collar crimes. White-collar crimes can result in substantial financial losses for victims. The penalties for white-collar crimes can be severe.
Federal Sex Crimes
Sex crimes are common state charges. However, when the crimes involve human trafficking, using the internet, or crossing state lines, the crimes generally fall under federal jurisdiction. Common federal sex crimes include:
- Computer sex crimes
- Human trafficking, including forced labor and sexual purposes
- Abusive sexual contact and aggravated sexual abuse
- Crimes involving children and minors, including child trafficking, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, and child pornography
- Sex crimes that occur on federal property
It is possible to be charged with federal sex crimes and state sex crimes arising from the same criminal conduct. Individuals may be charged with other crimes related to the sex crimes, such as conspiracy.
Federal Weapons Charges
The United States Constitution guarantees our rights to possess and own firearms. However, that does not mean the federal government cannot enact laws governing weapons and firearms. Examples of federal weapons charges include:
- Unlawfully taking or stealing firearms
- Firearm trafficking
- Illegal transport of a firearm
- Unlawful sale of firearms
- Possessing or using a firearm to commit a federal crime or drug felony
- Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person
- Possessing a firearm in a school zone
You may be charged with weapons offenses in relation to another crime. Firearms are often used when committing other crimes. The federal prosecutor charges defendants with weapons crimes to stack the potential criminal penalties for a guilty verdict.
Penalties for Convictions of Federal Crimes
The penalties issued by federal courts are often more severe than penalties issued by state courts for the same or similar offenses. Aggravating factors, your criminal history, and other factors can enhance a federal sentence.
The potential penalties for federal crimes include, but are not limited to:
- Incarceration in a federal prison
- Substantial fines
- Forfeiture of assets
- Loss of civil rights, including the right to own firearms, vote, or hold office
- Federal probation
- Payment of restitution to victims
Many federal crimes result in mandatory minimum penalties. Federal sentencing guidelines can result in decades in prison.
Collateral consequences for federal convictions can include immigration consequences, lifetime registration as a sex offender, housing restrictions, restrictions on licenses and permits, and employment restrictions. Additionally, a federal conviction could affect parental rights and child custody. You may not be able to travel internationally with a federal record.
Building a Defense to Federal Crimes
Even though you are innocent until proven guilty, you must aggressively defend yourself against federal crimes. The prosecutor must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. However, you need to present a defense that raises reasonable doubt to have the best chance of beating federal charges.
Potential defenses to federal crimes include:
Entrapment
Federal law enforcement officers may become too aggressive when investigating a potential crime. While officers may go undercover to investigate crimes, entrapment violates a person’s rights. Entrapment occurs when an officer pressures you or tricks you into committing a crime you would not otherwise have committed.
Self-Defense
You may be able to claim self-defense or the defense of others if you can prove that you were in immediate threat of harm. You must prove that you had a right to defend yourself and the force you used was proportionate to the threat against you.
Statutory Defenses
Some federal crimes may have defenses within the criminal statute. Your conduct must also meet the statutory definition of the crime in the federal code. An attorney may argue that the prosecution has failed to provide sufficient evidence proving the statutory requirements for the crime.
Violation of Your Rights
Several defenses could apply if law enforcement agents or prosecutors violate your rights. For example, suppose agents conduct an illegal search and seizure. Your attorney files a motion to suppress evidence. If the judge rules that the search was illegal, all evidence seized because of the illegal search is inadmissible in court.
Mistaken Identity
Some criminal charges may result in part from a victim identifying you as the perpetrator. If so, your attorney may attack the credibility of the witness’s identification. This defense may be combined with an alibi, proving you could not have committed the crime.
Lack of Intent and/or Duress
Many federal crimes require that the prosecutor prove you knowingly, willfully, and/or intentionally committed the crime. Your attorney may argue a lack of intent as a defense.
You may also claim that you were forced to commit the crime under duress or threat of harm. An insanity defense could also assist in proving a lack of intent to commit the crime if a mental illness prevented you from forming intent.
Protecting Your Rights During a Federal Investigation
It is important to remember that you need legal representation if you are being investigated for federal crimes. Do not wait until federal officers arrest you to contact an attorney.
During a federal investigation, federal agents may question you several times. You may also be asked to provide documents and other evidence. Cooperating with a federal investigation without legal counsel is not in your best interest. When you realize you are a suspect instead of a witness, the government may have sufficient evidence to charge you with a federal crime.
As soon as you suspect you may be under investigation for a federal crime, contact a federal crimes lawyer. Even if you are informed that you are a witness or interested party, you should hire an attorney to protect your rights.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Newburgh Federal Crimes Lawyer
Federal criminal charges in Newburgh, NY, can result in severe penalties and life-altering collateral consequences. We understand what is at stake and will fight to protect your rights and best interests. Call Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys, for a free case review with a Newburgh federal crimes lawyer.