Alexandria Federal Criminal Lawyer
When you are facing federal charges in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the potential penalties are serious, which is why you should seek out an aggressive Alexandria federal criminal lawyer to manage your defense. The experienced attorneys at our firm are committed to serving clients being prosecuted at the highest levels of the criminal justice system.
There’s no substitute for a strong and proactive defense strategy developed by an attorney who knows the federal court system in Virginia. By working with an Alexandria federal criminal lawyer with our firm, you can rest assured that your attorney is doing everything possible to obtain the best results in your case.
Many people think that it’s nearly impossible to achieve a favorable outcome when facing federal charges. The federal defense attorneys at our firm, on the other hand, know that with innovation and active advocacy it is possible to overcome difficult charges at the federal level. Call today to discuss your case with a criminal attorney in Alexandria.
About Federal Charges
In addition to the Code of Virginia statutes, residents of the state of Virginia are also subject to the laws of the U.S. government. While this includes the Bill of Rights, otherwise known as the first ten Amendments to the Constitution of the United States, this also includes the other 17 Amendments and the often-bewildering forest of laws handed down from Congress on nearly every aspect of American life.
Violations of federal law are often treated far more severely than breaches of state law, including harsher penalties, steeper fines, and a plethora of unfortunate consequences for the person convicted of violating them. These severe penalties and well-trained prosecutors make it even more vital that someone charged with a federal crime contact an Alexandria federal criminal lawyer.
Common Federal Law Violations
Tax Evasion or Tax Fraud
A common federal law violation is failure to comply with all the provisions of USC: Title 26 – Internal Revenue Code. This ever-changing body of law governs all the things a taxpayer must do, both privately and as a member of a business organization, to stay compliant with all aspects of the law and to ensure that the government receives the proper portion of every working person’s income. Penalties for violations of this section may include additional financial penalties and levies, audits of one’s personal and business financial records, or arrest and time in a federal prison.
Copyright Infringement
Another infraction which the federal government is particularly interested in is copyright infringement under the Copyright Act. This has become such a widespread problem that every movie sold in the United States bears a stern warning concerning the penalties for copyright infringement: from $200 to $250,000 in fines, payment of all court costs associated with the prosecution and defense of the infringement charges, and up to five years in federal prison.
However, there are exceptions to this law, known collectively and commonly as Fair Use. Under this paradigm, a person may use otherwise copyrighted material as part of an academic paper or teaching program, or for public not-for-profit education on a given matter, within certain restrictions. An Alexandria federal criminal lawyer will be able to explain in greater detail.
Kidnapping (Abduction)
Kidnapping (18 USC Section 1201) is a federal crime that is taken extremely seriously. This crime involves taking a person from one place to another, usually but not always across state lines, unlawfully and/or without the person’s consent. Kidnapping a minor by a person who is not the child’s parent is punished particularly harshly under the law because of the recent widespread concern over child sex trafficking (see next section), particularly if the death of the child results.
In any case, the penalty for kidnapping is set forth in this code as “any term of years or life” in prison. If the death of a kidnapped person results from the kidnapper’s actions, life in prison or the death penalty may be levied.
Human Trafficking and Federal Sex Crimes
Human trafficking (U.S. Code, Title 22, Chapter 78 – Trafficking Victims Protection) is considered modern-day slavery. It is a violation not only of USC 22, Chapter 78, but also the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution.
The provisions of this law mandate protection for victims of sex or any other human trafficking, including physical and emotional rehabilitation, medical care, and assurance of the victim’s safety while testifying against the trafficker. Penalties for this offense are treated similarly to kidnapping, above making it imperative that an Alexandria federal criminal attorney is contacted as soon as possible.
Terrorism
Terrorism has become the hot topic in modern law circles. Many people are confused about what constitutes terrorism, and the federal government spends billions of dollars and man-hours every year on prevention, prosecution, and detention of terrorist suspects. Governed under 18 USC Chapter 113B, terrorism is defined as violent acts that violate federal or state laws, or that would violate any such law if committed on U.S. soil or territory, and is intended to coerce or frighten a civilian population or the government.
This definition further includes kidnapping, acts of destruction of property or persons, and/or murder or assassination. Penalties for terrorism include life imprisonment, restitution, and fines, or death.
Federal Gun Crimes
While there are no blanket federal gun laws on the books generally prohibiting the carrying or ownership of firearms, except in certain limited circumstances, federal statutes do recognize the use of a firearm in the commission of a federal offense as an included added offense. Such use of firearms has been known to tip the scales between a lengthy prison sentence and an offense calling for the death penalty, as in cases where a bank robber shoots and kills a person, particularly a police officer or federal agent, during the robbery.
Federal Investigations
The U.S. government agencies empowered to investigate the crimes listed above include the Internal Revenue Service, the Treasury Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Department of Homeland Security.
Because of new laws stemming from the September 11th, 2001 terror attacks, and subsequent events, these agencies enjoy a great deal of leeway and discretion in their investigations. Many activist groups have formed to combat the power of these agencies because some of their operational methods skirt close to violating guaranteed Constitutional rights.
Being on the receiving end of a federal felony charge can be a very frightening situation. A defendant may find their property, liberty, and even their life at stake. It must always be remembered that being charged with a crime, or a constellation of crimes, is not the same thing as being convicted of these crimes.
Even then, government agencies have rules and regulations they must follow in terms of gathering evidence, submitting this evidence to the court, and what evidence they are empowered to gather at any time, under any circumstances.
Learn How an Alexandria Federal Criminal Attorney Can Help
A reputable Alexandria Federal Criminal Lawyer is specially trained and educated in the powers these agencies do and do not have. These attorneys are especially vigilant concerning such matters as search warrants and Constitutionally-guaranteed rights.
Federal law requires that a person taken into custody be given the so-called Miranda warning, which states in detail what the Constitutional and civil rights of the accused are. It is your federal criminal lawyer’s task to ensure that your rights and due process are honored at every step of search, arrest, trial, and during confinement and appeals.
