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There are different laws at the federal versus state level. While state charges are the most common in Arizona, certain types of crimes are under federal jurisdiction. If you are facing federal criminal charges, your case will go through the federal court system. If you are convicted, you could face much higher penalties and sentencing than a crime at the state level. It is important to contact an experienced and aggressive Phoenix federal crimes defense attorney at AZ Defenders right away if you have been charged or arrested for a federal crime.
Federal law and state law are two separate systems. States have the right to create their own laws, even if they go against federal law. However, laws on a federal level take precedence. This means that while something may be legal in your state if it is illegal on a federal level, you could face federal charges. However, the federal government generally only investigates cases and prosecutes individuals for serious federal crimes. Examples of federal crimes are:
A criminal act may be classified as a federal crime if it breaks a federal law, takes place on federal property, crosses state lines, or involves federal officers, federal employees, immigration or customs. Federal crimes are investigated by federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Then, they are prosecuted and heard in federal court.
As soon as you suspect or find out that federal criminal charges are being brought against you, contact a local criminal defense lawyer with experience handling these types of cases. This includes if you’ve received a federal target letter, which lets you know that you may be a target of a federal investigation. It is imperative to protect your rights by hiring an attorney from the very beginning of your case. Otherwise, you may say or do something that is self-incriminating. A lawyer can advise you on what to say and do for the best chance of escaping a conviction or reducing the penalties that you face.
A federal crimes defense attorney in Phoenix can represent you in the federal court with a defense strategy that has been customized for your unique case and criminal history. Your lawyer can help you tell your side of the story to a federal grand jury. Then, your lawyer can handle all of your court appearances for you, including your arraignment, pretrial hearings and the criminal trial. Throughout your case, a lawyer will use every available tool to protect your rights and prevent the serious consequences that are associated with federal crimes.
If you or a loved one is facing federal charges or has received a letter stating that you are part of a federal criminal investigation, contact AZ Defenders without delay. We will review your case at no cost and answer your legal questions to provide as much peace of mind as we can during this stressful time. As your Phoenix federal crimes defense attorneys, we will work tirelessly to defend your rights. Call (480) 456-6400 to speak to an attorney today. We have representatives available 24/7.