Were you convicted for a federal crime in Cleveland, OH? This can result in harsh sentences. Being arrested or investigated by the ATF, DEA, FBI, etc. should be viewed as a serious matter. At The Elkhatib Law Office, we are prepared to defend you, call us at (216) 334-3444 with our Cleveland federal crimes lawyer.
At The Elkhatib Law Office, we have the experience and resources to defend individuals facing federal charges. With years of experience, our attorneys are equipped to handle the most complex cases. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our attorneys.
How The Elkhatib Law Office Can Help If You Were Charged With a Federal Crime in Cleveland, OH
Have you been accused of committing a federal crime in Cleveland, Ohio? Did you receive a subpoena from a federal agency? If so, you need immediate legal advice to protect your rights. Do not make the common mistake of dealing with federal law enforcement agents without an attorney.
At The Elkhatib Law Office, we understand the federal court system and the charges you face. When you hire our award-winning Cleveland criminal defense attorneys, you can trust that we will:
- Complete a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to federal criminal charges
- Protect your constitutional rights during all aspects of your case
- Be proactive in addressing issues during an investigation to try to prevent charges
- Gather evidence to support your defense, including working with expert witnesses as necessary
- Develop a defense strategy based on the evidence and factors in your case and relevant laws
- Represent you during all court hearings
- Negotiate with prosecutors to obtain fair plea deals and agreements
Call The Elkhatib Law Office to request a free case evaluation with a Cleveland federal crimes attorney. We are available when you need trusted legal counsel.
What Is the Difference Between Federal Crimes and State Crimes in Ohio?
Most people arrested in Cleveland are accused of illegal acts under Title 29 of the Ohio Revised Code. Local law enforcement officers investigate state crimes. After an arrest, the case is prosecuted through local courts.
Federal crimes are invested by federal agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). When someone is arrested for violating the Code of Laws of the United States, they are prosecuted in federal court.
Many criminal offenses overlap between state and federal law. Several factors are considered when a person could be charged in state or federal court.
Generally, federal charges apply when the illegal activity occurred in multiple states or the offense is related to a large criminal operation. If a federal agency was involved in the investigation, the charges would usually be federal offenses.
Examples of Federal Crimes You Could Face in Cleveland, OH
Federal law enforcement agencies have the authority to make arrests in any state in the country. Therefore, you might be a resident of Cleveland, but you can be arrested on federal charges at home, business, or anywhere in Ohio.
Common federal offenses individuals face include:
Federal Drug Crimes
Drug crimes fall under state and federal law. Federal agencies handle some drug offenses because of the amount of drugs involved, the size of the operation, or other factors. Federal drug offenses include drug trafficking, conspiracy, drug manufacturing, and drug possession.
White Collar Crimes
White-collar crimes are nonviolent crimes committed for financial gain. Many white-collar crimes involve fraud, such as:
- Healthcare fraud
- Insurance fraud
- Bank fraud
- Wire fraud
- Embezzlement
- Tax evasion
- Insider trading
- Bribery
- Ponzi schemes
- Money laundering
- Securities fraud
- Bank fraud
Even though white-collar crimes are considered nonviolent, these crimes can cause significant financial losses for victims. You should treat these charges as serious as any other federal crime.
Federal Weapons Charges
The United States Constitution gives citizens the right to keep and bear arms. However, that does not mean the government cannot enact laws regulating weapons. Federal weapons charges include:
- Unlawful sale of a firearm
- Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person
- Stealing or unlawfully taking firearms
- Using or possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug felony or other federal crime
- Possessing a firearm in a school zone
- Firearm trafficking
Firearms and weapons charges are common federal crimes. These charges are often combined with other federal crimes because the weapons are used to commit the crime.
Federal Sex Crimes
Federal sex crimes often involve crossing state lines to commit crimes, trafficking, or using the internet to commit crimes. Common federal sex crimes include:
- Sex crimes involving minors, including sexual abuse, child pornography, child trafficking, and sexual exploitation
- Human trafficking, including trafficking for sexual purposes or forced labor
- Computer sex crimes
- Sexual offenses that occur on federal property
The federal penalties for sex crimes are often harsher than state penalties. In many cases, individuals are charged with additional crimes because the sex crimes involve a conspiracy or other criminal conduct.
What Are the Penalties for Federal Crimes?
The penalties for a federal conviction depend on the criminal charges, the person’s criminal history, aggravating factors, and other circumstances. In general, federal penalties are harsher than the penalties imposed by Ohio laws.
Penalties for federal crimes include, but are not limited to:
- Federal prison terms
- Fines and assessments
- Restitution to victims
- Forfeiture of assets
- Federal Probation
- Loss of civil rights, including losing the right to vote, possess firearms, or hold office
Federal judges must consider federal sentencing guidelines when imposing sentences for federal convictions. Many federal crimes have mandatory minimum penalties, which can include lengthy prison sentences.
Common Defenses to Federal Crimes
You are innocent until the federal government proves your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. However, that does not mean you should trust federal courts or juries to return the correct verdict. You have the right to defend yourself. The best way to protect your rights is with an aggressive defense.
Defenses for federal crimes depend on the charges and the circumstances of your case. Potential defenses your attorney may raise include:
- Self-defense: If you are charged with a violent federal crime, you may argue that you were defending yourself or someone else. You would need to show that you had the right to defend yourself and the amount of force you used was proportionate to the threat you faced.
- Violation of your rights: Regardless of the charges you face, you maintain your Constitutional rights. For example, law enforcement cannot conduct unlawful searches and seizures. Evidence obtained through an illegal search may be inadmissible in court.
- Entrapment: Law enforcement agents can lie. That is why you should never talk with law enforcement agents without an attorney present. However, they cannot trick you or pressure you into committing a crime you would not otherwise commit.
- Statutory defenses: There could be defenses contained within the criminal statute that may be used. Furthermore, if the circumstances involved in your case do not meet the specific definitions of a crime under the federal code, statutory defenses may apply.
- Other defenses: There could be a number of defenses depending on your case. Other defenses to criminal charges may include having an alibi or lack of intent to commit the crime. We may argue that you were under duress and forced to commit the crime by someone.
Lack of sufficient evidence to prove all elements of the crime may also be a defense. In some cases, insanity defenses may be effective defenses to federal crimes.
Preparing for a Meeting With a Federal Crimes Lawyer in Cleveland
It is crucial to choose a federal crimes lawyer with sufficient experience to handle your case. Questions you want to ask a lawyer during a consultation include:
- How regularly do you represent clients in federal court?
- Could you explain the difference between a federal charge and a state charge?
- How familiar are you with the federal sentencing guidelines?
- Can you explain my federal charges and the potential penalties for a conviction?
- What resources do you have to devote to my case?
- How much experience do you have defending charges like those I am facing?
The time to meet with a federal crimes attorney is as soon as you discover you could be under investigation, you receive a target letter from the United States Attorney, or you receive a subpoena from a federal court. Working with a skilled federal attorney before charges are filed can make a difference in how the government handles your case. It could also impact the outcome of your case.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Cleveland Federal Crimes Lawyer
If you are under investigation for a federal crime or have been arrested on federal charges in Cleveland, Ohio, call The Elkhatib Law Office for a free case review. Our Cleveland federal crimes lawyers have extensive experience handling federal cases. Get the support, guidance, and legal advice you need to protect your rights as you navigate the federal judicial system.
