Highland Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Federal Criminal Defense Attorney in Highland, IL

Facing a criminal investigation or charges in federal court is serious. You need to know that the rules have changed when federal agencies investigate you or file charges in federal court. If you have been charged with a federal crime or are under investigation by federal law enforcement, contact a Highland federal criminal defense lawyer to discuss your rights and potential defenses before you get charged.

Federal criminal defense cases involve highly detailed investigations by federal agencies with strict rules and penalties. Federal agencies have more resources to put toward your case than most local police departments.

About The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC

The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC is located in Edwardsville, Illinois. We handle serious state and federal criminal charges for people throughout Madison County and Illinois. Jessica Koester has handled complex trials for over two decades and will put that experience to work for you. Aggressive and thorough preparation are the hallmarks of Jessica’s representation. Our office is located near the Federal Courthouse in East St. Louis, Illinois, at 750 Missouri Ave.

Understanding the Types of Federal Crimes

Almost any type of crime can be charged federally. Drug and firearms offenses are usually federal cases. The reason for this is that these types of crimes become federal when there is an interstate connection, such as transporting drugs across state lines or distributing narcotics. White collar crimes like fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, and embezzlement can also be charged in federal court.

Federal prosecutors have more resources to investigate these types of crimes. Many times, they will gather evidence for years before charging someone. This means bank records, digital evidence, and witness interviews may have been compiled over a long period of time. Some common types of federal crimes include:

• Drug trafficking
• Firearms crimes
• Conspiracy
• Fraud
• Immigration crimes
• White collar crimes
• Sexual crimes

Federal Crime Statistics

There were many crimes reported to the United States Sentencing Commission over the years. This amount typically fluctuates every year. In fiscal year 2023, the following crimes were recorded:

• Immigration violations accounted for 30.0% of all sentencing cases, with 19,226 people receiving sentences for immigration offenses.
• With 29.9% of all sentencing cases, drug offenses were the second most prevalent type. 19,146 people received sentences for drug-related offenses.
• With 13.8% of all sentencing cases, firearms offenses were the third most frequent. 8,832 people received sentences for offenses involving weapons.
• Theft, embezzlement, and fraud were the fourth most frequent offenses, making up 8.1% of all sentencing cases. 5,205 people received sentences for embezzlement, theft, and fraud.

How Federal Cases Differ From State Cases

Federal cases are different from state cases in many ways. Federal investigations can take months or years before charges are filed. By the time you know about the investigation, federal prosecutors might already have hundreds of pages of evidence. Federal sentencing also operates very differently from state courts.

Once someone has been found guilty of a federal crime, the judge will look to the United States Sentencing Guidelines. While judges have discretion, the sentencing guidelines can lead to decades in prison depending on the crime and the sentence for felony charges.

Hire a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Facing federal criminal charges can be intimidating and confusing. Federal prosecutors have unlimited resources to throw at your case. They work for the government, and their goal is to get a conviction. Understanding the rules, the possible defenses you may have, and how federal prosecutors think can make all the difference in your case.

It’s wise to hire a federal criminal defense lawyer before federal authorities arrive with an arrest warrant in hand. If you wait until charges are filed against you, you may lose opportunities to prevent the case from continuing. Once the prosecutor files charges in federal court, things move quickly. By preparing early and knowing your options, you can put your mind at ease and gather the evidence necessary to build a defense against your federal criminal charges.

FAQs

What Are the Four Major Criminal Law Defenses?

Major criminal defenses include innocence, self-defense, constitutional issues, and lack of intent. A plea of innocence essentially argues that the defendant wasn’t the one who did it. Self-defense excuses an action because of a threat to personal safety. Constitutional issues include violations of rights such as illegal searches. Lack of intent argues that the defendant did not have the mental state necessary for the crime.

What Should I Not Tell a Judge?

In a courtroom setting, it’s crucial to refrain from emotional outbursts, avoid self-incrimination through careless speech, and be fully aware of the legal context. Irrelevant testimony, deflecting blame, or disrespectful statements can also hurt your case. As a general rule, you should speak cautiously when talking to the judge and stay focused on the facts.

What Is an Indictment?

An indictment is a formal charge issued by a grand jury for a federal criminal offense. It signifies that the grand jury determined there was probable cause to believe that an individual committed a crime. An indictment does not equate to a conviction. It represents the beginning of formal criminal charges in federal court.

Can Federal Charges Be Dropped?

Federal charges may be dismissed if there is insufficient evidence to prove the crime beyond a reasonable doubt or if there are issues with the legality of how evidence was obtained to build the prosecutor’s case. Because federal prosecutors often wait until there has been a thorough investigation before filing charges, dismissals may occur less often than with some state prosecutions.

Contact The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC

If you have been charged with a federal crime, The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC can help you in the legal process. We understand how serious federal crimes are. Having a conviction can result in serious penalties for those convicted. We can help you advocate for your future. Contact us today for a consultation.