Las Vegas Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys
Esteemed Trial Representation in Nevada
If you have been charged with a federal crime, the simple truth is that you are in big trouble. While state and federal crimes usually involve the same types of charges, the defense of a federal criminal case involves unique challenges. First, a federal criminal trial will occur in the federal court system, and more importantly, the federal government has unlimited resources and is much less likely to be willing to work with someone. The Las Vegas-based Christiansen Trial Lawyers has extensive legal experience working with clients who have been charged with federal crimes and has helped people facing legal issues for the first time since 1995. Contact our office to arrange for your free initial consultation with our Las Vegas federal criminal defense attorneys. Our team has decades of experience going to trial and understands what preparations need to be made to successfully defend the rights of our valued clients.
Contact our team online or by phone at (702) 357-9977 for a free case evaluation in English or Spanish. If you wish to avoid severe penalties, you need to have the legal edge that comes with hiring a knowledgeable defense firm.
What is a Federal Crime?
While a majority of criminal prosecutions in the United States are classified as state prosecutions and handled in state court, there are also federal criminal laws that are passed by Congress and concern crimes that relate to federal or national issues. Because federal charges require a different set of court procedures and regulations, it’s important that you hire a defense attorney with experience handling federal crimes specifically.
Another important difference between federal criminal cases and state criminal cases is that federal crimes typically result in more severe sentences than state crimes. These penalties usually include substantial prison sentences depending on whether the crime is classified as a federal felony or federal misdemeanor. Federal felonies are divided into classes and someone convicted of a Class A federal felony, for example, can receive a maximum prison term of life in prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Our federal criminal defense lawyers assist clients who need help with the following:
- Firearms charges
- Cybercrime/internet crimes
- Racketeering (RICO)
- White collar crime, including theft, fraud, and embezzlement
- Drug charges, including possession, distribution, and importation
- Asset forfeiture
- Money laundering
- Murder, including death penalty cases
Who Investigates Federal Crimes?
Different U.S. government agencies are generally responsible for investigating federal crimes and have unlimited resources and experience at their disposal, which is why it’s necessary for you to hire a defense attorney if you’ve been charged.
Some common agencies to be aware of include:
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): The FBI holds jurisdiction over a variety of federal crimes, including murder, cybercrimes, rape, kidnapping, credit card and bank fraud, mail fraud, and more.
- The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA): Federal drug crimes will most likely be investigated by the DEA. Examples of federal drug crimes include drug trafficking, manufacturing, and possession of a controlled substance.
- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF): Federal crimes that involve arson, bombings, weapons, and explosives will be handled by the ATF. Other crimes that fall under their jurisdiction include violent crimes, unlawful possession of a weapon, and unlawful firearms trafficking.
You’ll most likely receive a letter from one of these entities notifying you of an impending investigation. Once you’ve received notice, you should seek legal counsel immediately before you respond. People often make things worse for themselves when they speak to law enforcement because officers – including the FBI – are trained to deceive individuals in order to get the statements they need for prosecution.
Let Us Help You
We work closely with our clients to establish their goals and develop strategies to achieve them. Our federal criminal defense attorneys in Las Vegas represent clients during the initial detention hearing in order to obtain reasonable bail so that our clients can go home until the resolution of the case. We continuously involve our clients in the process so that they know the status of their cases at all times. We advise clients on their options and explain which choice has the highest likelihood of success, including plea bargains. In the event a client of ours is found guilty, we work tirelessly to reduce the sentence by consulting with experts and preparing an in-depth sentencing memorandum for the court.
If you have been arrested for a federal crime, contact our office immediately to help ensure your rights are protected. Our main objective is to get your charges reduced or dismissed and keep you updated. We understand how traumatic it can be to face criminal charges and can stand by your side so you know you’re not alone.
If you’ve been charged with violating a federal statute or law, don’t hesitate to call our Las Vegas federal criminal defense attorneys to discuss your case at (702) 357-9977.
