If you are facing federal charges, it is crucial to understand these are serious charges that can jeopardize your freedom and future. Federal agencies and prosecutors have virtually unlimited resources to investigate and convict you. So, it is absolutely essential to have an aggressive Temecula federal criminal lawyer with the resources and experience needed to defend you effectively against these charges.
At the Law Offices of Scott Henry, our criminal defense attorneys are committed solely to doing what is in our clients’ best interests. We work tirelessly to defend your rights and liberties while negotiating skillfully to have your federal case resolved in the most favorable manner possible. Our extensive experience in successfully fighting federal charges allows us to skillfully represent your interests while guiding you through the challenging legal process.
What to Do During a Federal Investigation
Being the focus of a federal investigation can be frightening and stressful. Federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have been cracking down on all types of federal crimes with zeal. In recent years, they have been taking a more proactive approach and investigating crimes that have allegedly already taken place as well as potential crimes that are currently in the works. Serious federal crimes include:
- Terrorism
- Identity theft
- Mail fraud
- Tax fraud
- Bank fraud
- Wire fraud
- Bank robbery
- Money laundering
- Drug trafficking
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Human trafficking
- Internet crimes
If you are being investigated or charged with a federal offense, there are some essential things to remember. Do not speak with federal investigators without a Temecula defense attorney by your side. It is never a good idea to speak with the authorities even if you feel you can prove your innocence. You may misspeak or be misunderstood, strengthening their case against you.
Additionally, do not destroy any evidence. Destroying evidence, deleting files, or instructing others on how to answer law enforcement’s questions are all considered obstruction of justice, which is a serious felony charge. Finally, you should hire skilled and aggressive legal counsel. Having an attorney who has the skills and resources to fight federal charges is vital in obtaining a positive resolution.
What is Money Laundering?
Money laundering is the concealment of the true source, identity, or destination of funds obtained through illegal activity. Under federal law, it is unlawful to transfer any money derived through criminal acts. These crimes involve numerous, complex activities and financial transactions that intentionally leave a hard to follow paper trail. Due to the involved operations, it can be challenging to identify money laundering and prove it in a court of law. That is why these investigations are generally lengthy, and when a strong case is built, they are aggressively prosecuted and harshly punished. An experienced federal criminal defense attorney in Temecula could protect your rights and fight for your best interests in this type of case.
Acts of Terrorism
After the devastating attacks of 9/11, federal agencies have taken extreme measures to seek out, charge, and convict those committing acts of terrorism. Under federal law, terrorism is defined as the unlawful use of force or violence to intimidate or coerce a government or its civilians “in furtherance of political or social objectives.” An individual can be charged with terrorism for:
- Damaging or threatening to damage state or federal property
- Threatening or carrying out an act of injuring or killing citizens through bombing, poisoning, or hijacking.
- Intentionally spreading or distributing biological, chemical, or radioactive materials.
- Assisting in the financing of terrorist activity
- Damaging or attacking trains, mass transit, or aircraft
Penalties for acts of terrorism are severe and can include a lengthy prison sentence, up to and including life in prison. In certain cases, convictions can carry a death sentence even when the particular state has banned the death penalty.
Speak with our Trusted Temecula Federal Criminal Attorneys
If you are facing charges from the FBI, DEA, IRS, or ATF, every action you take from this moment on can potentially win or lose your case. Perhaps the most essential step is hiring a trusted Temecula federal criminal lawyer.
At the Law Offices of Scott Henry, our nationally-recognized defense attorneys provide a responsive and vigorous defense against federal charges. If your personal or professional reputation is under attack, our legal team can utilize our invaluable legal insight to create an effective strategy to protect your rights and interests. Contact our offices today for a free case analysis with one of our highly experienced federal crimes defense attorneys.