When authorities believe a state law has been broken, the alleged perpetrator is tried in state court. However, when the alleged illegal activity involves federal law, the individual faces serious charges prosecuted in federal court.
Facing federal charges is a dire situation. The US Government has top-level prosecutors and infinite resources to utilize in taking legal action against alleged offenders. If you are being investigated or charged with a federal offense, you need qualified and trusted legal representation who could effectively defend your rights in federal court. Having a San Diego County federal criminal lawyer on your side – one who has experience investigating, negotiating, and defending high stakes these charges can mean the difference between walking out of the courtroom and spending years in jail.
Scott Henry and his experienced defense attorneys have an unwavering commitment to aggressively defending those who face serious charges. When the outcome of your case can affect the rest of you and your family’s lives, experience and dedication matter. Contact the Law Offices of Scott Henry today for a free, no-obligation case review.
Types of Federal Crimes
Our seasoned legal team can skillfully defend you against a wide range of federal crimes. These crimes include:
- Drug trafficking
- Federal tax fraud
- Child pornography
- Human trafficking
- Kidnapping across state lines
- Securities fraud
- Immigration fraud
- Bank fraud
- Money laundering
Depending on the type of federal crime you are facing, our defense attorneys in San Diego County could help you prepare for the upcoming process.
The Consequences of a Federal Conviction
Many federal convictions result in significant jail time to be served in prison. If you are convicted of a federal offense, you may also be ordered to pay hefty fines. For certain convictions, federal law enforcement may also seize your property, including monetary assets. These consequences can be devastating – not only for you, but for your loved ones. That is why our San Diego County attorneys at the Law Offices of Scott Henry work tirelessly to avoid a federal conviction or negotiate a lesser charge, minimizing any harsh consequences.
Forfeiture of Assets in a Federal Case
In federal cases, law enforcement can seize the property of an individual convicted of certain crimes. Some examples include money laundering, drug trafficking, copyright infringement, and organized crime convictions. The seizure of assets is referred to as “forfeiture.” Forfeiture laws are intended to punish the defendant, discourage criminal activity, and produce revenue for law enforcement agencies. Before property can be seized, the defendant must be convicted of a federal crime. Additionally, the prosecutor must prove the property was involved in criminal activity and must identify the property to be seized.
A skilled federal defense attorney in San Diego County could raise one or more of the following defenses to prevent the forfeiture of their client’s property.
- The property in question was not involved in the crime.
- The property owner was unaware of the unlawful use or involvement of the property in question.
- The property was discovered and seized during an illegal search and seizure
Contact a Qualified San Diego County Federal Criminal Attorney
At the Law Offices of Scott Henry, we believe everyone deserves a dedicated and knowledgeable legal advocate. We could pursue every possible legal avenue to protect your rights and your future. We are here when you need us and provide invaluable guidance during what may be the most challenging chapter of your life. To take the first step toward a favorable resolution, contact our San Diego County federal criminal lawyers today. You can reach our firm 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.