When an individual violates U.S. federal laws, they are charged with a federal crime. These crimes are investigated by federal law enforcement and prosecuted by federal attorneys. Hearings are held in federal courts under federal judges.
In Florida, an individual can be charged with a number of federal crimes from aggravated assault to airplane hijacking to blackmail to drug smuggling, embezzlement, identity theft, and more. The list of potential federal crimes includes over one hundred entries. In many cases, an individual doesn’t realize that they are committing a federal crime until they are charged. It is at this moment where the services of a federal defense lawyer in St. Petersburg are required. If you want to defend your rights, you need to work with an experienced professional who understands the nuances of federal defense.
In this article, a federal defense lawyer in St. Petersburg will discuss some of the most common federal crimes that occur in the State of Florida. At The Rickman Law Firm, our experienced lawyers are capable of handling any number of federal cases running the gamut from A to Z. For unparalleled defense against federal charges, contact The Rickman Law Firm today.
Illegal immigration is a federal crime. Florida has one of the largest immigrant populations in the United States, and the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) estimates that of the 4,106,000 immigrants in the Sunshine State, 656,000 immigrants are unauthorized. Approximately 43,000 illegal immigrants live in Hillsborough County. In Pinellas County, there are about 15,000 illegal immigrants. In other words, a significant number of people can be potentially prosecuted for violating our federal immigration policies. It doesn’t matter what country you are from, if you failed to follow the proper channels for immigration, you are at risk.
Although many drug-related crimes are prosecuted at the state level, the circumstances of the crime can lend themselves to a federal court of law. There are many ways this can happen. Crossing state lines into Florida with drugs could lead to federal charges. The amount of drugs in your possession and whether or not you plan to sell them could also lead to federal charges. If local law enforcement collaborates with federal authorities to take you down, you will likely be charged with a federal crime. Fortunately, there are many defenses for drug-related crimes, which a federal defense attorney in St. Petersburg can discuss with you.
Florida’s nickname might be the “Sunshine State,” but more and more people are beginning to call it by a different nickname: “The Gunshine State.” Florida’s relatively lax gun laws combined with a high population of gun owners mean weapon-related crimes are thriving. The U.S. Department of Justice notes that 93 percent of weapon-related crimes heard in federal court result in a conviction and prison sentence. If you threaten someone with a weapon, discharge a weapon on federal property, or attempt to traffic arms, you will be charged with a federal crime.
For a free consultation with a federal defense attorney in St. Petersburg, please contact The Rickman Law Firm today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.