Federal Crime Attorneys in The Woodlands Protecting You Against Life-Changing Federal Charges

Most criminal charges are prosecuted under state law unless a person violates U.S. federal law. Federal law is more powerful and is known as the “supreme law of the land” as it overrides state law.

A federal criminal offense can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, which carry harsher sentencing than state criminal offenses.

No one should face a federal criminal offense alone. Our attorneys are experienced in handling federal court cases, and we intimately understand federal criminal law and processes. If you face life-changing consequences due to a federal criminal offense, contact our attorneys immediately for your consultation: 713-766-3733.

What are Examples of Federal Crimes?

Any crime on federal soil or involving federal officers is considered a federal crime. There are fewer classes of federal crimes as federal lawmakers can only pass laws with some federal or national interest. The federal government has jurisdiction over the following:

• Any crimes that take place on federal lands, such as a military base or something related
• Any crimes that involve fraud, deception, or misrepresentation of the federal government or one of its agencies, such as Medicaid fraud
• Any crimes committed across state lines
• Any crimes, such as immigration or customs violations

A federal crime will end up in federal court before a federal judge, and offenses can result in harsh misdemeanor or felony charges.

How Does Sentencing Work?

Federal crime sentencing is more formal and restrictive than state sentencing for misdemeanors and felonies. The federal court uses Federal Sentencing Guidelines to ensure that a person convicted of a crime will get a fair sentence compared to someone in another state or country.

Federal judges do not have to follow the Guidelines but are asked to consider them and use their discretion when reaching a final sentence. Federal judges look at some of the following factors to make a decision:

• A victim’s conduct and if it provoked or contributed to the offensive behavior as part of the crime
• If the defendant committed a crime because of coercion, duress, or blackmail
• If the defendant committed a crime while they were mentally incapacitated or if they were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time

We will explain the sentencing process and how our legal services will ensure the best results for you.

What is the Federal Court Process?

After an arrest, a person’s case is presented to a grand jury. A grand jury is a panel of people, usually between 16 and 23, who decide if there is enough evidence to convict a person of a crime. If the jury agrees, a person’s case will go to trial.

The next step is a hearing where you are formally charged with criminal charges. We will have already advised you regarding a guilty or not guilty plea based on the charges and prosecution’s evidence against you.

A point system is used in federal sentencing based on the type of crime, how it was committed, and your criminal history or background. For instance, a person might receive one point and face only a few months in jail, while a person with significant points will receive life in prison.

How Can a Federal Crime Lawyer Help My Chances?

The federal court process looks much different than the state court process, and our criminal defense attorneys will help you prepare. We represent people convicted of federal crimes, including mail fraud, drug crimes, kidnapping, and IRS violations, and work to reach a favorable outcome despite the circumstances.

When you hire Morgan Bourque Attorney at Law, to represent you, we will:

• Help you understand the federal charges against you and the possible consequences
• Help prepare you for hearings and a possible trial
• Protect your rights in court
• Build a case in your favor to get reduced charges or a dismissed case

We will work diligently to defend your rights, build a solid defense in your favor and settle on the best possible outcome. It’s in your best interest to hire a criminal defense attorney experienced in federal crimes to increase your chances of success. Call our law firm to discuss your case: 713-766-3733.