Urbana Federal Offenses Lawyer
Most charges in Urbana are laid at the state level, meaning the accused will be tried in state court and the prosecution for the state will try to secure a conviction against them. Sometimes, though, federal charges are laid, which can result in harsher penalties. Federal offenses are highly misunderstood, and people often find themselves facing federal charges without really understanding why. Below, our Urbana federal offenses lawyer explains the differences between state and federal crimes and the most common types of crimes charged at the federal level.
State Crimes vs. Federal Offenses
Many people understand that being convicted of a federal offense can result in longer prison sentences, but they do not really understand the difference between state crimes and federal offenses. The Illinois statutes are very similar to the federal criminal code, so it is not always easy to determine the differences between the two.
For example, drug offenses are some of the most common charges laid at both the state and federal levels. If the offense takes place entirely in the state and only state authorities investigate and prosecute the crime, it is a state drug crime. If, on the other hand, federal agents were involved or the offense took place on federal grounds, the crime is considered a federal offense. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigates drug crimes in all states, and any case they pursue is at the federal level.
Federal offenses also include those that cross state lines or that use a federal service, such as the United States Postal Service (USPS). For example, if a person sent letters asking for donations to a fraudulent charity, and those letters were sent through the mail, it is mail fraud, which is always a federal offense.
White Collar Crimes
Many federal offenses are considered white-collar crimes. By their very nature, these crimes are considered non-violent, but that does not mean they are victimless. Embezzlement, tax fraud, and identity theft are just a few of the most common types of white-collar crimes that are also federal offenses.
Advancements in technology over the past several years have made it easier for some to commit white-collar crimes because it has become so much easier to access other people’s personal information. When a computer, telephone, or other electronic means is used to commit a crime, it is almost always prosecuted at the federal level. Hacking, wire fraud, and cyber crimes are just a few of the most common federal offenses that involve telephones and computers.
Call Our Federal Offenses Lawyer in Urbana Today
Being convicted of a federal offense could result in a long sentence in federal prison and other harsh penalties. Do not run the risk of trying to defend against the charges alone. At Patel Law, PC, our Urbana federal offenses lawyer has the necessary experience with the federal justice system and will prepare a strong defense strategy so you have the best chance of beating the charges. Call us now at 217.384.1111 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation.
