What is a Federal Crime?

If you are charged with a federal crime, you face the resources of the United States government in prosecuting that crime, and you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer who understands how to defend a case in federal court. A federal crime is an act that is in violation of federal law, as opposed to a violation of state or local law. In many cases, an act may be a violation of both state and federal law; in these cases a decision will be made as to whether that act will be charged as a state or federal crime.  The outcome of that decision can seriously impact your attorney’s handling of your defense.  While many crimes can be charged as either federal or state crimes, there are some charges in which the federal government is more likely to take an interest than others. An dedicated Denver criminal defense lawyer with experience in federal court can defend against these types of charges that are commonly tried in Federal Court:

• Drug Charges

• Immigration Charges

• Violent Crime

Do I Need a Special Federal Lawyer?

To defend yourself against federal charges, you need the help of an attorney who has experience defending clients in federal court. Not only are the charges generally more serious and the potential consequences more severe, but the procedures are different as well. Federal crimes are investigated by federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, SEC and others, although state and local police resources may be used in cooperation with those agencies, and they are usually prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office. Because federal crimes are both investigated and prosecuted differently than state crimes, and because the court procedures in federal court are different than in state court, it is absolutely vital that, if charged with a federal crime, you have an attorney that has experience defending federal criminal charges. Alaurice Tafoya-Modi has experience, and has had success, defending clients in federal criminal court. She understands the difficulties presented, and acts as a devoted advocate to get the best possible outcome for each of her clients.

Federal Court

In addition to the need for experience, in order to represent you in federal court, an attorney must be licensed to practice in federal court for the jurisdiction where the case is pending, or must receive permission from the court to practice there for your case. Many criminal defense attorneys focus exclusively on state criminal charges and do not practice in federal court.

Federal crimes are similar to state crimes in one very important way; if you have have been charged with, or even if you are being investigated for, a federal crime, you need to speak with a dedicated Denver Federal Criminal Defense Attorney immediately. Alaurice Tafoya-Modi believes that to successfully defend her clients, she must have compassion for them. She takes a personal interest in the people that she defends, and fights hard for their rights and for their futures.