Are you facing federal criminal charges in Lakeland, FL? A federal criminal case can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and a lasting criminal record that can affect all aspects of your life. If you need legal help, contact a Lakeland federal crimes lawyer at Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law at (863) 688-4606.
It is important to understand the federal criminal justice system and how to navigate it effectively. The stakes are undeniably high, and you will need the experience of a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
How Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law Can Help If You’re Arrested
If you find yourself facing federal charges in Lakeland, FL, we can help you fight back.
Here’s how we can assist you:
- Case evaluation: We conduct a thorough assessment of your case to understand the charges you’re facing.
- Explaining the charges: We will explain the charges against you and the potential consequences in simple terms so you understand exactly what you’re up against.
- Investigating the case: Our team will conduct a comprehensive investigation to gather evidence that can support your defense.
- Coordination with federal prosecutors: We will speak with federal prosecutors to potentially negotiate reduced charges or penalties.
- Appeals and post-conviction relief: If necessary, we can assist with appeals to overturn unfavorable decisions or secure post-conviction relief.
Federal crimes should be taken seriously, as they can lead to severe consequences. If you’re facing these charges in Lakeland, Florida, contact Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law to schedule a consultation with a Lakeland criminal defense attorney.
Overview of Federal Crimes in Florida
Federal crimes are violations of the law that generally involve activities that cross state lines, occur on federal property, or involve federal personnel or property. These offenses are prosecuted under federal law instead of state law.
In contrast, state crimes are breaches of laws established by individual state governments and are adjudicated within state courts. Common state offenses include driving under the influence, drug-related violations, burglary, theft, and even murder.
The offenses can be the same in some cases–it usually just matters who the victim is and where and how the crime is committed.
Examples of Federal Crimes
Because federal crimes carry such significant consequences, it’s important to understand some common examples of these offenses:
- Making threats against government officials: This offense involves any form of communication, whether verbal, written, or electronic, that threatens harm or violence against individuals who hold positions within the government.
- Committing violent acts on federal lands: Federal lands, including national parks and Indian reservations, fall under the jurisdiction of federal law. Violent acts, such as assault or murder, committed on these lands are prosecuted at the federal level.
- Engaging in cross-state criminal activities: When criminal activities, like kidnapping, involve crossing state lines, they are classified as federal crimes due to the interstate nature of the offense. This allows federal authorities, such as the FBI, to step in and handle the situation.
- Counterfeiting: Engaging in counterfeiting–producing or distributing fake currency or goods–constitutes a serious federal crime, which can result in severe penalties for those found guilty.
- Drug trafficking: The illegal production, distribution, and sale of controlled substances can fall under federal jurisdiction because the activities often extend across state or international borders.
- Terrorism: Terrorism is considered one of the most serious federal offenses and includes acts intended to threaten or harm public safety or national security.
- Wire fraud: Wire fraud involves using electronic communications, like phones or the internet, to defraud others. This offense is categorized as a federal crime because it often encompasses communication across state or international borders.
If you’re facing a federal criminal charge, you should reach out to a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
What Are the Penalties For Federal Crimes in Lakeland, Florida?
The penalties for federal crimes in Lakeland, Florida, are highly dependent on the specific offense committed and the circumstances surrounding it. Each case is evaluated individually, considering factors such as the severity of the crime, the defendant’s criminal history, and any aggravating or mitigating factors that may apply. Below are the potential sentences for federal crimes:
- Death penalty: In certain cases, particularly those involving acts of terrorism or murder, the death penalty may be used. It is the most severe punishment available and is reserved for the most heinous crimes.
- Prison: Federal prison is a common penalty for a wide range of federal offenses. The length of the sentence varies significantly, from short-term confinement for more minor offenses to life in prison for more serious felony crimes.
- Probation: For less severe federal offenses, defendants may be sentenced to probation. This involves a period during which the individual must comply with specific conditions and is under the supervision of a probation officer.
- Fines: Fines are another potential consequence for federal crimes and can range from small amounts to substantial financial penalties, depending on the nature of the offense and the defendant’s ability to pay.
- Restitution: In cases where a crime has resulted in financial loss to a victim, the court may order the offender to pay restitution. This is intended to compensate the victim for their loss and restore them as much as possible to their financial status before the crime occurred.
To get a better idea of the penalties you may be facing, speak with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested For Federal Crimes?
When facing charges for federal crimes, understanding the potential defenses available is crucial. Determining what defense to use will be based on the specific crime and the circumstances surrounding it. Here are some common defenses that may be raised:
- Lack of jurisdiction: One defense is to argue that the federal government does not have jurisdiction over your case. This can occur when the alleged crime did not violate federal law or did not involve federal property.
- Insufficient evidence: Claiming that the prosecution lacks enough credible evidence to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt can serve as a strong defense.
- Violation of constitutional rights: If law enforcement violates your constitutional rights, such as conducting an unlawful search and seizure, your lawyer can argue for certain evidence to be suppressed, meaning it can’t be used against you at trial.
- Entrapment: This involves arguing that law enforcement induced or coerced you into committing a crime you otherwise would not have committed.
- Mistaken identity: In some cases, you may be able to demonstrate that you were wrongly identified as the perpetrator. This can happen because of untruthful witnesses, flawed identification procedures, or mistaken memories.
- Alibi: Having an alibi means providing proof that you were somewhere else when the crime occurred, making it impossible for you to be the offender. This defense relies on credible evidence like witness testimony or surveillance footage.
- Duress or coercion: If you were forced to commit the crime under the threat of harm to yourself or others, arguing duress or coercion could mitigate responsibility. This defense requires showing the immediacy and severity of the threat.
- Self-defense: When claiming self-defense, you are claiming that your actions were necessary to protect yourself or others from imminent harm. To be successful, you have to prove that your actions were reasonable and proportionate to the threat you were facing.
- Insanity or mental incapacity: In certain situations, you might argue that at the time of the crime, you were not mentally capable of understanding your actions or distinguishing between right and wrong. This can involve complex psychiatric evaluations.
- Statute of limitations: If too much time has passed since the alleged crime, you might be able to argue that the legal time limit for prosecuting the offense has expired. This defense can lead to the charges being dismissed.
Each defense strategy must be carefully evaluated based on the specifics of your situation, so make sure you discuss your specific case with your attorney.
Schedule a Case Evaluation With Lakeland Federal Crimes Lawyer
Facing federal criminal charges requires a comprehensive understanding of the law and help from an experienced attorney. Federal crimes carry severe penalties, and you never want to handle this situation alone. While the burden of proof falls on the prosecution, it is up to you and your defense team to present a strong case. For help, contact Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law to schedule a consultation with a Lakeland federal crimes lawyer.
Lakeland Federal Crimes Client Review
Read more of our clients’ reviews here.
Lakeland, FL Courts
- Polk County Court Reporter – 402 S Kentucky Ave # 390, Lakeland, FL 33801
- Circuit Court – 930 E Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33801
- The Sixth District Court of Appeal – 811 E Main St, Lakeland, FL 33801
*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website.
Lakeland Federal Crimes Blog Posts
- Am I Being Detained? 6 Questions You Should Ask During Interactions with the Police
- Can A Convicted Felon Be A Bail Bond Agent In Florida?
Additional Lakeland Federal Crimes Resources
- Florida Criminal Laws
- Federal Sentencing Guidelines: Mandatory or Not?
- Florida Federal Crimes Questions & Answers
Our criminal defense law firm in Lakeland also provides:
- Lakeland Battery Lawyers
- Assault Defense Attorneys in Lakeland, FL
- DUI Defense Attorneys in Lakeland, FL
- Lakeland Domestic Violence Lawyers
- Drug Crimes Lawyers in Lakeland, FL
- Lakeland Juvenile Crimes Lawyers
- Probation Violation Lawyers in Lakeland, FL
- Sex Crimes Attorneys in Lakeland, FL
- Theft Crimes Lawyers in Lakeland
- Gun Crimes Attorney in Lakeland
- Injunction Lawyer Attorneys in Lakeland
Visit Our Criminal Defense Law Office in Lakeland, FL
Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law
112 E Poinsettia St
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 688-4606
