Smyrna Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Federal Criminal Defense

Federal Criminal Defense Attorney in Smyrna, GA

Being charged with a crime at the federal level can be a frightening experience, especially when thoughts of the consequences you could face preoccupy your mind. Convictions can result in lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Residents of Smyrna, Georgia, should turn to a Smyrna federal criminal defense lawyer when in such a situation.

A skilled Smyrna federal criminal defense attorney at The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman in Georgia is a necessity in federal criminal defense cases. Our team’s thorough understanding of federal criminal laws and the complexities of the national justice system will be beneficial for building a strong defense strategy suited to your situation.

State vs Federal Crimes

State-level crimes generally include offenses like burglary, robbery, simple assault, and most homicides. State highway patrols, city police, or county sheriff’s offices typically investigate these offenses and turn them over to a District or State attorney for prosecution.

Federal crimes, on the other hand, involve violations of federal laws and can include tax evasion, mail fraud, counterfeiting currency, and immigration violations. The following factors can make an offense federal rather than state-level:

• The crime takes place on federal property, such as a federal building or national park.
• The offense crosses state lines, such as trafficking or certain fraud schemes.
• The act violates federal statutes, even if it happens within one state.

Federal law enforcement agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigate these crimes.

These criminal cases take place in U.S. District Courts. If you face a federal criminal case in the Northern District of Georgia, your case may take place in the U.S. District Court located in the Richard B. Russell Federal Building & United States Courthouse in Atlanta.

In this situation, a dedicated Smyrna federal criminal defense attorney can represent you. They can fight for a just outcome that secures your freedom and future by using a strategic defense that advocates for the protection of your rights.

Common Federal Charges in Georgia

Some federal crimes are more commonly prosecuted and result in sentences more often than others. Recent data from the U.S. Sentencing Commission revealed a total of 1,272 crimes were reported by Georgia, compared to a total of 61,768 crimes reported nationwide.

This data also demonstrated that drug crimes accounted for 38.1 percent of the 1,272 crimes in Georgia reported to the Commission. At 18.4 percent, firearms offenses account for the second most common crimes. If charged with a federal crime in Georgia, seek the counsel of a seasoned Smyrna federal criminal defense lawyer with experience handling the following types of cases:

• Drug trafficking and conspiracy, especially those dealing with the possession, distribution, manufacturing, or cultivation of large amounts of controlled substances
• Gun crimes, such as unlawfully discharging a weapon, brandishing a firearm, or illegally possessing or selling a firearm
• Internet crimes that include identity theft, online fraud, computer hacking, cyber stalking, cyber solicitation, or child pornography
• White-collar crimes, including fraud, forgery, theft, embezzlement, and extortion

If you face charges of any of these crimes, seek immediate legal intervention. The sooner you involve an attorney, the better, as you will have more opportunities to develop a strong defense.

Hire a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer in Smyrna

When your freedom is on the line, the only solution is a defender who is ready to fight for you. At The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman, you will find an attorney with a deep understanding of the federal criminal defense laws and procedures the courts follow.

Our Smyrna federal defense attorney can help you understand the federal charges against you and the penalties you may face. We can fight for you at every stage of the legal proceedings, from the initial investigation to trial and any necessary appeal that follows.

With more than 25 years of experience representing clients accused of serious offenses at the state and federal levels, our firm’s defense has resulted in acquittals for those charged with murder, rape, and other crimes, and led to conviction reversals in appellate courts.

FAQs

What Are Federal Criminal Laws?

Federal criminal laws are statutes passed by Congress. They define crimes against the U.S. and are codified in Title 18 of the U.S. Code. These crimes cover wide-ranging offenses, including those that cross state lines or involve federal agencies. These federal laws differ from Georgia state laws, and violations are subject to prosecution in the federal court system.

What Is the Strongest Defense Against a Federal Criminal Charge in Smyrna, GA?

The strongest defense against a federal criminal charge in Smyrna, GA, depends on the specific crime, but in general, a strong defense casts reasonable doubt on the prosecution’s claims. An experienced attorney may challenge an illegal search and seizure that produced evidence against their client. The attorney may also argue a lack of intent, mistaken identity, or that their client acted in self-defense.

What Makes a Criminal Case in Smyrna, GA, Go Federal?

A criminal case in Smyrna, GA, goes federal if the crime violates a federal statute. A crime, such as wire fraud or drug trafficking, that crosses into another state in addition to Georgia also becomes a federal offense. Cases can also reach the federal level if they take place on federal property or are a part of a large criminal entity that the federal government has an interest in prosecuting.

What Are the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure?

The Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure are official regulations that determine how U.S. district courts, courts of appeals, and the Supreme Court handle the legal proceedings and prosecutions of federal criminal cases.

These rules govern the initial investigation, arrest, arraignment, pretrial motions, discovery, trial proceedings, and sentencing. They aim to provide fairness and ensure consistency in federal cases and differ from the procedural rules adhered to in Georgia’s state courts.

Rely On an Experienced Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Facing charges for a federal crime is serious. You need to hire a federal criminal defense lawyer who will be meticulous in investigating your case, challenging the prosecution’s evidence, and exploring all possible defense strategies.

Reach out to The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman for a consultation and fair, effective representation that prioritizes your rights and protects your freedom and future.