Federal Crimes

Federal Criminal Defense Representation

Federal investigations are serious matters. You may be questioned by federal agents during a criminal investigation because you are the target of the investigation or associated with others that are being investigated. Once you are contacted by a federal agent, they already have done their research. You will be asked questions when they already know the answers. Pursuant to 18 USC 1001, lying to a federal agent is a felony that can carry 5 years in prison. Do not hesitate to contact the ABDO LAW FIRM if you find yourself in a situation involving a federal investigation, indictment or search of your premises or business. Phone: 586-412-5555.

Federal Law Enforcement Agencies

The are several federal agencies to enforce the laws of the United States of America. These agencies have vast powers and resources to conduct investigations that can last several months or years. In addition, government agents are well trained and extremely comprehensive in their investigation and interrogation techniques.

Federal law enforcement agencies include: Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA); Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF); Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Secret Service; U.S. Marshalls Service; Customs Service; Immigration; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; and Postal Inspections Service. Each of these agencies may cooperate with each other, including state and local law enforcement agencies in any investigation.

You Have the Right to Right to Remain Silent

You should not discuss anything with any law enforcement officer until you have spoken with a lawyer! Pursuant to the 5th Amendment of United States Constitution:

You have the constitution right to remain silent.
Anything that you say can be used against you in a subsequent prosecution.

If you are contacted by a federal law enforcement agent, you should be polite and request identification (badge) and a business card. You should state that you are not willing to answer any questions but will pass the information along to your attorney. A response such as this cannot be used against you! There are thousands of federal laws, statutes and regulations in the United States Code (USC). When you talk to a federal agent, there is a possibility that you have violated at least one of them.

An Agent May Show up at Your Door without Advance Notice

Law enforcement officers will rarely provide a party with any notice that they are coming to ask questions. Ambushing, or catching a party off guard, without giving any prior notice or opportunity for the individual to be prepared, is the usual protocol. In the process of talking to an agent, you may end up providing the agent with incriminating statements, placing yourself at a crime scene, establishing connections with other suspects or making a false statement that constitutes a felony. At the very least, the agents will use the encounter to evaluate a person’s credibility, find inconsistencies and evaluate body language/nervous behavior.

In certain situations, we may allow a client to be interviewed by a federal agent. We do so only after our client fully understands his or her absolute right to remain silent and we can use the interview as an opportunity. We also let our clients know that we have the power to cease questioning during an interview when the inquiry gets too sensitive or out of control.

Federal Crime Categories

Federal jurisdiction may be involved whenever you are engaged in activity that involves the use of a telephone, USPS, internet, cross state lines or an international border, apply for federal benefits or talk to a federal agent. Listed below are links to some of the more prevalent federal crimes:

Cooperation in the Federal System

As we say in one of our publications, law enforcement officers use the little fish to get the big fish. In the federal system, the law enforcement tool of cooperation is used extensively and often hard to resist. An individual with exposure to a criminal matter may be asked to cooperate in exchange for consideration regarding criminal charge(s), a plea deal or sentence reduction. There should be no attempt to provide cooperation without the assistance of a skilled federal criminal trial lawyer.

Same Offense Can be Charged in Both State & Federal Systems

Pursuant to the Dual Sovereignty Doctrine, the law permits both state and federal prosecutions against a person for the same crime. This doctrine has been upheld even though it goes directly against the Double Jeopardy clause of United States Constitution.

If you are involved in a federal criminal case, there are numerous concerns and considerations (such as cooperation with law enforcement, seizure and forfeiture of bank accounts and assets) that require a lawyer’s immediate attention. Any delay in obtaining a federal criminal lawyer may cost you your freedom.

EMAIL or CALL for a FREE CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION. We offer same day, evening, weekend appointments, jail visits and the ability to retain us over the internet. Payment plans and all credit cards accepted.

CALL: Metro Detroit: 586-412-5555