If you were charged with a federal crime in Birmingham, Alabama, the stakes are high. Your future freedom could be at stake, but you’re innocent until proven guilty. It may not be too late to fight back against the prosecution, and Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. is here to help.
Our Birmingham federal crimes lawyers have over a century of combined experience. We have Board Certified Attorneys on our legal team. Our lawyers have earned AV Preeminent ratings with Martindale-Hubbell and a Superb 10.0 rating with Avvo. We were also recognized as Birmingham’s Best Criminal Defense Lawyers by Expertise.com.
If you or someone you care about has been charged with a federal crime, contact our law offices at 205-930-9800 today for a free consultation.
How Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. Can Help if You’ve Been Charged With a Federal Crime in Birmingham
A wide variety of offenses fall under federal jurisdiction, and the relevant sentencing guidelines are far more severe than state guidelines. Your choice of a criminal defense lawyer is crucial at this time; you deserve the best possible representation.
With over 100 years of collective experience, our experienced trial attorneys skillfully represent clients in the most complex federal criminal cases. We’ll fiercely fight to protect your rights and interests throughout your case.
When you hire our top-rated criminal defense lawyers in Birmingham, the ways we help you include:
- Investigate the federal charges against you
- Work with leading experts and investigators to gather information and evidence
- Obtain and analyze the evidence the government has against you
- Develop a defense strategy that gives you the best chance of avoiding a conviction or severe punishments
- Explain your options for defending yourself against the federal charges and why we recommend a specific course of action
- Negotiate with federal prosecutors for plea deals that avoid indictments and/or reduce charges when possible
- Represent you during all court appearances and fiercely defend you at trial if necessary
Our attorneys understand the complex federal laws that may apply to your case. We understand federal court procedures and requirements inside and out. You can be assured you will receive dedicated, aggressive legal representation during all phases of your case.
Contact our criminal defense law firm in Birmingham, AL, today for a free case review.
Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. Handles All Types of Federal Crimes in Alabama
Our Birmingham federal crimes lawyers can help you with all types of charges including, but not limited to:
Federal White Collar Crimes
White-collar crimes involve using fraud and deception for financial gain. White-collar crimes include:
- Health care fraud
- Bankruptcy fraud
- Tax fraud and evasion
- Credit card fraud
- Mail and wire fraud
- Corporate fraud and crimes
- Money laundering
- Mortgage and bank fraud
- Securities and commodities fraud
- Intellectual property theft
- Misuse of public funds
- Embezzlement
- Government fraud
- Counterfeiting
- Computer and Internet fraud
Federal white-collar crimes can carry fines of $250,000 or more, depending on the crime and the financial loss. Federal white-collar convictions also result in significant prison sentences, including prison terms of up to 20 or 30 years.
Federal Drug Crimes
State and federal laws often overlap regarding drug crimes. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could be charged with federal drug offenses for:
- Drug trafficking
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Drug importation or exportation
- Selling drugs
- Possession of drugs and controlled substances
- Drug manufacturing and cultivation
- Distribution and conspiracy to distribute
The penalties for federal drug crimes depend on several factors. However, you could face fines totaling millions of dollars and up to life in prison for a federal drug conviction.
Federal Sex Crimes
Many sex crimes in Alabama are prosecuted in state court. However, some sex offenses are more appropriately handled by federal courts, including sex crimes involving:
- Federal employees or acts occurring on federal property
- Interstate commerce, including offenses involving Internet activity
- Human trafficking
- Possession and distribution of child pornography
- Violent offenses involving aggravating factors
- Exploitation of minors
Any sex offenses that cross state lines allow federal courts to take jurisdiction of the case. Convictions of federal sex crimes result in mandatory minimum federal prison sentences, which may include decades of incarceration.
Mandatory registration in the National Sex Offender Registration and Notification system and substantial fines are also penalties for federal sex crimes.
Federal Cyber Crimes
Cybercrime is a term used to describe online criminal activity. It includes everything from phishing and hacking to identity theft and fraud. Some cybercrimes are committed for financial gain, but other cybercrimes are intended to disrupt service or cause damage. Cyberstalking and cyberbullying are also included in cybercrimes by some federal agencies.
Examples of cybercrimes include:
- Phishing emails and websites to gain personal and financial information
- Hacking computers and other electronic devices
- Internet scams and fake businesses
- Cyberattacks, including launching viruses, shutting down systems, and taking over websites
- Online drug crimes, including controlled substances, counterfeit drugs, and crimes involving prescription drugs
- Cyber espionage, including crimes for economic or political advantage
- Digital piracy, including the unlawful copying, using, or distributing copyrighted digital content
- Illegal gambling websites
- Child pornography, sex exploitation of children, sex trafficking, and other related offenses.
The penalties for federal cybercrime convictions include, but are not limited to, fines, restitution, and federal prison sentences. Aggravating circumstances, severe bodily injury, and deaths could result in life sentences.
Immigration Offenses
Federal immigration crimes involve a variety of unlawful activities. Examples of immigration crimes that federal prosecutors handle include:
- Marriage fraud
- Harboring aliens
- Improper entry and illegal reentry
- Transporting or smuggling aliens
- Inducing or encouraging aliens to come to, enter, or reside in the United States illegally
- False claims of U.S. citizenship
- Visa fraud and false statements
- Holding or keeping an alien for prostitution or other criminal purpose
Fines and imprisonment are penalties used by federal courts for immigration crimes. Mandatory minimum prison sentences may apply. Additionally, enhanced punishments are imposed for subsequent convictions.
Federal Gun Crimes
Federal law defines a firearm as any weapon that expels a projectile. Federal firearm crimes may include guns, semi-automatic firearms, fully automatic firearms, and shotguns, but also extend to bombs, mines, rockets, grenades, and missiles.
Federal gun laws regulate several aspects related to firearms in the United States. Examples of federal gun crimes include:
- Trafficking guns or ammunition across state lines
- Manufacturing, dealing, or importing firearms without a license
- Possession of a firearm by an undocumented immigrant, fugitive, or drug addict
- Possess a firearm while trafficking drugs or weapons
- Committing a federal felony while in possession of a firearm
- Selling or giving firearms to prohibited persons
- Possessing a federally outlawed destructive device or gun
- Possession of a firearm when under a court order restricting stalking, harassment, or threatening someone
- Possessing a firearm if you are a felon or a juvenile
The federal penalties for firearms crimes depend on several factors, including the person’s criminal history, aggravating factors, and the specific offense. However, convictions for federal gun crimes include substantial prison sentences and fines.
What Should I Do if I Am Under Investigation or Arrested for a Federal Crime in Birmingham, AL?
You may be a witness, target, or subject if you are involved with a federal investigation. A federal agency may ask for an interview, or you may receive a grand jury summons. Agents may raid your home or office during an investigation. You could also receive a target letter or be arrested.
Regardless of your role in a federal case, you need to take steps to protect your rights. Steps to take include:
- Do not speak with federal agents without an attorney present. If you are arrested, tell the agents you are invoking your right to counsel and to remain silent.
- Contact a Birmingham federal crimes lawyer immediately. An attorney can help you protect your rights and navigate the federal justice system.
- Gather information and documents that are relevant to your case.
- Tell your Birmingham federal crimes attorney everything. Be completely honest and transparent.
- Do not destroy evidence or contact witnesses. Provide the information to your attorney and allow them to handle matters.
It is crucial that you understand your rights and legal options when facing federal charges. Your attorney will help you determine whether you should cooperate with the investigation based on your role in the investigation. An experienced Birmingham federal crimes attorney develops a defense strategy for fighting federal charges.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Birmingham Federal Crimes Lawyers
Experienced legal representation is critical in a federal criminal case. Whether you negotiate a plea deal or go to trial, you need a federal crimes attorney to fight for your best interests and rights. At Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C., our Birmingham federal crimes attorneys will work to obtain the best possible outcome for your case.
Contact our legal team to meet with a nationally recognized criminal defense lawyer. Your initial consultation is free of charge.