Home / Criminal Defense / Federal Crimes

Rochester Criminal Defense Lawyer Tackles Federal Crimes

Determined advocate challenges the prosecution in high-stakes cases

If you are charged with a federal crime, you can expect a thorough investigation by highly trained agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and zealous prosecution by polished attorneys in the Department of Justice. The consequences of a conviction can be severe, including long prison sentences and crushing fines. Under such circumstances, it’s impossible to overstate the importance of skilled and determined defense representation. At the Law Office of Maurice J. Verrillo, P.C., we draw on more than 30 years of legal experience to build a vigorous defense. To gain a conviction, the prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.  We challenge every element of the DOJ’s case against you, raising doubt to leverage a positive outcome.

What makes a crime fall under federal jurisdiction?

Within our justice system, there are two separate criminal court systems: state and federal. Most routine crimes violate state law and are tried in state courts. The federal government has jurisdiction over crimes that fall into the following categories:

  • Federal subject matter jurisdiction — The U.S. Constitution gives the federal government jurisdiction over crimes that relate to bankruptcy, immigration, patents, the U.S. Post Office, and U.S. currency. Therefore, crimes such as bankruptcy fraud, mail fraud, and counterfeiting currency are federal crimes. Similarly, offenses that violate federal statutes or the regulations of federal agencies, like the Securities and Exchange Commission, are federal crimes.
  • Crimes committed across state lines — The Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution gives the federal government authority over various activities that affect interstate commerce and/or cross state lines. For example, kidnapping is a state crime, but if an offender transports a victim across state lines, the result is a federal crime.
  • Crimes committed on federal property — The U.S. Code contains provisions allowing federal authorities to assume jurisdiction over crimes that would normally be handled on the state level when those crimes occur at a post office, federal building, national park, federal prison, or within the District of Columbia. Federal jurisdiction also applies to U.S. airspace and U.S. territorial waters.
  • Crimes against federal officers — Attacks on FBI agents, U.S. Marshals, federal court judges and other officers of the U.S. government are federal crimes if the attack occurs while the victim is performing official duties or is intended to prevent the performance of those duties.

Common federal crimes we encounter in our criminal defense practice include:

  • White collar crimes
  • Fraud
  • Identity theft
  • Money laundering
  • Weapons charges
  • Trafficking and other drug crimes
  • Import or export of stolen, illegal or counterfeit goods
  • Public corruption

These charges carry severe consequences, including long federal prison sentences and exorbitant fines. Hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer early in the process gives you the greatest chance of a favorable outcome.

When should you contact a criminal defense attorney?

Federal criminal charges usually rely on detailed investigation leading to grand jury indictments. Because of this process, it’s often possible to know you are the target of an investigation before any charges are brought. You should not wait to be arrested before you retain counsel. When you retain our services in the early stages of an investigation, we are often able to do the most good. In many cases, we can negotiate a settlement that resolves the case without charges being filed, or we can negotiate a reduction in charges and more lenient sentencing. With so much riding on your case, you must contact an experienced and trustworthy criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Contact a Rochester criminal defense attorney experienced with federal charges

If you’ve become the target of a federal investigation, waste no time in contacting the Law Office of Maurice J. Verrillo, P.C. Retaining our services immediately can greatly improve your chance of a beneficial outcome. Mention our website when you call us at 585-563-1134 or when you contact us online and receive a free 30-minute initial consultation.

X

Contact Form

We will respond to your inquiry in a timely fashion. Thank you.

Quick Contact Form