If you have been charged with a violent crime by the federal government, you are facing serious penalties if convicted of the charges against you. Fortunately, you also have a number of important rights, guaranteed to you by the U.S. Constitution, that can help protect you and your future. For those rights to protect you, however, you need to know when and how to exercise them. You need the federal violent crimes defense attorneys at Haas Law on your side. We will work tirelessly to ensure that your constitutional rights are not violated while also mounting an aggressive defense.
What Is a Federal Violent Crime?
Under the federalist form of government operating in the U.S., both the federal government and each individual state government can enact and enforce criminal laws. While it is more common to be arrested and prosecuted for a violent crime by the state, the federal government also prosecutes violent crimes. In the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, violent crimes are defined as “those offenses which involve force or threat of force.” Examples of violent offenses you might be accused of committing at the federal level include, but are not limited to:
- Murder–defined as “the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought. Every murder perpetrated by poison, lying in wait, or any other kind of willful, deliberate, malicious, and premeditated killing; or committed in the perpetration of, or attempt to perpetrate, any arson, escape, murder, kidnapping, treason, espionage, sabotage, aggravated sexual abuse or sexual abuse, child abuse, burglary, or robbery; or perpetrated as part of a pattern or practice of assault or torture against a child or children; or perpetrated from a premeditated design unlawfully and maliciously to effect the death of any human being other than him who is killed is murder in the first degree. Any other murder is murder in the second degree.
- Manslaughter –– defined as “the unlawful killing of a human being without malice.” Voluntary manslaughter is a homicide that occurs “upon a sudden quarrel or heat of passion” while involuntary manslaughter occurs “in the commission of an unlawful act not amounting to a felony, or in the commission in an unlawful manner, or without due caution and circumspection, of a lawful act which might produce death.”
- Forcible rape — forced sexual intercourse carried out by either physical force or psychological coercion
- Robbery — taking or attempting to take something of value by force or threat of force, or by putting the victim in fear of his or her life
- Aggravated assault — an attack or attempted attack against another person with a weapon or an attack without a weapon that results in serious bodily injury.
- Kidnapping –– the unlawful taking of a person from one place to another against that person’s will.
- Weapons offenses – involving the unlawful possession, use, or sale of firearms
What Defenses Are Available When Charged with a Federal Violent Crime?
The federal government has virtually unlimited resources available to investigate and prosecute someone suspected of committing a violent criminal offense. The good news is that there are several common defenses that may be able to help you if you find yourself accused of one of these crimes. For example, a skilled defense attorney may be able to successfully challenge an illegal search and seizure, resulting in the exclusion of evidence seized during the search. Likewise, your attorney may be able to prevent the government from introducing statements you made if made without the benefit of a Miranda warning or if made after you asked for an attorney. Because every prosecution involves a unique set of facts, consulting with an experienced violent crimes federal defense attorney is the best way to learn what defense strategies might apply in your case.
Get Help from Experienced Orlando Violent Crimes Federal Defense Attorney
If you have been accused of committing a violent federal offense, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced violent crimes federal defense attorney immediately to protect your rights and your freedom.
Let the experienced federal violent crimes defense attorneys at Haas Law put their extensive experience and unwavering conviction to work defending you and your future.
Call us at 407-755-7675, chat with us online, or submit our online form today. Because we understand that time is of the essence when federal law enforcement authorities are investigating you, our calls are answered 24 hours a day, allowing you to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.