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New Orleans Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys

Receiving federal criminal charges is a serious matter, and the consequences can negatively impact many areas of your life. As federal criminal cases can be complex and varied, it’s important that you speak with a knowledgeable New Orleans federal criminal defense attorney as soon as possible in order to get the help you need.

At John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, we have years of experience taking on New Orleans federal criminal cases, and we are here to listen to your story and manage your case from beginning to end. Our compassionate criminal defense attorneys may be able to work with you and answer all your questions with their legal knowledge and resources. We are dedicated to protecting your rights, building a strong defense, and communicating the aspects of your case with you so you understand the process.

What is Considered a Federal Crime?

The major difference between state and federal crime is jurisdiction. If you break state laws, then the state court handles the case, but if you break constitutional or federal law, your trial takes place in federal court. Our federal criminal defense lawyers have worked on several types of federal criminal cases, including the following:

Violent crimes
Fraud crimes
Embezzlement
Murder
Armed robbery
Child pornography
Drug trafficking
Sex crimes
Weapons violations
Money laundering

We take every federal criminal charge seriously and may be able to speak for you in court, bettering your chances of a successful outcome.

What Are the Penalties for Federal Crimes?

Federal law divides federal crimes into three categories: infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be charged with one of these categories, and each one has its own set of potential penalties, which include the following:

Infractions

These low-level charges typically result in a fine of up to $5,000 and little to no jail time. Examples of infractions include jaywalking, littering, fishing without a license, and violating administrative regulations.

Misdemeanors

While these are still lower-level federal offenses, they have more serious consequences than infractions. They are divided into three categories, which include the following:

Class A: This is the highest level misdemeanor with potential penalties of six months to one year in prison and fines of up to $100,000.
Class B: A misdemeanor of this level may result in one to six months of imprisonment and up to a $5,000 fine.
Class C: Potential penalties for this low-level misdemeanor include fines of up to $5,000 and up to 30 days in prison.

You may face misdemeanor charges if you failed to file a tax return, committed assault, or stole public property. We understand these penalties may sound daunting, but contacting us right away gives you a better chance of getting them reduced.

Felonies

Felonies are the highest level of federal offenses and have more serious consequences, which include the following:

Class A: This is the most serious felony charge, and potential penalties include fines of up to $250,000 and potentially life in prison.
Class B: Penalties for this felony charge include up to $250,000 in fines and 25 or more years of imprisonment.
Class C: A charge of this level may result in 10-25 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.
Class D: This lower-level felony charge may have penalties of five to 10 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.
Class E: This is the lowest level felony charge, and penalties may include one to five years in prison and fines up to $250,000.

Charges like homicide, drug trafficking, and tax evasion are all considered federal felonies. Contacting us right away if you have been charged with a felony will help us to fight for your rights, and may also help get your charges reduced or dropped in the best-case scenario.

How Does the Federal Criminal Prosecution Process Work?

If we work with you on your case, we manage the entire legal process and provide open communication so you are always informed. This includes the federal criminal prosecution process, which has three primary stages. These stages include:

Federal Investigation

With federal investigations, multiple federal agencies will look into the case. Typically, these cases start as civil ones but become criminal when federal agencies find evidence of intent during their investigation. If they find this evidence, the case changes to federal criminal law.

Grand Jury Subpoena

Prosecutors must have an indictment to pursue federal criminal charges against you. They do this through a grand jury. While you cannot have a federal criminal defense lawyer with you in the grand jury room, you can speak with them outside the room and work with them to prepare.

Criminal Trial

While your case can go to trial after prosecutors get an indictment, we may be able to settle your case before this happens. We may get your indictments dismissed, reduce your charges, negotiate a plea deal, or argue for a not-guilty verdict.

Get Help from Experienced New Orleans Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers at John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm

When facing federal criminal charges, you do not have to go through the process alone. You deserve top-notch representation that will support you throughout the entire process and fight for your rights with strong defense strategies. Fortunately, our professional federal criminal defense attorneys may be able to listen to your story, develop solid defense plans, and better your chances of a successful outcome.

At John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, we proudly provide innovative and effective legal services to the New Orleans area. Our dedicated and driven federal criminal defense lawyers have extensive knowledge of state and federal laws and have years of experience working on all types of federal criminal cases. No matter your charges, we may be able to find the best path forward to help achieve reduced charges. If you want to get help with your case, you can reach us by calling (318) 377-1555 or filling out our contact form.