Baton Rogue Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys

What Qualifies as a Federal Crime?

If you have been charged with a crime, you may wonder about the difference between federal and state crimes. The classification depends on which laws are involved. Breaking state laws results in a state criminal charge, while breaking federal law results in a federal criminal charge. Federal charges can include the following:

• Money laundering
• Drug trafficking
• Weapons violations
• Sex crimes
• Violent crimes
• Bribery
• Child pornography
• Embezzlement
• Mortgage fraud
• Healthcare fraud

We understand just how serious these charges can be, so we may be able to handle every aspect of your case and fight for your rights on your behalf. Contacting us as soon as possible only improves your chances of a successful outcome.

Federal Crime Categories and Potential Penalties

Federal crimes fit into specific categories depending on the type and severity. Federal law outlines these categories and their punishments, but it’s important to note that every case is unique. Classifications of federal crimes include the following:

Infractions

An infraction is a low-level offense that often results in paying a fine and little to no jail time. With these charges, you may pay up to $5,000 in fees. Examples of infractions can include jaywalking and fishing without a license.

Misdemeanors

Federal misdemeanors are also lower-level offenses, but they are more serious than infractions, resulting in higher penalties. These charges fall into one of the following categories:

• Class A: This is the highest misdemeanor level with the most serious penalties, which include up to six months to one year in prison and fines up to $100,000.  
• Class B: This mid-level federal misdemeanor may result in one to six months in prison and fines of up to $5,000.
• Class C: This is the lowest level federal misdemeanor, and potential penalties include five to 30 days in prison and a $5,000 fine. 

Depending on the circumstance of your case, the court will decide which class of misdemeanor your charges fall under and what penalties you should pay for them. Misdemeanors may include crimes such as stealing public property, not filing a tax return, and simple assault.

Felonies

This federal crime classification includes higher-level offenses that come with harsher penalties. Felonies are divided into five categories of severity, which include:

• Class A: This is the highest level and most severe felony charge, and it could have potential penalties of life in prison and fines of up to $250,000.
• Class B: This felony charge may result in fines up to $250,000 and 25 or more years in prison.
• Class C: With this charge, potential penalties include 10-25 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.
• Class D: This lower-level felony charge may result in up to $250,000 in fines and 5-10 years in prison.
• Class E: This is the lowest level felony charge with maximum penalties of 1-5 years in prison and $250,000 in fines.

Federal felonies may include drug trafficking, tax evasion, and murder. No matter your charges, you deserve to have a federal criminal defense attorney by your side who will support you every step of the way and curate the best defenses possible.