Many of the same crimes that are prosecuted in state court may be prosecuted in federal court. Federal criminal charges are filed when someone violates federal laws. The United States Attorney’s Office prosecutes federal charges. Federal crimes often result in higher sentences because of the federal sentencing guidelines and mandatory/maximum sentences.
If you are being investigated or arrested for a federal crime, seeking prompt legal advice is in your best interest. In this blog, our South Carolina federal crimes lawyers discuss several types of federal crimes and the penalties you could face for a conviction.
Types of Federal Criminal Charges
Common types of federal crimes include, but are not limited to:
- White Collar Crimes include bank fraud, embezzlement, securities fraud, conspiracy, Medicare/Medicaid fraud, tax evasion, and forgery.
- Drug Crimes include drug trafficking, manufacturing of drugs, and drug distribution.
- Property Crimes include burglary, larceny, auto theft, and arson.
- Firearm Crimes include illegal possession of firearms, unlawful transportation of firearms, using explosives to commit a felony, and possession of guns in a federal facility.
- Violent Crimes include sexual abuse of a minor, assault, murder, manslaughter, and robbery.
- Pornography includes possession, selling, or purchasing child pornography.
You can be charged with the same crime on a state and federal level. Therefore, you could be tried and convicted of the same crime twice.
Penalties for Federal Criminal Convictions
Federal misdemeanor charges are divided into three categories. The potential sentences for federal misdemeanor convictions include:
- Class A Federal Misdemeanor – Six months to one year in jail and/or a $100,000 fine
- Class B Federal Misdemeanor – 30 days to six months in jail and/or a $5,000 fine
- Class C Federal Misdemeanor – Five to 30 days in jail and/or a $5,000 fine
A federal offense with a jail sentence of five days or less is a non-criminal infraction. It is not classified as a federal misdemeanor.
Federal felony charges are divided into five categories. The potential sentences for federal felony convictions include:
- Class A Federal Felony – Up to life in prison or death and a maximum fine of $250,000
- Class B Federal Felony – Up to 25 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000
- Class C Federal Felony – Ten to 25 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000
- Class D Federal Felony – Five to ten years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000
- Class E Federal Felony – One to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000
Judges may impose other penalties depending on the criminal charges. The government uses sentencing guidelines to determine punishments for convictions.
Numerous factors impact the sentence for a federal crime, including the severity of the crime, the person’s criminal history, and special enhancements for specific federal crimes. The existence of mitigating circumstances, your role in the offense, and cooperating with authorities may also impact the final sentence.
Contact Our South Carolina Federal Crimes Attorneys for a Consultation
The penalties for a federal conviction can be severe. The best way to protect your rights is to hire an experienced federal crimes lawyer. At Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A., our attorneys have extensive experience handling many types of federal crimes. Call today for a consultation with one of our South Carolina federal crimes attorneys.
With law offices in Florence and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A. also serves Surfside Beach, Garden City, the Grand Strand, and other communities throughout Florence County, Marion County, Horry County, Darlington County, and Georgetown County.