Minneapolis Federal Crimes Attorneys

Defending Those Accused of Federal Offenses

Federal crime allegations are serious. Officials from agencies such as the FBI, DEA, and IRS will spend months gathering evidence to build a case against the accused. Also, a federal prosecutor will work relentlessly to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Depending on the offense, a federal crime conviction can lead to years to life in prison and thousands to millions of dollars in fines. If you are under investigation for or have been charged with a violation, it is essential that you act fast to retain legal representation. Thorough and comprehensive preparation is essential to building a strategic defense.

At Brockton D. Hunter P.A., our federal crimes lawyers in Minneapolis are ready to put in the time and effort necessary to defend you. We have nearly three decades of combined experience and fully understand the federal criminal justice process. When our team takes on a case, we take the time to get to know our clients, listening to their needs, goals, and concerns. We then explain the stages the case may progress through, legal avenues that can be pursued, and potential outcomes. We want to reassure our clients that their case is in capable hands and that we are prepared to do what it takes to seek a just result on their behalf.

Our Minneapolis federal crimes attorneys want to hear your side of the story and defend your innocence. Schedule a free consultation by calling us at (612) 979-1112 or contacting us online.

What Qualifies as a Federal Crime?

Federal crimes are those that violate federal, as opposed to state, laws. In many cases, federal and state statutes are similar in the type of conduct they prohibit. For instance, both Minnesota and the federal government have laws against the possession of child pornography.

What separates state from federal crimes is where or how the offense took place. Typically, an offense is considered a federal crime when it affects interstate or foreign commerce. In other words, if the crime or alleged offender crosses state lines or country borders, it falls under federal jurisdiction. An offense is also considered a federal crime if it occurs on federal property, such as a Post Office or national park.

Because state and federal laws concern similar types of behavior, a person can be prosecuted by the state or federal government, or both. Often, people question whether it is legal for someone to be tried by both state and federal governments because they have a constitutional protection from double jeopardy – they cannot be tried for the same crime twice. However, the clause does not apply to violations falling under both jurisdictions because they are considered separate sovereigns.

Types of Federal Crimes We Defend

Because the rules and processes involved in resolving federal cases differ from those for state cases, it is absolutely necessary to have an attorney on your side who is intimately familiar with the federal system. Brockton D. Hunter P.A. has been recognized for our ability to help those charged with criminal offenses We have the skills and experience necessary to effectively handle your case.

We handle a range of federal crimes, including, but not limited to:

Sex trafficking (18 U.S.C. § 1591): A federal sex trafficking charge is triggered when an individual knowingly obtains or transports a person aware that they will be forced to engage in a commercial sex act. They can also face accusations if they benefit financially from such conduct.
Conspiracy (18 U.S.C. § 371): When two or more people plan to commit a crime against or defraud the U.S., they can be charged with conspiracy. One or more other person involved must have taken some action to further the offense.
Mail fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341): Mail fraud occurs when a person uses the U.S. Postal Service or a commercial carrier to further a fraud scheme.
Wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343): A person commits wire fraud when they use electronic communication to carry out a fraud scheme.
Bank robbery (18 U.S.C. § 2113): It is unlawful for a person to use force to gain or attempt to gain property or assets under the control of a financial institution.
Kidnapping (18 U.S.C. § 1201): Kidnapping occurs when a person abducts another and holds them for ransom.
Money laundering (18 U.S.C. § 1956): Money laundering is a process in which funds obtained through illegal means are "cleaned" to conceal the source of the gains or avoid reporting requirements.
Internet crimes: This term refers to offenses committed online. Such crimes include, but are not limited to, identity theft, spoofing, phishing, child pornography, and hacking.
Drug trafficking (21 U.S.C. § 841): This offense involves the manufacture, creation, distribution, or dispensing of a controlled or counterfeit substance.

What Are the Penalties for Federal Crimes Convictions?

The penalties that can be levied for a federal crime conviction are as varied as the offenses themselves. The statutes provide that a court sentence a person to fines and/or incarceration. In some situations, the court must impose mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment.

A few examples of federal crime conviction penalties include:

Sex Trafficking

Committed by using force or on a person under 14 years of age:
- Between 15 years to life in prison
Committed without the use of force and upon someone between 14 and 17 years of age:
- Between 10 years to life in prison

Conspiracy

Conspiring to commit a felony:
- Up to 5 years in prison
Conspiring to commit a misdemeanor:
- Up to the maximum penalty for the planned offense

Mail and Wire Fraud

Up to 20 years in prison

Bank Robbery

Up to 20 years in prison

Kidnapping

Up to life in prison
Death (if any person died as a result of the offense)

Money Laundering

Up to 20 years in prison

Drug Trafficking

Specific Schedule I or II drugs:
- Up to 20 years in prison
Schedule III drugs:
- Up to 10 years in prison
Schedule IV drugs:
- Up to 5 years in prison
Schedule V drugs:
- Up to 1 year of incarceration

Note that in addition to the terms of imprisonment listed above, a fine can also be imposed. Additionally, for some offenses, aggravating factors, such as having previous convictions, can lead to enhanced penalties.

Our Minneapolis federal crimes lawyers appreciate the seriousness of a conviction. That is why we are ready to do everything in our legal power to seek an optimal outcome on your behalf.

Providing Skilled Federal Crimes Defense

At Brockton D. Hunter P.A., we leverage our knowledge, skills, and resources to build comprehensive and aggressive defenses to fight charges. If you have been accused, our federal crimes attorneys in Minneapolis are here to provide the effective counsel you need.

Learn more about how we can help by calling (612) 979-1112 or submitting an online contact form today.