Facing federal charges? A federal criminal defense lawyer in Raleigh can help you fight the charges and get your life back on track.
Federal criminal charges aren’t easy to overcome. You may be facing charges that will impact the rest of your life, making it feel impossible to recover. That doesn’t just impact you—it impacts your loved ones, not to mention your future.
With so much at stake, you can’t afford to leave it up to chance and inexperience. Reach out to a lawyer from The Chetson Firm to learn how we can help get your charges reduced or dismissed.
State vs. Federal Criminal Offenses
When you’re facing federal charges, you’re likely dealing with severe penalties if you’re convicted. But what’s so different between a state and federal criminal offense?
A state offense involves state-specific law violations. For example, if you’re charged with driving while intoxicated, you’re charged under state law.
If you’re facing federal charges, you’ve been accused of breaking a national law or a law that spans more than a single state. For example, drug trafficking may be a federal offense because it involves the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and may span other states.
Penalties for Federal Crimes
If you’re accused of a federal crime, you may not be sure how to defend yourself in a Raleigh courtroom. The penalties can haunt you for years following a conviction. Below are some of the penalties you may face if you’re convicted of a federal offense.
Financial Losses
A federal criminal trial is considered an expensive undertaking. If you’re convicted of a crime, you may be expected to pay fines that can total thousands of dollars. These fines could impact your life and your financial opportunities until they’re paid.
The authorities may also seize your assets in a process called asset forfeiture. This process gives police the power to seize assets they claim are involved in the criminal offense you’re accused of. In some cases, this can lead to thousands of dollars of property loss.
Prison Time
When you’re accused of a federal crime, you may face prison time for years following a conviction. That might mean years or even decades separated from your family, friends, and other parts of your life.
In some cases, you could face a life sentence for a federal crime. Your Raleigh federal criminal defense attorney will work diligently to defend your future.
Death Penalty
In some cases, the death penalty can be issued in a federal criminal case. We understand that this is a life-and-death situation for you. Your federal criminal defense lawyer has the tools and experience to needed to take on cases with dire outcomes.
Long-Term Penalties of a Criminal Record
Even if you’ve served your time and paid your fines, you may still face long-term penalties for your criminal record. If you’re convicted of a federal crime, that conviction will remain on your record forever.
This record is visible to the public, which means potential employers, landlords, and others can find this information through a background check. You may lose any opportunities you had to recover life as you knew it after the sentencing.
How a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
Your federal criminal defense lawyer understands how tough it is to fight federal criminal charges in Raleigh. We also understand how cruel some of the penalties are. That’s why we’re here to pursue justice in your name and defend your case and work to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
During a federal trial, you’re facing a prosecutor who’s likely to have far more resources than you at their disposal. Because of this, partnering with an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer can be crucial.
Raleigh Federal Criminal Defense FAQ
If you’re facing a federal criminal investigation, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. If you’re not prepared for your Raleigh federal criminal trial, it’s easy to make mistakes that have lifelong consequences.
Your Raleigh federal criminal defense attorney will work tirelessly to represent your best interests. Below are some of our most frequently asked questions by potential clients. If you have case-specific questions, we can consult with you about the details of your charges.
What should I do if I’m arrested?
First, don’t panic if you’re arrested or if you’ve been served a warrant. You have rights as a North Carolina resident, such as the right to remain silent. If you’re arrested, you don’t have to speak with the police without a lawyer present. Your lawyer can streamline the arrest process where possible and help you avoid incriminating yourself before your trial.
Do I need a lawyer in a federal criminal trial?
Although a lawyer isn’t required, it can be almost impossible to defend your case successfully without a federal criminal defense attorney on your side. You’re facing a federal investigation that require resources that likely exceed your own. Your trusted attorney will do their best to level the playing field. Even better, the lawyers at The Chetson Firm have federal trial experience. A crucial advantage compared to going in alone.
What are my rights during a federal investigation?
Even if you’re under a federal investigation, you still have basic rights that must be upheld. For example, you have the right to avoid incriminating yourself. Your lawyer can help you avoid making factual errors in your case.
I think I’m being investigated by a federal agency. What do I do?
If you believe you’re being investigated by the FBI or other government agencies, you may need to speak with a Raleigh federal defense lawyer. But an investigation doesn’t mean you’re the person they’re looking for. You may be considered a witness to the investigation. Your lawyer can help you communicate with federal agents to get the information you need about your case’s status.
Can I avoid a conviction with a federal criminal defense lawyer?
Your federal criminal defense lawyer cannot guarantee a positive outcome. But a trusted attorney will help you build a strong defense before you step foot into a courtroom. With more than a decade of experience and expertise in federal criminal offenses, our firm will work diligently to give you the best chance to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
Talk to a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer in Raleigh
If you’re in the middle of a federal criminal investigation, your life, your future, your freedom is on the line. That puts a strain on you and your family, leaving you feeling uncertain and vulnerable. Without a strong defense, you may have few options to avoid a conviction.
That’s why you may need guidance from the lawyers at The Chetson Firm. Your Raleigh federal criminal defense lawyer will work tirelessly to help you gather evidence for your case, securing your future, and pursuing justice for you. If you’re ready to speak with a lawyer, reach out for a free consultation by calling 919-352-9411 or by completing the online contact form below.
