Strategic Federal And State Criminal Defense

Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

A conviction on charges for a federal offense can result in extremely serious penalties and a criminal record that could do irreparable harm to your future. The rules and procedures in federal court are nothing like those used in California courts. Choosing the right defense lawyer is essential to the success of your case.

There are plenty of firms whose defense lawyers have state prosecutorial experience and plenty of firms whose defense lawyers are admitted to California’s federal courts. There are few defense lawyers, however, who have also prosecuted cases at the federal level. This is what sets the Law Office of Thomas A. Johnson apart. Attorney Tom Johnson has tried and won cases as both a federal prosecutor and defense lawyer.

Strategic Defense Against Federal Criminal Charges

Our combination of knowledge and experience has served our firm’s clients extremely well over the years. We have a complete understanding of the federal court system, and we know how to manage your case to achieve the best available outcome. We will conduct a thorough investigation into your case and utilize every resource at our disposal in an effort to avoid a conviction on your record.

We are prepared to defend you against charges for any federal offense, including:

Your Criminal Defense Questions, Answered

Below, we’ve answered some of the questions most often asked by prospective clients facing federal criminal charges.

What are the differences between federal crimes and state crimes?

From a legal perspective, the key distinction lies in the jurisdiction and the laws that are broken. Federal crimes are offenses that violate federal laws, cross state borders or take place on federal property. Examples include drug trafficking across state lines, bank robbery or mail fraud. State crimes, on the other hand, are violations of state laws and are prosecuted in state courts.

From a practical perspective, federal crimes are often much more serious than state charges, and conviction can mean incarceration in a federal prison and other harsh penalties.

Are mandatory minimum sentences present if convicted?

Yes, many federal crimes come with mandatory minimum sentences. This means that if you are convicted of certain offenses (commonly things like drug crimes, firearm violations or certain sex offenses), the judge must impose at least the minimum sentence set by law, regardless of any mitigating circumstances.

Federal mandatory minimum sentences can be extensive, and they cannot be shortened for good behavior. A convicted offender must remain in prison for at least the length of time required by statute.

What other consequences may result from federal criminal convictions?

Beyond imprisonment, federal criminal convictions can lead to several other serious consequences, both criminal and noncriminal. These may include:

Fines and restitution
Loss of a professional license
Restrictions on your ability to own firearms
Difficulties in securing employment or housing
Temporary loss of voting rights

Additionally, a federal conviction can affect your immigration status if you are not a U.S. citizen, potentially leading to deportation. The long-term impacts of a federal criminal conviction will impact many aspects of your life and should not be underestimated.

Do all criminal attorneys handle federal crimes?

No, they don’t. Federal criminal defense requires knowledge of specific federal laws and procedures, which differ greatly from those in state court. It’s important to seek out an attorney who has experience in federal courts, understands the complexities involved in federal cases and knows how to properly investigate and prepare your case for trial.

You also need to be sure that your attorney understands the stakes and is prepared to aggressively defend you each step of the way. Thomas A. Johnson is one such attorney.

Talk To An Attorney About Your Case

Contact the Law Office of Thomas A. Johnson to discuss your federal criminal defense needs with an attorney. You can schedule an initial consultation by calling 916-248-8598 in the Sacramento area or toll free at 866-974-4316, or you can send us an email.