Federal Criminal Defense
Tama Beth Kudman is an experienced, knowledgeable and aggressive criminal defense attorney with offices in West Palm Beach, Florida, New York City and New Jersey. She has extensive experience defending individuals and corporations under investigation and/or prosecution for federal crimes.
Federal cases involve different laws, potential sentences and procedures than those brought in state court. If you have been accused of (or are being investigated for) committing a federal crime, it is imperative that you obtain legal representation from a criminal defense attorney with extensive experience in federal court.
What Is A Federal Offense?
In the United States, a federal offense, or federal crime, is any act that has been made illegal by federal legislation passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by the president. Today, the majority of federal crimes are enumerated and defined under Title 18 of the U.S. Code, federal tax crimes and several other offenses are defined under separate codes.
Federal offenses fall into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors carry sentences of one year or less, while felonies are offenses that can result in prison sentences of more than one year to life, and in some case, death. The U.S. Congress sets the penalties for all federal criminal acts.
Who Prosecutes Federal Offenses?
Various federal agencies have the power to investigate federal offenses including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; the Internal Revenue Service; and the U.S. Secret Service. Federal prosecutions are handled by United States attorneys, who are appointed by the U.S. attorney general. Federal crimes are prosecuted in federal district courts by federal trial judges who are appointed for life by the president, subject to confirmation by the U.S. Senate.
Some crimes are federal offenses only and must be prosecuted in a federal district court. Some criminal acts are offenses under both state and federal law. In those cases, the decision as to where an offender may be tried is made by federal and state prosecutors.
Examples of federal offenses
- Arson
- Bank fraud
- Bank robbery
- Bombing
- Bribery
- Child pornography
- Civil rights violations
- Computer crimes
- Counterfeiting
- Credit card fraud
- Crimes against children
- Currency schemes
- Cybercrime
- Damaging public mailboxes
- Drug crimes
- Embezzlement
- Environmental fraud
- Espionage
- Extortion
- Forgery
- Gun crimes
- Health care/Medicare fraud
- Homicide
- Immigration crimes
- Import/export crimes
- Insider trading
- Insurance fraud
- Internet crimes
- Interstate drug trafficking
- Interstate transport of stolen goods
- Investment fraud
- Kidnapping
- Larceny/theft
- Mail fraud
- Misbranding
- Money laundering
- Public corruption
- Racketeering
- Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO)
- Securities fraud
- Serial murder
- Serial rape
- Tax evasion/fraud
- Terrorism
- Theft
Drug-Related Federal Offenses
Today, more than half of prisoners serving sentences of more than a year in federal facilities were convicted of drug offenses. Penalties for a federal drug offense conviction are severe. It is therefore extremely important that you hire a lawyer with extensive experience in federal court and specific experience with federal drug cases like attorney Kudman.
Potential Sentences Of Federal Crimes
In federal court, sentences are determined and imposed exclusively by a United States district court judge. The judge makes a sentencing determination after consulting the United States Federal Sentencing Guidelines and reviewing each defendant’s particular background and criminal history, as well as the circumstances surrounding the offense. Sentences are also influenced by whether the defendant pleaded guilty, whether a defendant has provided cooperation to the government or whether the defendant went to trial.
Individuals convicted in federal court may be sentenced to serve time in prison, to serve time in home confinement, to perform community service, to pay fines and/or restitution, and/or to serve a period of supervised release with conditions such as drug treatment. Parole has been abolished in the federal system.
Pre-Indictment Investigations And Interviews
Agents from the DEA, FBI, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Homeland Security and other federal law enforcement agencies commonly contact suspects prior to bringing charges in an effort to get the suspect to confess, to provide incriminating information or to provide information against other individuals in order to avoid charges themselves or to lessen their potential sentences. You should NEVER speak to law enforcement without a lawyer! Even if you believe you have done nothing wrong, you can place yourself at great risk by speaking with law enforcement. Remember, though agents will promise you leniency for speaking with them, they cannot normally make deals on behalf of the U.S. attorney’s office, and they are allowed to lie to you under the law in order to get you to confess!
An experienced federal criminal defense lawyer can help you make the decision about whether you should speak with law enforcement and can help you do so under circumstances where your rights are protected.
Do not talk to law enforcement agents without your experienced federal criminal defense lawyer! And never consent to a search of your home or vehicle without a warrant. Finally, always demand to speak to your lawyer!
The Importance Of Seeking Experienced Legal Help
Given the severity and complexity of federal criminal investigations and prosecutions, anyone charged with a federal crime should retain a lawyer who has extensive experience in federal criminal defense. Tama Beth Kudman has been representing individuals and corporations accused of committing federal crimes for over 25 years, throughout the country. Ms. Kudman brings this experience and knowledge to every federal criminal case that she defends.
If You Were Charged With A Federal Crime Or Are Under Investigation, Contact Tama Beth Kudman, P.A.
To set up a consultation with an experienced, knowledgeable and aggressive federal criminal defense attorney, call 561-472-0811 or fill out the online contact form. Tama Beth Kudman, P.A., has offices in West Palm Beach, Florida, New York City and New Jersey.