Tampa Federal Crime Attorney
Federal criminal charges differ from criminal charges at the state level. Not only are they prosecuted differently — and processed in a different court system — but they can also carry stricter penalties. To successfully defend against a federal criminal charge, you need to retain a Tampa federal crime attorney with an in-depth knowledge of the federal justice system. OA Law Firm has licensed federal criminal defense attorneys ready to help you. We have successfully represented hundreds of clients throughout the Tampa area and the state of Florida. For a confidential and complimentary consultation, contact us online or by calling 813-461-5291.
Federal Charges in Florida
As a Florida resident, you are not only required to abide by the legal codes set by the state; you are also expected to comply with federal laws created by the United States government. When you’re accused of committing a crime, the charges you face are determined by which legislation created the law, and the agencies responsible for investigating it.
Federal crimes typically involve government agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Department of Homeland Security, Department of Veterans Affairs, the Secret Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), and even the United States Postal Service.
Federal crimes can include, but are not limited to:
- Immigration Crime
- Drug trafficking
- Terrorism
- Weapon charges
- White-collar crime
- Wire Fraud
- Organized crime
The most crucial thing to understand when facing federal charges is that all crimes tried in federal court are prosecuted by the United States Department of Justice. This means that you’ll be defending yourself against the full force of the federal authorities. In addition, not all attorneys are licensed to practice in federal court — therefore, it’s imperative that you retain a licensed Tampa federal defense attorney who understands your legal needs.
OA Law Firm’s experienced Tampa federal criminal defense lawyers are licensed to practice in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, and the Northern District of Florida. Our law firm is dedicated to aggressively defending the legal rights of our clients, and we are committed to giving each individual case the attention it deserves. Call us today at 813-461-5291 for a free and confidential consultation.
Tampa Lawyer Assisting Florida Residents who Have Been Charged with a Federal Offense by the U.S. Government
The criminal laws implemented by the federal government are incorporated in Title 18 of the U.S. criminal code. An arrest for the commission of a federal offense may be executed by the FBI, the local police, or other federal agencies. Federal charges often include more serious forms of conduct, such as drug trafficking, interstate kidnapping, etc. Defendants can also be charged with other conduct, such as being a felon in possession of a firearm. Charges for federal offenses will be brought by the U.S. Attorney’s office. If you are convicted of any of these crimes, then you will be sentenced pursuant to the federal sentencing guidelines.
A federal case begins once a defendant has been indicted by a Grand Jury. The accused will then be arraigned before a federal magistrate and will enter a plea of “not guilty.” A trial date is then scheduled and the prosecution will provide the defense with any evidence which must be disclosed under Brady v. Maryland. Such evidence will include arrest reports, witness statements, etc. It is important to note that certain federal charges, such as those involving drugs or firearms, will often center on the issue of whether officers lawfully obtained the evidence brought forth against the defendant. If the evidence was obtained through violations of the Fourth or Fifth Amendments then a Motion to Suppress may be filed. Depending on the facts of the case, such a Motion may result in the dismissal of the charges. However, if a dismissal cannot be attained or a resolution cannot be reached with the prosecution, then it will be necessary to prepare the case for trial. This will require your counsel to conduct a full investigation of the case and interview witnesses and potentially retain experts. Because adherence to the rules of evidence is crucial in federal court, it is important to retain an experienced attorney who is licensed to handle such matters.
Omar Abdelghany is a Tampa lawyer assisting those who face federal charges in the Northern District of Florida. He will use your initial consultation to your side of the story and to help you understand what it is you should expect from the process. He will then launch a full investigation into the case and obtain all available evidence. This may include visiting the scene of the crime and interviewing any potential witnesses. If he believes that the police unlawfully obtained evidence against you then he will file any appropriate Motions with the Court. Omar will aggressively examine the arresting officers at an evidentiary hearing and, if possible, he will argue for dismissal of the charges. If a dismissal cannot be obtained then he will make every effort to resolve your matter favorably. If a resolution cannot be reached then he will not hesitate to take your case to trial. Federal charges are a serious matter and cannot be taken lightly. If you require assistance then contact our office today.
Attorney Providing Personal Service to Tampa Residents Facing Federal Charges
Omar understands the gravity of federal charges and the consequences associated with a conviction. This is why he strives to provide Tampa residents with the highest levels of representation. Omar will personally handle the details of your case and he will provide a high level of service while doing so. This level of service includes promptly returning your phone calls, responding to your emails and text messages in a timely manner, and ensuring all of your concerns are adequately addressed. One of the most common complaints against attorneys is that they fail to communicate with their clients. Our lawyer strives to be different in this regard.
Omar also serves clients in Bradenton, Brandon, Clearwater, Lakeland, Largo, Palm Harbor, Sarasota, Spring Hill, St. Petersburg and Tampa.
What Happens During a Federal Crime Prosecution?
If you’re currently being investigated for a federal crime, it’s crucial that you seek legal advice as soon as possible. As the defendant in a federal prosecution case, you will first be indicted by a Grand Jury. You will then be arraigned before a federal magistrate and will enter a “not guilty” plea. Once you have entered your plea, your trial date is scheduled. The prosecution will then provide you with copies of the materials and evidence that they intend to use at trial. This includes any exculpatory evidence they have, that must be disclosed under Brady v. Maryland — including arrest reports and witness statements.
If the Government believes it has a strong case against you, they may offer you a plea deal. Taking a plea deal can help you avoid a lengthy trial and can sometimes reduce your sentence. However, you can only plead guilty if you committed the crime, and you admit to doing so in open court before a judge. Although taking a plea deal can sometimes seem like your best option, it’s crucial to seek legal advice from an experienced federal criminal defense attorney before making any decisions.
After pleading not guilty, you can choose to have a preliminary hearing within 14 days if you’re being held in jail, or within 21 days if you’re out on bail. If, after the preliminary hearing, the judge does not believe the prosecution has established probable cause to determine that you committed the offense, your charges will be dismissed. At the OA Law Firm, we strive to have all of our client’s charges dismissed whenever possible. If the charges are not dismissed during this stage, if possible, we will aim to file a pretrial Motion to Dismiss. If this is not possible, we will begin strategically building a criminal defense case on your behalf. If you have questions regarding a federal investigation, call us today for a free and confidential consultation at 813-461-5291.
What are the Penalties of a Federal Crime?
Federal criminal court proceedings take place under different guidelines to state proceedings. Often, federal trials include evidence and testimony from the investigating federal agency — such as the DEA for drug crimes, or ICE for immigration crimes. When determining the sentence for a federal crime, judges abide by federal sentencing guidelines. If you’re facing federal charges, it’s important to note that federal offenses’ minimum sentence guidelines tend to be much longer. In addition, if you are sentenced to jail time for a federal crime, you will be forced to serve your time in federal prison, rather than a state prison.
Due to potentially harsher penalties and longer sentencing, if you’re currently being investigated for a federal crime, it’s imperative that you seek the advice of an experienced Tampa federal crime attorney. A licensed federal defense attorney can ensure that you build a strategic legal defense that protects your constitutional rights.
Building a Federal Defense Case In Florida
Building an effective federal defense case requires an in-depth knowledge of federal law. It’s important to note that some federal charges, such as those involving drugs or firearms, often center on whether the investigating officers lawfully obtained the prosecution’s evidence. If the evidence was obtained through violations of the Fourth or Fifth Amendment, it’s possible to file a Motion to Suppress. If successful, a Motion of Suppression can result in a complete dismissal of your charges.
If a dismissal cannot be attained or a resolution with the prosecution cannot be reached, you must start building your defense case for trial. At this point, it is imperative that your counsel conducts a thorough investigation of your case. This can involve interviewing witnesses and also retain experts when needed. Due to the strict adherence to rules required when presenting evidence in federal court, it’s crucial that you retain an experienced federal attorney who is licensed and equipped to handle such matters.
Why do You Need a Licensed Tampa Federal Crime Attorney?
Navigating a federal legal case can be stressful and overwhelming — especially when your freedom is at risk. Federal charges tend to involve more serious forms of conduct, such as drug trafficking, organized criminal activity, and interstate kidnapping. Furthermore, defendants in federal cases often face additional charges, such as being a felon in possession of a firearm.
If you’re currently being investigated by federal authorities, you must retain the services of a knowledgeable Florida federal defense attorney. Licensed federal attorneys understand the federal court system and can help you develop a strong defense that protects your legal rights.
Why You Should Choose An Experienced Tampa Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
Omar Abdelghany is an experienced Tampa lawyer who can help you fight federal charges in the Middle District of Florida. With an unparalleled dedication to defending his client’s legal rights, attorney Omar Abdelghany understands the gravity of federal charges — and is committed to obtaining the best possible outcome for his clients.
From your first consultation, our Tampa federal crime attorneys take the time to listen to your side of the story and answer any questions you might have. We aim to equip our clients with the knowledge and understanding they need to navigate their federal defense case with minimal stress.
