Federal Offenses in Arizona

If you are being charged with a federal offense, such as a sex crime, a gun crime, drug trafficking, or an immigration violation, then you need an Arizona criminal defense attorney who has specific experience with the rules of evidence and procedures of federal court. The preparation for a federal case is different and takes longer than other types of cases. It can also be an advantage to find a lawyer who has previously worked as a prosecutor because they will have a better understanding of how the other side prepares their cases. Your lawyer’s first priority should be to try to prevent federal charges from being filed in the first place by negotiating with federal prosecutors, and then if it does go to court, he or she should work to build a strong defense. You should look for an Arizona criminal defense attorney with a strong reputation and a record of success.

Your Arizona criminal defense attorney should inform you of all the options you have available and work with you to develop the right defense strategy. The goal should be to seek the best possible resolution, such as getting the charges dismissed or reduced.

Types of Federal Offenses in Arizona

Firearms offenses – As long as you are not a “prohibited possessor,” it is legal to possess a shotgun, rifle, or handgun without a state permit. You can be a prohibited possessor for a number of reasons, such as being someone who constitutes a danger to himself or others pursuant to a court order and whose court ordered treatment has not been terminated; felons whose convictions involved violence or the possession and use of a deadly weapon who have not had their civil rights restored; someone who is serving a term of imprisonment in any correctional or detention facility; and someone who is serving a term of probation for certain crimes. It is also illegal to carry a concealed weapon in Arizona without a permit.

Sex offenses – These crimes can include sexual battery, rape, sexual conduct with a minor, Possession of Child Pornography, molestation, or Child Abuse. If you are convicted, you will face time in prison, be declared a sex offender, and have to register as a sex offender in Arizona and throughout the United States. For some cases, you could even face a life sentence.

Fraud – Fraud cases include identity theft, bankruptcy fraud, mail fraud, and more. These are complex cases that necessitate a knowledgeable Arizona criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights in court.

Kidnapping – This occurs if you are “forcibly, secretly, or by threat confining, abducting, or imprisoning another person against her or his will.” If convicted, you will face a long prison sentence as well as high fines.

Murder – This includes first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and manslaughter. When the murder was premeditated or occurs while engaged in another felony, this is first-degree murder. It is the most serious crime and is considered a Capital Offense. If convicted, you will be sentenced to death, life in prison without the possibility of parole, or life in prison with parole eligibility after 25 years have been served.

Second-degree murder occurs when the accused shows no regard for human life, but the murder was not premeditated. In some cases, you can be charged with second-degree murder even if the death was caused by an accident as long as you acted with extreme “recklessness.” For example, if you had a DUI with a very high blood alcohol level, a death that resulted could possibly be charged as second-degree murder. If convicted, you would face a minimum prison sentence of 10 years with a maximum prison sentence of 22 years.

If you caused the death of another person by acting recklessly, you can be charged with manslaughter. This means you knowingly disregarded a serious risk and it resulted in someone’s death. For example, a DUI charge that results in someone’s death is most often brought as a manslaughter charge. Other common manslaughter cases include “heat of the moment” killings. These are cases where the accused was provoked and lost control. If you are convicted, then you will face a sentence between 7 and 21 years in prison.

Hire a Qualified Federal Offense Attorney in Arizona

If you are facing a Federal Offense in the state of Arizona, you need to find an experienced criminal lawyer quickly in order to start working on a strong defense for your case. The consequences are harsh, so you want to give yourself the best chance at avoiding a long prison sentence or a death sentence.