El Paso Federal Crime Defense Attorney

What Are Federal Sentencing Guidelines?

If you are convicted of a federal crime, your sentence will be determined under the federal sentencing guidelines. These guidelines are a complex set of rules and regulations that dictate the minimum and maximum sentences for specific crimes. The goal of the federal sentencing guidelines is to ensure that similar crimes are punished with similar sentences. However, the guidelines are not mandatory, and the judge has the discretion to deviate from them if they feel it is appropriate.

Some of the factors that a judge may consider when determining a sentence include:

• Your criminal history
• Whether you have accepted responsibility for the crime
• The circumstances surrounding the crime
• The harm caused by the crime
• Whether you were a leader or organizer of the criminal activity
• Whether you were a minor participant in the criminal activity

Because the sentencing guidelines are so complex and because a judge has so much discretion in determining a sentence, it is critical that you have a skilled attorney who can advocate for you at your sentencing hearing.

What Are the Penalties for a Federal Crime?

The penalties for a federal crime depend on the specific offense and whether you have any prior convictions. In general, however, federal crimes are punishable by lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and other severe penalties.

Some examples of the penalties for federal crimes include:

• Bank fraud: Up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000
• Drug trafficking: At least 5 years to life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000,000
• Firearm offenses: Up to 10 years to life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000,000
• Identity theft: Up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000
• Mail fraud: Up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000
• Wire fraud: Up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000
• Counterfeiting: Up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000
• Terrorism: Life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000

As you can see, these are incredibly severe penalties that can change your life forever. Do not take any chances with your future. If you are facing federal charges, contact the Setra Law Firm. Our El Paso federal crime defense attorney is prepared to fight tirelessly for you.

How Can an El Paso Federal Crime Defense Lawyer Help Me?

The federal criminal process is very different from the state criminal process. Federal crimes are investigated by federal agencies, such as the FBI, the DEA, and the ATF. These agencies are highly skilled and have extensive resources at their disposal. They are known for conducting thorough and aggressive investigations. If you have been charged with a federal crime, you can be sure that the federal government has a strong case against you.

However, just because you have been charged with a federal crime does not mean that you will be convicted. You have the right to defend yourself, and an attorney can help you do that. A skilled El Paso federal crime defense lawyer can help you by:

• Investigating the case against you. Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation of the evidence against you and will look for any weaknesses in the government's case. They will also look for any evidence that can be used to support your defense.
• Filing motions to suppress evidence. If the government violated your rights when they were investigating your case, your attorney can file a motion to suppress the evidence that they obtained as a result of the violation. If the motion is successful, the evidence will be excluded from your case and the charges against you may be dismissed.
• Preparing your defense for trial. If your case goes to trial, your attorney will be prepared to present your defense to a jury. They will know the law, the evidence, and the best strategies for winning your case.
• Negotiating with the prosecutor. In many cases, it is possible to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecutor. A plea agreement is an agreement in which you agree to plead guilty to some or all of the charges against you in exchange for a more lenient sentence. Your attorney can help you negotiate a favorable plea agreement.

It is important to note that not all criminal defense attorneys are qualified to handle federal cases. Federal law is very different from state law, and the rules and procedures that apply to federal cases are very different from the rules and procedures that apply to state cases. You will need an attorney who is familiar with federal law and who has experience handling federal cases. The Setra Law Firm team has that experience.

Contact us today at (915) 221-9115 to request a free initial consultation with a federal crime defense lawyer in El Paso.