Federal Crime vs. Felony: What to Expect

Being charged with a crime can have serious implications for your future. Understanding the difference between a federal crime and a felony, as well as what to expect in either case, is essential if you’ve been accused of a crime in dallas, tx.

What Is a Federal Crime?

Federal crimes are crimes that are committed in a federal jurisdiction, or in both a federal or state jurisdiction with charges brought by a federal prosecutor. In cases where a crime is alleged to have occurred in both a federal and state jurisdiction, the case can be tried by both the federal government and the state, or by just one.

A federal crime is normally seen as more serious than a state crime, but the potential consequences of each crime depend on the alleged crime in question. Some examples of federal crimes might include:

Drug Crimes — The majority of drug crimes, especially minor charges, are handled by state courts. Simple crimes related to possession aren’t typically the subject of federal prosecution. Drug trafficking across state lines, however, is a federal crime. Drug crimes investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will also be tried in federal district court.

Weapons Crimes — Weapons crimes can be escalated to the federal level when certain weapons are illegally taken over state lines or if the crime is investigated by a federal agency.

White Collar Crimes — Such crimes as insider trading, embezzlement, money laundering, and other financial or business-related crimes are normally considered to be federal crimes.

Murder Committed on Federal Land — Murders that are committed in a federal jurisdiction—such as in a national park—can be tried as federal crimes.

Considerations for Felony Crimes

A federal crime can be either a felony or a misdemeanor. Misdemeanors are lesser crimes, and they usually involve fines or incarceration of less than a year. Felonies, on the other hand, are crimes typically punishable by a year or more of imprisonment.

Felonies, similar to misdemeanors, are organized on a schedule of degrees that increase in relation to severity. Some examples of felonies could include murder, sexual assault, or felony drug possession.

Possible Consequences of Federal or Felony Crimes

A federal crime could be either a misdemeanor or felony, and punishments for felonies at the state or federal level will normally be higher than for misdemeanors. Even a class E felony, the least serious, could land you in jail for a maximum of three years. Classes D, C, and B can result in penalties that are more severe and could get you 25 years, depending on the crime in question.

Finally, a class A felony, which is reserved for the worst crimes, could be punished by life in prison or even the death sentence. If you or a loved one are facing a federal charge, whether a felony or a misdemeanor, a criminal defense lawyer could help.

Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Dallas, Texas

Whether you’re facing a felony at the state or federal level, you’ll need a legal team that can give you a fighting chance. At Chris Lewis & Associates P.C., we’re here to help you.

Call 214-665-6930 or fill out our form to speak with a criminal defense lawyer at Chris Lewis & Associates P.C.

What Are Some Examples of Bribery in Business?

A form of white collar crime, bribery involves the trading or exchanging of money, favors, or other considerations in order to impact the ideas or actions of others. Bribery exists not only in politics but in business and other organizations.

Bribery is illegal, and either party in a bribe can be smacked with a fine or the possibility of jail time if convicted of the federal statute. So what are some examples of bribery in business? Read on to learn more about bribery and how a white collar crime lawyer can help.

Kickbacks: Bribery in Business

Bribery is a reality in many industries around the world, and it’s been estimated that up to a third of existing firms world-wide engage in some form of corporate bribery. However, as with any law, “bribery exists” is not an excuse for engaging in the practice oneself.

Bribes are often forged where corporate and government interests align. Frequently, they involve kickbacks in the awarding of public contracts. Some examples of bribes might include:

A construction guaranteeing an elected official ten percent in kickback money in exchange for a large public infrastructure contract
A manufacturing firm paying foreign officials money for preferential treatment or to smuggle unregistered goods across a border
A pharmaceutical firm bribes doctors, hospitals, or other healthcare facilities with incentives to use prescribe their drug to patients
A professional sports franchise bribes an official for preferential treatment or to fix the outcome of a contest

Bribery is regulated by federal and state statutes, and being charged with bribery is very serious.

Contact a Lawyer in Dallas

Have you been charged with a white collar offense, such as bribery? You need to take swift action in order to clear your name. A lawyer with Chris Lewis & Associates P.C. can help.

Call 214-665-6930 or fill out the form below to schedule your consultation with a lawyer with Chris Lewis & Associates P.C.

When Is Fraud a Felony?

Fraud is one of the most common types of white-collar crimes. It involves deception and the presentation of false information for personal or financial gain. Even without bodily injuries, fraud can still cause harm like loss of a life investment, which still counts as damages.

Therefore, fraud can be handled as a criminal or civil case, and sometimes both. In a civil lawsuit, the victim will be seeking compensation for any financial and non-monetary damages they’ve suffered from the defendant’s fraudulent activities.

As a criminal case, fraud can be classified either as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on various factors. If you’ve been accused of fraud, you might be wondering whether you’ll be facing a felony and how this will affect your life. To understand your charges, consider speaking with a white collar crime lawyer for a case review and to develop a proper defense strategy that can see you avoid a conviction.

When Does Fraud Become a Felony?

A felony is more serious than a misdemeanor, and so are the penalties. If you are charged with any type of fraud as a felony, you’re likely to be facing anywhere from one year to life in prison, depending on things like:

The amount of money that you’ve allegedly defrauded, if any
The type of fraud crime you’re charged with
Prior history of the same crimes
Whether you’re accused of defrauding the elderly

Defending Yourself Against a Fraud Conviction

The best way to win a case against fraud is by preparing a strong defense. In this case, your best bet is securing the services of a professional criminal defense lawyer because they understand both state and federal laws regarding your charges.

An attorney can conduct a thorough investigation and come up with defenses like mistaken identity or insufficient evidence, argue that you didn’t have any intent, or point out mistakes and misunderstanding, among others, to keep you out of jail.

Partner with a Fraud Defense Lawyer

Fraud is a serious criminal offense, especially when charged as a felony. Being tried at a state or federal court means that you’ll be facing the toughest of prosecutors with evidence that is meant to put you in prison. You should have a strong legal team, as well.

Let the fraud defense lawyers at Chris Lewis & Associates P.C. use their experience and legal expertise to keep you away from a conviction. Dial 214-665-6930 or fill out our contact form below to set up a case review with an attorney.

What Happens if I Get a New Charge While on Probation in Texas?

Being charged with a crime is scary, and you might feel relieved when the judge sentences you to probation instead of jail. However, there are some important things you should know about your probation grant.

In order to complete your probation, there are many rules you must follow; otherwise your grant could be revoked, meaning taken away from you. Additionally, you might be wondering, “What happens if I get a new charge while on probation in Texas?”

Understanding What Happens if You Violate Your Probation Grant

Firstly, you need to know that probation is a chance to avoid jail or prison time, but you must complete it successfully. If you don’t follow the rules of your probation grant, you could still go to jail or prison for the offense that you were placed on probation for.

For instance, if you received a probation grant for a felony drug charge, you could still go to prison for that crime if you fail to abide by the conditions of your probation grant.

Secondly, you should know that getting a new charge while on probation could be an automatic violation of your probation. Just being charged with a crime could be a violation. You don’t even have to be convicted.

This new charge will be handled separately from your probation offense. This means that if convicted of the new crime, you could serve jail or prison time in addition to jail or prison time on the probation offense.

How a Probation Lawyer Can Help You

If you’ve been charged with a new crime while you’re on probation, you might want to contact a lawyer right away. Your attorney can protect your rights and help you deal with the new situation.

In some cases, your criminal defense attorney can get a new crime dismissed and then get your probation grant reinstated, meaning you could be placed back on probation for the original crime.

Get Ahold of a Probation Violation Lawyer in Texas

Now you know what happens if you get a new charge while on probation in Texas. Get in touch with a probation violation attorney with Chris Lewis & Associates, P.C.. Dial 214-665-6930 or fill out the online contact form on this page to reach our firm.

Chris Lewis & Associates, P.C.
Address: 1717 Main St Suite 4625, Dallas, TX 75201
Phone: (214) 665-6930

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