About Federal and State Criminal Law

Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney

There are two systems of criminal law in the Los Angeles area and throughout the country. One can be charged with a criminal offense at the state level, but in some cases the charge is ramped up to a federal charge, related to certain factors in the case. When a crime is committed that crosses state lines, such as a kidnapping or drug importation, the charges will likely be federal. The two systems are completely separate, although law enforcement teams may work in conjunction in the case. When you are charged at the state level, if convicted of a serious felony it is likely that you will be spending time for your sentence in state prison. However, when you are convicted in federal court, your sentence is served in federal prison. At the federal court level, some of the top law enforcement teams, such as the FBI, ATF and others get involved in a variety of federal crimes. It is vital that you contact a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer if you are facing federal charges.

Los Angeles Federal Crime Defense Lawyer

In any case in which a financial institution has been defrauded, it is highly likely that you will be facing a federal charge. This includes bank fraud, mortgage fraud, wire fraud and other charges. In cases of drug crimes in which illegal substances are brought across state or national borders, the federal system will be involved.

It is critical that you have legal representation that is familiar with the federal and state court systems if you have been arrested and charged with a criminal offense. Some charges are first charged at the state level and then are increased to a federal crime. You want to know that your attorney is very experienced in both venues. At the Law Offices of Robert Schwartz, the legal team is a skilled group of criminal defense lawyers that has developed powerful defense resources over the years in practice, and is very familiar with defending cases in both the federal and state court systems. You can be assured that the legal team will immediately initiate the defense strategy for any criminal case, and is exceptionally qualified to launch a compelling defense on behalf of the client.

Related Federal Crimes Stories in the News:
U.S. Dept of Justice - "Gang Members Indicted on Racketeering, Murder, Drugs and Firearms Charges"
An indictment was unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn, New York charging members of a set of the Bloods street gangs, with racketeering (RICO), murder, drug distribution, firearms offenses, illegally possessing guns in connection with drug trafficking, armed robbery and conspiring to distribute heroin and cocaine.

U.S. Dept of Justice - "Los Angeles Gang Members Charged in Federal Racketeering Indictment"
The defendants face various charges, including conspiracy to engage in racketeering (RICO) activity; violent crimes in aid of racketeering; conspiracy to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin and marijuana; use and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime; and distribution and manufacturing of narcotics near schools, playgrounds and public housing facilities; numerous narcotics transactions, attacks on police officers, armed robberies, firearms sales, drive-by shootings, assaults with a deadly weapon, attempted murder, and murder.

FOXnews.com - "Mexico Says Drug Lord 'The Barbie' Captured"
Federal police captured a long-sought, Texas-born gang kingpin who faces drug trafficking charges in the United States and has been blamed for a vicious turf war that has included bodies hung from bridges and shootouts in central Mexico. The announcement came after the government said nearly 10 percent of the federal police force has been fired this year as part of a campaign to root out corruption.

Contact a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of Robert Schwartz if you have been charged federally or on the state level for any serious felony offense including homicide and violent crimes.