If you think you may be under investigation by a federal agency like the FBI, DEA or homeland security, it’s important that you take the necessary steps to defend yourself against potentially serious charges.
When it comes to investigating a federal crime, authorities act quickly and pursue suspects aggressively with the use of powerful investigative tools and technologies. With federal crimes often resulting in severe penalties, it is important that you seek assistance from a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney who specializes in federal cases.
Attorney Robert M. Helfend has been defending federal clients in Ventura and the Los Angeles area for more than 40 years. If you’re facing federal charges or are under investigation, Robert and his team can work quickly to form the strongest possible defense for you based on the facts of your case.
Attorney Robert M. Helfend Federal practice areas
Federal crimes are frequently those that violate a U.S. criminal code, cross state lines or involve federal property. There are more than 100 different offenses that are considered federal crimes.
Robert M. Helfend accepts all types of federal cases, representing clients in prefile investigations and negotiations, jury trials, indictments, grand juries, and plea bargains.
Some of the most common federal charges that benefit from the expertise of a federal criminal lawyer include:
Identity theft
The deliberate use of another person’s personal identifying information, without their permission, for financial gain is a violation of U.S. federal law. Identity theft can result in significant financial loss for victims and, thus, carries harsh penalties.
Bank fraud
Bank fraud is defined as a scheme to defraud a bank or financial institution. There are many types of illegal activities that are considered bank fraud, including check fraud, ATM fraud, wire transfer fraud, and mortgage fraud.
Wire fraud
When a fraudulent scheme involves the use of mail or wire communication, it is considered wire fraud by the U.S. federal court. Wire fraud includes internet and telephone scams or any fraudulent activity involving a networked communication method.
Drug trafficking
Drug trafficking includes the cultivation, manufacture, and distribution of controlled substances that are prohibited under federal law. Drug trafficking cases can vary widely from small, local operations to international networks.
What to expect from a federal criminal case
The judicial process for federal cases is different than the state judicial process. While many of the details of the legal process can vary depending on the facts of a case, the typical process of a federal criminal case is as follows:
- Investigation – Federal authorities will conduct an investigation in order to gather enough evidence to make an arrest.
- Arrest – If authorities gather sufficient evidence against a suspect, the individual will be charged with a crime and brought into custody to be interviewed by law enforcement.
- Arraignment – The defendant will appear in front of a federal magistrate judge who will examine the details of the case in order to determine whether the defendant should be released on bail to await trial.
- Grand jury – Federal prosecutors present the evidence they’ve gathered to a grand jury who will decide if the case should go to trial. In some cases, a grand jury might take place prior to an arraignment.
- Trial – If a federal case moves to trial, the defendant will be required to appear in the United States District Court. The U.S. Attorney will supply evidence in order to try to prove that the defendant is guilty of all elements of the crime. The defendant will have the opportunity to defend themselves in court.
- Sentencing – Federal sentencing guidelines are used to determine the penalties that a defendant will face if convicted of a federal crime. Penalties for federal crimes tend to be much more severe than for offenses prosecuted by the state.
Legal defense against federal charges
A federal conviction can have devastating consequences for you and your family. When it comes to defending your future and freedom, you need to know that you are in good legal hands. Hiring a criminal defense attorney who specializes in federal cases is the most important step you can take in finding the best possible outcome for your case.
The sooner you begin working with a qualified lawyer, the sooner they can examine the evidence against you and form an aggressive defense strategy. The federal government has a wealth of resources to put into investigating and prosecuting criminal cases, and your best resource as a defendant is an attorney who will fight for you every step of the way.
Ventura federal defense attorney
If you are facing federal charges or are under investigation for a federal crime, attorney Robert M. Helfend is here to assist you.
As one of Ventura’s top-rated criminal defense lawyers, Mr. Helfend has the specific expertise that is needed to navigate the federal judicial system. You deserve the type of dedicated care and aggressive legal defense that only an expert federal defense attorney can offer. Call today for a free initial consultation – 805-273-5611.
Published December 5, 2013. Updated August 20, 2024.