Baton Rogue Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers

Receiving criminal charges can have a serious impact on your career and future. You may worry about the potential penalties, fines, and jail time, along with what steps to take to fight for your rights. Fortunately, you do not have to go through this process alone. You deserve top-notch representation who will defend you and build the strongest case possible.

At John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, we have years of experience working on all types of federal criminal cases in Baton Rouge. Therefore, we understand the complicated process and also have the skills to take you through it from start to finish. Federal criminal cases can be confusing, but with our legal knowledge, you can better understand how federal crimes are categorized, what the potential penalties are, and how we can help.

What Qualifies as a Federal Crime?

If you have been charged with a crime, you may wonder about the difference between federal and state crimes. The classification depends on which laws are involved. Breaking state laws results in a state criminal charge, while breaking federal law results in a federal criminal charge. Federal charges can include the following:

• Money laundering
• Drug trafficking
• Weapons violations
• Sex crimes
• Violent crimes
• Bribery
• Child pornography
• Embezzlement
• Mortgage fraud
• Healthcare fraud

We understand just how serious these charges can be, so we may be able to handle every aspect of your case and fight for your rights on your behalf. Contacting us as soon as possible only improves your chances of a successful outcome.

Federal Crime Categories and Potential Penalties

Federal crimes fit into specific categories depending on the type and severity. Federal law outlines these categories and their punishments, but it’s important to note that every case is unique. Classifications of federal crimes include the following:

Infractions

An infraction is a low-level offense that often results in paying a fine and little to no jail time. With these charges, you may pay up to $5,000 in fees. Examples of infractions can include jaywalking and fishing without a license.

Misdemeanors

Federal misdemeanors are also lower-level offenses, but they are more serious than infractions, resulting in higher penalties. These charges fall into one of the following categories:

• Class A: This is the highest misdemeanor level with the most serious penalties, which include up to six months to one year in prison and fines up to $100,000.  
• Class B: This mid-level federal misdemeanor may result in one to six months in prison and fines of up to $5,000.
• Class C: This is the lowest level federal misdemeanor, and potential penalties include five to 30 days in prison and a $5,000 fine. 

Depending on the circumstance of your case, the court will decide which class of misdemeanor your charges fall under and what penalties you should pay for them. Misdemeanors may include crimes such as stealing public property, not filing a tax return, and simple assault.

Felonies

This federal crime classification includes higher-level offenses that come with harsher penalties. Felonies are divided into five categories of severity, which include:

• Class A: This is the highest level and most severe felony charge, and it could have potential penalties of life in prison and fines of up to $250,000.
• Class B: This felony charge may result in fines up to $250,000 and 25 or more years in prison.
• Class C: With this charge, potential penalties include 10-25 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.
• Class D: This lower-level felony charge may result in up to $250,000 in fines and 5-10 years in prison.
• Class E: This is the lowest level felony charge with maximum penalties of 1-5 years in prison and $250,000 in fines.

Federal felonies may include drug trafficking, tax evasion, and murder. No matter your charges, you deserve to have a federal criminal defense attorney by your side who will support you every step of the way and curate the best defenses possible.

Why Should You Contact a Baton Rouge Federal Criminal Defense Attorney?

Due to the complex nature of federal criminal cases, contacting a federal criminal defense lawyer is one of the most crucial steps to improve your chances of reduced charges and penalties. Our professional team has extensive knowledge of federal laws surrounding these cases, so our federal criminal defense lawyers may be able to help you in the following ways:

• Conducting a thorough investigation of your charges
• Gathering evidence 
• Casting doubt on the charges against you
• Answering all your legal questions
• Representing you in court
• Communicating with you and your family about the case
• Building an effective defense
• Help you best present yourself in court
• Guiding you through the investigation, subpoena, and trial process

Our compassionate team at John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm is prepared to listen to your story, document any crucial details, and lower your stress to better your chances of reduced charges. In the best case, we may be able to get the judge to drop your charges entirely.

Fighting for You When You Need It the Most

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Contact a Talented Baton Rouge Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer at John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm

If you face federal charges, the process that follows can be overwhelming. One of the best steps you can take to ease your worries is reaching out to our legal team at John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm. Our federal criminal defense lawyers may be able to provide support throughout every step of the federal criminal prosecution process to increase your chances of a successful outcome.

Our knowledgeable legal team strives to communicate honestly and openly with you and ensure you are well informed about the legal process. Our federal criminal defense attorneys are well-versed in federal criminal law, so you can trust us to use this knowledge to build the strongest possible case for your defense. To schedule a free consultation, call us at (318) 377-1555 or fill out our contact form.