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What Are The Common Federal Criminal Cases That Your Firm Handles?


We handle all types of federal criminal cases, including possession or distribution of narcotics, drugs, cannabis, guns, gun-running, transport of weapons, fraud cases, mortgage fraud, Medicaid fraud, and Medicare fraud. Scott MacNeil is a certified public accountant (CPA), which is a great and valuable resource when handling white-collar or financial cases.

What Are The Differences Between Federal And State Crime Charges?

For the most part, state and federal laws are the same; the difference is in who is prosecuting you and what penalties are associated. Generally, the penalties in a federally-charged offense will be more serious than in a state-charged offense.

Who Is Investigating And Prosecuting My Federal Criminal Case?

Generally, federal crimes are investigated by federal agencies, such as the DEA, FBI, or Homeland Security. It’s also possible that an offense could be a joint investigation between the state and federal government. Depending on the situation, a state agency might investigate and make an arrest for a crime and then ask the Feds if they want to take over. Also, sometimes an arrest made by federal agents is given to the state’s attorney for state prosecution.

Should I Remain Silent If They Tell Me They Are Conducting A Preliminary Investigation Or That I Am A Person Of Interest?

“Being investigated”, “person of interest”, and “preliminary inquiry” are code phrases that translate to the police’s intention to arrest you for a crime. It is their hope that you will make statements that they can use against you as evidence of guilt. If law enforcement agents are asking you about a crime and it is clear that you are not merely a witness in their eyes, then you should choose to remain silent. I have had much greater success in representing defendants who exercised their right to remain silent than in representing defendants who provided statements and explanations to the police. This is not to say that someone who makes statements to the police cannot be defended, but it will be more difficult.

Do Federal Investigators Have to Inform Me Of What I Am Being Investigated For In A Federal Case?

Federal agents do not have an obligation to tell you what you are being investigated for. In fact, the law allows them to lie or deceive you in an attempt to get you to admit to the crime or to further their investigation of it. This is why it’s always a good idea to remain silent.

I Was Just Arrested And Charged With A Federal Crime. What Is Going To Happen To Me Next?

Once you have been arrested for a federal crime, you will have a detention hearing, which is a court proceeding during which they determine under what circumstances, if any, they are going to release you. For example, they might let you out on your own recognizance and your promise to show back up to court, make you post money or property in exchange for your release, or keep you in custody under any and all circumstances. Next, your case will go to the grand jury. Following an indictment would be the pre-trial discovery phase, which is when the government has to turn over all of the evidence to us. This allows us to analyze exactly what we are dealing with and whether or not we think we can beat the case, or review the evidence for any search and seizure issues.

Do Most Federal Criminal Cases End Up Going To Trial?

Whether or not a federal criminal case will go to trial will depend on the evidence. If the evidence against you is strong, then it wouldn’t be advisable to go to trial; if it’s weak, then it might be worth it. There are pros and cons to each option. At the MacNeil Firm, we review all evidences with our clients and provide all options and strategies available.

For more information on Federal Criminal Cases Handled In Illinois, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (708) 218-0947 today.

Donald N. Macneil, Esq.

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