Top Chicago, IL Federal Criminal Law Lawyers Near You

Are You Facing Federal Criminal Charges?

A federal criminal conviction can mean severe fines and federal prison time, depending on the crime in question. If you are being investigated or have been charged with a federal criminal offense, you will want to retain a skilled Chicago federal criminal law lawyer.

Different Types of Federal Criminal Law Charges

Federal crimes are any acts considered illegal under a federal law applicable to all fifty states. This means these criminal offenses are prosecuted under federal law as opposed to state law or the local laws in your jurisdiction. Typically, there are two categories of federal criminal charges:

• Felonies are the most serious offenses and may result in longer prison sentences or life without possibility of parole, or sometimes even capital punishment.
• Misdemeanors are less serious offenses but may still lead to imprisonment.

Some common federal criminal offenses include tax evasion, bank robbery, counterfeiting, kidnapping, and many other crimes. Another common type of federal criminal charge may involve crossing state lines while conducting illegal activity.

What Are The Penalties For Federal Criminal Offenses?

Breaking any law is a serious matter, but breaking a federal law could lead you to stiffer penalties and incarceration in federal prison. Federal criminal charges are defined by federal statutes and typically come with specific minimums and maximum sentencing requirements if convicted. Having a prior criminal history may automatically elevate these penalties.

The exact penalties you may be facing depend on the charges being brought against you. The federal prosecutors bringing the charges against you usually have some latitude when determining what charges to bring or deciding what punishment to ask for as well.

What Is A Federal Criminal Attorney?

A federal criminal law attorney can help you build your defense, no matter that severity of the charge. These attorneys understand not only how criminal defense works, but the complexities of dealing with a criminal charge at the federal level. Being charged with a crime does not automatically mean you are guilty of a crime, so federal criminal defense attorneys can help ensure your rights are protected during each step of the federal criminal court system.

How Can A Federal Criminal Attorney Help Me?

Your attorney can answer any questions you have about your charges and estimate a timeline of your process. Defense attorneys can handle procedural matters like challenging your arrest or evidence obtained by law enforcement if unlawful, and take care of any court filings or other required documentation as well. Federal criminal law attorneys can appear with you at court from your first hearing all the way through to your trial to ensure the process is fair and your rights are protected.

How Much Does A Federal Criminal Law Attorney Charge?

A reputable attorney will be upfront and transparent about their legal fees. When dealing with criminal law matters, most defense attorneys bill clients by the hour. For less complex issues, a federal criminal defense attorney in Illinois may charge you a flat fee to handle a legal matter.

It is common for criminal defense attorneys to offer free initial consultations to learn about the facts of your case and discuss your legal issue in person. At this consultation, the attorney can let you know about the possible outcomes for your situation and discuss their fees for handling the matter for you. Some attorneys may offer a retainer fee or a down payment upfront in order to begin their work as well. A number of attorneys offer payment plans so that you can afford quality legal services.