New York City Federal Crimes Lawyer

Defending Against Federal Crimes in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island

When a person is charged with a crime, their selection of the attorney who will represent them might end up as the difference between freedom or a jail sentence. One factor to consider is whether that lawyer has experience in handling the defense of the specific charges in question. But another issue, no less important, is whether the charges are coming from the State of New York, the federal government, or both. Federal court can be very different from state court and a New York City federal crimes lawyer must know how to navigate through the differences.

Maryam Jahedi Law Firm P.C. has devoted over ten years to fighting for the people of New York and their constitutional rights. 

From the Bronx to Queens, from Brooklyn to Staten Island, to our home borough here in Manhattan, we make sure those charged with federal crimes get the vigorous defense they deserve. Call us today at (646) 798-7118 or contact us online to set up a consultation.

Federal vs. State Criminal Charges

The law that was violated is what determines whether the state government or the federal government has jurisdiction. Is the law cited by the prosecution one that was passed by the legislature in Albany or by the Congress of the United States? If it’s the latter, a federal prosecutor may be the one bringing the charges.

The federal government’s scope of authority was designed by the U.S. Constitution to be tight, and most crimes fall under state jurisdiction. But there are certainly exceptions, and the advent of technology has made it more likely that crimes can come under the federal umbrella.

A crime can become federal if more than one state is involved. This can be as simple as the defendant having an associate across state lines. Did a defendant here in New York City have contact with another defendant in New Jersey? If so, it can be a federal crime.

Furthermore, the companies that control our email records and cellphone data are subject to federal jurisdiction. A crime might become federal over something as simple as defendants texting between themselves. The advent of technology makes crimes ranging from fraud to money laundering more likely to come under federal jurisdiction.

All crimes committed on federal property will also be subject to federal charges. An assault that happens on the intersection of West 40th and 8th Avenue here in Manhattan is a state case. That same assault taking place just outside the Javits Federal Building will be a federal crime.

Two Things to Know About Federal Crimes

If a crime falls under federal jurisdiction, it is imperative a defendant be aware of these two points of law:

• The question of Federal vs. State jurisdiction is not either or. Defendants can be charged by both a federal prosecutor and a state District Attorney. That means their lawyer must be able to handle two trials.
• The concept of double jeopardy, wherein a defendant cannot be charged for the same crime twice, does not yet apply. Getting acquitted in state court only means the State of New York can’t bring the same charges. It does not mean that the federal case–one being heard by an entirely different judge and jury–cannot bring forth a guilty verdict.

Experience can be a big factor in all legal circumstances, but especially in the very different world that is the federal court system. Let Maryam Jahedi Law Firm P.C., with over ten years of legal defense under our belt, be the ones that fight for your freedom. Call today at (646) 798-7118 or contact us online to set up a consultation.

Navigating the Federal Court System in NYC

The federal court system operates at a different pace than what happens at the state level. Federal prosecutors typically have a smaller caseload than their counterparts in New York. Judges likely have fewer cases to hear at the federal level. This simple matter of caseload impacts how the legal process unfolds.

The reason is that federal prosecutors can bring more resources, from staff to money, to investigating and building their cases. Judges are more apt to take a slower pace and want to explore the circumstances of the case during the trial.

Attention to detail is an essential part of criminal defense no matter what charge is being considered in what court. But it can be make-or-break when it comes time to face off with a federal prosecutor who is able to pick and choose the cases they bring. An experienced New York City federal crimes lawyer, who understands the system and how to prepare for it, may offer the defendant a better chance at acquittal.

Maryam Jahedi Law Firm P.C. understands the federal court system. We understand what it takes to prepare, and we understand the determination that a defense lawyer must have when facing the federal government. 

With over a decade of experience, we’ve been here before. Call our NYC office today at (646) 798-7118 or contact us online to set up a consultation.