Federal Charges Article
The Law Offices of Stephen J. Weymouth handles both federal and state criminal cases. Stephen J. Weymouth has over 25 years of experience practicing federal and state criminal law in the Boston area. Mr. Weymouth has handled a variety of federal criminal cases, and is committed to providing his clients with effective, reliable service. Because federal criminal charges often involve more serious offenses and penalties than state criminal charges, it is important to obtain an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you.
Just as with state criminal offenses, there is a wide range of federal offenses the government can charge against an individual. Below are some federal criminal charges people might encounter.
Federal Drug Charges
Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act to combat the distribution and manufacture of drugs in the United States. For instance, Title 21, Section 841 of the U.S. Code prohibits the intentional manufacture, distribution, or possession with the intent to manufacture a controlled substance. Depending on the amount and type of drugs involved, an individual, if convicted, could face a prison term of at least 10 years for his or her first offense. However, if death or serious injury resulted, then a person could face not less than 20 years or more than life imprisonment. The individual could also potentially face four million dollars in fines.
Additionally, if it is the individual's second offense, then the penalties are more severe, resulting in longer prison times and higher fines. To see a chart of drug trafficking penalties, click on the following link: http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/agency/penalties.htm. To see an index of the U.S. Code (Courtesy of Cornell University Law School), click on the following link: http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/titles.html.
Federal Weapons Charges
The U.S. government has strict laws governing the manufacture and importation of firearms. Title 18, Section 922, subdivision (a)(1) of the U.S. Code prohibits anyone, except for licensed importers and manufacturers, from engaging in the business of importing, manufacturing, and dealing in firearms.
In addition, under this same title, people who are convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, fugitives from justice, and drug users are prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition that was transported at any point across state lines or from a foreign country. Title 18, Section 924, subdivision (a)(2), states people who violate parts of Section 922 face at least 10 years in prison.
Collateral Consequences of a Federal Conviction
In addition to paying fines and serving out one's sentence, a person convicted of a federal offense suffers other collateral consequences. For instance, according to Title 10, Section 504, subdivision (a) of the U.S. Code, a person convicted of a felony cannot enlist in the armed forces. Further, a person convicted of a federal or state crime might have certain federal benefits revoked or limited. For example, a person convicted of a state or federal felony after August 1996 for possessing or distributing drugs is not eligible to receive food stamps or temporary assistance for needy families. Moreover, both state and federal convictions have immigration consequences, particularly if the person is not a U.S. Citizen. Also, because the conviction goes on the person's record, it is harder to obtain a job. To see a comprehensive list of collateral consequences of a criminal conviction, please click on the following link: http://www.usdoj.gov/pardon/collateral_consequences.pdf.
Federal criminal charges are serious offenses where serious fines and prison terms can be imposed. There can also be devastating collateral consequences, ranging from reduced federal benefits to difficulty finding employment. To protect your rights and interests, you should contact the Law Offices of Stephen J. Weymouth immediately if you are facing a federal criminal charge.
