In one year, the Department of Justice prosecuted over 25,000 defendants with illegal entry into the United States. A person can be accused of immigration fraud if the individual knowingly provides false information on any documents or application to enter the United States. Immigration fraud is a federal crime, and if you are found guilty, you may be subjected to several years in prison, substantial fines, and deportation. Many of these accusations are unsupported, but the federal government still investigates each case closely. If you have been accused of immigration fraud, you should contac ..read more

Federal criminal defense attorneys are key in ensuring that individuals accused of federal crimes receive legal representation and a fair trial. Navigating federal criminal proceedings demands a proper understanding of the legal process since each stage has distinct considerations.  A highly experienced Chicago criminal defense lawyer can offer you proper representation to minimize or eliminate the potential penalties you may face. Contact our firm immediately if you are facing allegations in federal court. Steps Involved in Federal Criminal Processes Each criminal case is unique, and the ..read more

The United States Sentencing Commission publishes guidelines to determine sentencing for offenders of both felonies and misdemeanors. These guidelines have been developed by federal courts and establish a uniform punishment policy for convicts.  If you have recently been convicted of a crime, you may be concerned about how much prison time you may need to serve. Our Chicago federal criminal lawyer would like to give you an overview of federal sentencing guidelines. Overview of Federal Sentencing The guidelines for federal sentencing take the following under consideration: Offense Seriousn ..read more

Money laundering is earning money from illegal activity. The severity of the charge you will be facing will depend on the amount of money that is laundered. Federal money laundering carries serious consequences, including jail time, hefty fines, and even asset forfeiture. If you have been charged with federal money laundering, it is time you contact an Illinois federal crimes lawyer. What is Money Laundering? Money laundering is the act of concealing money that was gained through illegal activity by pretending that the proceeds came from a legitimate business. Money laundering is a person’s at ..read more

Federal mortgage fraud charges are taken very seriously in the United States. Mortgage fraud involves intentionally being deceptive or giving false information during the mortgage application process. This can occur at various stages, such as during the loan application, appraisal, or closing. Whenever you face fraud allegations at the federal level, your very first call should be to a Chicago federal criminal defense attorney. You need defense representation from a lawyer with extensive experience with the federal criminal justice system.  Possible Penalties The consequences of federal m ..read more

Did you know that 98% of federal criminal cases end in a plea bargain? When a defendant takes a plea bargain, the offender must plead guilty for a reduced punishment. A plea bargain is between the defendant and the prosecutor. Federal law prohibits a federal judge from taking part in the process.  Below, we briefly discuss the basics of a plea agreement and the reasons why prosecutors offer defendants plea bargains. If you are facing charges, seek help from a Chicago federal criminal defense attorney immediately. What is a Federal Plea Agreement? When a defendant agrees to plead guilty as ..read more

In defining a hate crime, the term “hate” refers to a bias against a group of people with similar defining characteristics.  In a recent year, there were a reported 7,200 incidents of hate crimes. Hate crimes can include a number of acts, from physically assaulting someone because of their ethnicity, setting a group home for people with disabilities on fire, or vandalizing a place of worship.  If you have been charged with a hate crime, you need to speak with a Chicago criminal defense attorney who can represent your interests. What is a Hate Crime? A hate crime is often a violent cr ..read more

Finding yourself arrested for a federal crime you did not commit can be an overwhelming and highly distressing experience. However, it is essential to remember that an arrest does not automatically mean guilt; you still have the right to fight for your innocence, which is best done with the help of a seasoned Chicago criminal defense attorney. Here are some crucial steps to take if you find yourself wrongfully accused and subsequently arrested. Seek Legal Representation Your first move should be to contact a criminal defense attorney with experience in federal criminal law. In the American leg ..read more

Federal arrests are often the culmination of extensive investigations, some taking years. Federal agents invest countless hours in surveillance and meticulously sift through numerous documents to put together the evidence needed. Before executing an arrest, these agents typically obtain a warrant from a federal district judge in a federal district court. Unlike local arrests, federal arrests are not impromptu events.  If you or someone you know is the subject of a federal arrest warrant, it signifies that the government has compiled substantial evidence and is now prepared to initiate for ..read more

Any type of federal charge or conviction is typically more serious than state charges and has substantial penalties attached to it. Federal drug offenses are no different.  If you face federal drug charges, securing the representation of an experienced Chicago federal criminal defense lawyer is imperative. Without an attorney who has represented clients facing federal charges, you are more likely to be subject to conviction and stiff penalties. However, there are many other things you should know concerning federal drug offenses. With competent representation, you can fight a federal drug ..read more