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Manhattan Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

Federal crimes are investigated by intimidating and powerful federal agencies such as the FBI, IRS and SEC. The FBI alone has an annual budget of nearly $9 billion. Prosecutions are handled by the imposing Department of Justice or the US Attorney. If a settlement cannot be reached, you will be tried in a federal district court.

The consequences of being investigated and convicted of a federal crime can be draconian. For example, over 90% of IRS prosecutions end in a conviction, and 80% of those convicted will spend time in federal prison. The SEC alone obtains judgments totaling roughly $4 billion per year, counting fines and the return of ill-gotten gains.

At JOEY JACKSON LAW, PLLC., we have over 25 years of experience in criminal defense law in some of the toughest courts in America: the federal courts of the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York and the criminal courts of New York City. Attorney Jackson has handled many high-profile, high-stakes cases. Having his proven skills on your side can make all the difference. You can rely on JOEY JACKSON LAW, PLLC., to develop and present a compelling and forceful defense in cases such as federal fraud and constitutional rights violations.

Insider Trading, Tax Evasion And Other Federal Fraud Crimes

Some common types of federal fraud crimes include income tax evasion, Social Security fraud, and securities law violations such as insider trading or embezzlement of customer funds.

The penalties for federal fraud crimes can be substantial. For example, someone convicted of federal tax evasion may be sentenced to prison for up to five years and/or a fine of up to $250,000 (26 USC § 7201). The penalty for securities fraud can go as high as 20 to 25 years in federal prison plus fines up to $5 million (15 U.S. Code § 78ff, 18 USC § 1348).

Deprivation Of Constitutional Rights By Law Enforcement Officers

Police, correction officers and other law enforcement officials who commit certain types of on-the-job misdeeds may be charged with a federal crime known as deprivation of rights under color of law (18 U.S.C. § 242). Examples of such official misdeeds include lying on an official document (e.g., to get a search warrant or pursue a prosecution), excessive use of force, and coercion to perform sexual acts.

The constitutional rights violated are:

  • The Fourth Amendment right to be free against unreasonable searches and seizures of one’s person and property.
  • The Fourteenth Amendment right to not be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.

When an individual, or an entire entity such as a prison, is accused of constitutional rights violations, the case is typically investigated by the FBI or the Civil Rights Division of the US Department of Justice.

It can be difficult for a federal prosecutor to obtain a conviction in some cases because the law requires proof that the accused had a “specific intent” to deprive the victim of their civil rights. However, convictions have occurred in many cases where law enforcement officers “acted with deliberate indifference” and “took affirmative steps” that resulted in injury to a prisoner (U.S. v. Lanham, 617 F.3d 873, 6th Cir. 2010).

The sentence for a federal civil rights crime can include a fine, imprisonment, or both. The maximum prison sentence is one year if no bodily injury resulted, 10 years if the violation involved bodily injury or the threat of a dangerous weapon, or life in prison if the violation involved kidnapping, aggravated sexual abuse, death or an attempt to kill.

Get Experienced Defense To Fight Federal Crime Charges

If you have been accused of a federal crime, JOEY JACKSON LAW, PLLC., has the exceptional skill and commitment you need for your defense. Contact our Manhattan office at 833-563-9522 to schedule a case evaluation.