Frequently Asked Questions - Federal Crimes

New York Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

If you or a loved one has been arrested or is facing a federal criminal investigation, you likely have many questions. What will happen? What should you do at this point? What types of penalties may you face? A New York federal crime attorney at Conaway & Strickler, P.C. can meet with you during a free initial consultation to discuss the particular circumstances of your case, and we will be happy to answer all of your questions at that time. For your convenience, we have also included some frequently asked questions about federal crimes in New York.

Why are some crimes handled through different courts than others?

Because of the nature of the crimes, any criminal activity that falls under federal jurisdiction is handled through US Federal Courts. These crimes typically involve interstate activities including business and white collar crimes, kidnapping, theft, drug trafficking, espionage, internet-related crimes, sexual offenses, and child pornography.

Our office represents clients who have been accused of all types of white collar and federal crimes in New York.

How do I know if I am being investigated for federal charges?

Because of the nature of federal crimes, most people and businesses that are being investigated for federal reasons are advised that an investigation is taking place. The enforcement of these laws and investigations are handled by a federal agency, usually spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Other agencies that may be involved in a federal criminal investigation include: the Department of Homeland Security, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), the US Postal Service, The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and others.

Am I always going to know if I the target of a federal investigation?

You may never be entirely sure of whether or not you are the target of an investigation unless the investigating agency notifies you. In some cases it is illegal for the agency not to notify you. Federal Grand Juries oversee most of these investigations in federal crimes. These juries have the ability to subpoena people to appear before them to explain any questions that they have. The subpoena usually outlines whether the person is a "target" or a "subject."

If you have received a letter from the Federal Grand Jury and live in New York please contact us for more information and free legal advice.

What should I do if I think I am going to be charged with a federal crime?

If you live in New York, call or contact Conaway & Strickler, P.C. for a free consultation. Having an experienced New York federal criminal defense lawyer on your side can help you stop the process before it even begins. Even if you own or operate a business and are facing federal white collar charges, with legal assistance you can benefit from having the experience of aggressive New York federal crime lawyers on your side.

What do I face during a federal criminal charge?

The rules and laws are very different for federal crimes than local and state crimes. You can be detained and held without any formal charge for long periods of time, though it is essentially illegal to do so. You face a trial in federal court, before a federal judge, and a sentence that is likely not to change for good behavior.

What if I or a family member has been arrested overseas?

In some cases, depending on the country, the US is able to extradite the suspect for a federal crime. Because this is very difficult to do in most cases, having a New York criminal defense law firm working hard and in cooperation with the government can often provide successful results. If you live in New York please contact us for more information regarding international federal crimes.

What kind of defense is possible against an entity as powerful as the federal court system?

The Federal Court System is a system of American justice that operates on the same basic premise as any judicial system: you are innocent until you are proven guilty. That said, the US has recently stepped up its prosecution of federal crimes in New York and around the country. Recent funding allocations and fears of terrorism have prompted the government to be more aggressive when looking into federal crimes.

There are several ways to mount a successful defense against the government, however. Many of these methods are incorporated early in the process and can stop the investigation before a criminal proceeding can even take place. Evidence, methods of investigation, reasons for the charges and other elements must be thoroughly investigated and critiqued by your legal representation.

Conaway & Strickler, P.C. have years of experience handling federal crimes cases. If you or a loved one is facing a New York federal charge and has questions that need answering, please contact us immediately.