If you are under investigation for a federal crime or have been charged in federal court, you are about to enter the most daunting, complex criminal justice system. Federal prosecutors have the full weight, authority and resources of the United States government behind them. It is your job to do all you can to protect your interests, beginning with finding an experienced federal criminal defense attorney.
Remember You Are Innocent Until Proven Guilty
Federal criminal defense lawyer Ron Cordova has successfully represented clients facing federal criminal indictment or charged with federal offenses since 1979. Because the federal system has its own complex rules and procedures for evidentiary discovery and sentencing, strategies unique to federal criminal practice may take years to understand and apply effectively. This is not the time to work with an inexperienced lawyer or one who handles federal cases only occasionally. The stakes are much higher and the sentences are much more severe than at the state level.
Federal charges are based on violations of specific federal statutes. Federal indictments are therefore more narrowly drawn and more precise in their scope than state criminal complaints. Many federal offenses could also be charged as state crimes. With narcotics offenses, effective strategies include working with state and federal prosecutors to get the case referred for prosecution in state court, where the possible sentences are less severe. White collar crimes such as fraud, however, typically draw stiffer sentences in the state system.
Experience In Every Part Of The Federal Trial Process
Federal sentencing guidelines are tough and sentencing is a formalized process separate and apart from the criminal trial. But accepting a plea agreement in a federal criminal case doesn’t have to mean that you are going to prison. If you have been charged with a federal offense or are under federal investigation as a suspect or witness, seek aggressive legal representation right away.
Attorney Ron Cordova has experience representing individuals charged with federal offenses such as:
- Narcotics offenses and other drug crimes
- Child abduction and kidnapping
- Mail and wire fraud; money laundering
- Federal internet crimes
“I draw on my experience to develop creative, effective strategies to obtain the best possible result, without a conviction and jail time whenever possible. I have more than 40 years of experience successfully representing clients charged in federal court to back this up.” — Defense Attorney Ron Cordova
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Crimes
Federal criminal defense attorney Ron Cordova wants clients to understand their situation as much as possible. Here are the questions he hears most often:
Is a federal crime a felony?
Many felonies can be charged by either the state or federal authorities which may even share jurisdiction for investigations and arrests.
What crimes fall under federal jurisdiction?
You can expect to face federal charges when the alleged crime took place on federal property, involved movement across state borders or involved a federal agency. Common federal crimes include:
- Securities fraud
- Bank fraud
- Weapons trafficking
- Drug trafficking
- Money laundering
- Terrorism
- Counterfeiting
- Tax evasion
- Cyber crime
Any time the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is involved, federal jurisdiction is likely.
How do the federal sentencing guidelines work in fraud cases?
The United States Sentencing Guidelines provide for 43 possible levels for offenses. Fraud has a base level of 7 if the statutory maximum prison sentence is 20 or more years. That level – and potential sentence –will be adjusted based on the loss amount, the number of victims, the level of sophistication involved, the degree of involvement the defendant had in the crime and whether there was any attempt to obstruct the investigation.
What happens when you are charged with a federal crime?
You will be taken to the local federal courthouse to appear before a federal magistrate for arraignment, and will be formally informed of the charges against you and your procedural rights. You should have legal counsel as soon as you know you may be under investigation and should assert your right to remain silent until your attorney advises otherwise.
Free Consultations For People Charged In Federal Court
From his law office in Irvine, federal criminal defense attorney Ron Cordova represents clients charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses in Orange County and communities throughout Southern California. AV-rated*, the law firm represents clients charged with federal offenses in federal courts across the United States. To schedule a free initial consultation, call toll free at 949-769-2175 or contact the office by e-mail as soon as possible.
*AV Preeminent and BV Distinguished are certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories: legal ability and general ethical standards.
