Phoenix Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
Representation for Federal Charges in Arizona
Certain types of crimes can be charged through the federal government, which makes it different from state charges. In the United States, the federal justice system has sentencing guidelines in place and, oftentimes, they are more serious than state sentencing guidelines. If you are facing charges in the federal court, it is imperative that you seek experienced counsel from a Phoenix federal criminal defense attorney.
At MayesTelles PLLC, we take on all types of federal crime cases, including:
- Federal drug charges
- Violent crimes
- Sex crimes
- Property crimes
- Money laundering
- Federal theft charges
- White collar crimes
- Immigration offenses
- Tax fraud
- Federal weapons charges
If you are under investigation by federal authorities in Phoenix, AZ, call (602) 428-7104 or contact us online today to let us fight for you!
What Makes An Offense a Federal Crime?
A federal crime is an offense that violates laws established by the federal government of a country. In the United States, federal crimes are offenses that breach federal statutes or occur under circumstances where the federal government has jurisdiction, as opposed to state or local governments. These crimes are prosecuted in federal courts and often involve federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, or ATF.
Examples of federal crimes in the U.S. include:
- Crimes Crossing State Lines: Kidnapping, human trafficking, or transporting illegal goods across state boundaries.
- Crimes on Federal Property: Crimes committed in national parks, military bases, or other federally-owned areas.
- Federal Offenses Involving Specific Issues:
- Drug trafficking under federal laws.
- Bank robbery, since banks are often federally insured.
- Counterfeiting currency.
- Crimes Involving Federal Entities: Fraud against federal programs (like Medicare or Social Security).
- Crimes of National Concern:
- Terrorism.
- Treason.
- Cybercrimes targeting national security or federal systems.
State crimes are typically prosecuted under state law and occur within a state’s boundaries. Federal crimes fall under federal jurisdiction, which may overlap with state jurisdiction. In such cases, federal law often takes precedence.
Federal Sentencing & Penalties
Federal sentencing in the United States is the process by which courts determine the punishment for individuals convicted of federal crimes. The system is designed to balance fairness, consistency, and justice, taking into account the nature of the offense, the offender's criminal history, and various aggravating or mitigating factors. Sentencing is guided by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which were established by the United States Sentencing Commission to standardize punishments while allowing judges some discretion to deviate from recommended ranges in appropriate cases.
Federal sentencing considers the offense severity and the defendant's criminal history, which are combined to calculate a recommended sentencing range. Judges may impose sentences outside this range if justified by the circumstances. In some cases, federal laws mandate minimum sentences, especially for offenses like drug trafficking, firearms violations, and certain violent crimes. These mandatory minimums often restrict judicial discretion, resulting in longer prison terms regardless of mitigating factors. Conversely, defendants who cooperate with authorities or accept responsibility for their actions may receive reduced sentences.
Federal penalties can include imprisonment, supervised release, fines, and restitution. Prison sentences are often served in federal facilities, and supervised release provides ongoing monitoring after incarceration. Fines and restitution aim to hold offenders financially accountable for their actions, compensating victims or covering the costs of criminal proceedings. In all cases, federal courts weigh the goals of punishment, deterrence, rehabilitation, and public safety when determining penalties.
You need an attorney with federal defense experience if your case is being heard in federal court. Our legal team has unique experience and extensive success in federal cases. With previous experience serving as a prosecutor and judicial clerk, our team has knowledge of the process on both sides of the courtroom.
Let us defend you against your federal charges in Arizona. Contact MayesTelles PLLC at (602) 428-7104 today to speak with a federal criminal attorney in Phoenix.
We've Won Thousands of Cases
-
Charges Reduced to Reckless Driving
Client R.C. was stopped by Mesa Police for a civil traffic violation and later charged with DUI, Extreme DUI, and Super Extreme DUI in a justice court. During the course of their representation, MayesTelles attorneys discovered important inconsistencies in the police reports. When we presented these issues to the State, the prosecutor’s office agreed to drop all DUI charges.
-
Fatal Commercial Vehicle Accident
MayesTelles Client A.F. and her husband tragically lost their unborn child as a result of the negligence of an individual operating a commercial vehicle in Yuma, Arizona. After substantial investigation including accident reconstruction and filing a lawsuit, the insurance company paid out the policy limits of $1,000,000.00.
-
4 Counts of Aggravated DUI Dismissed
Client M.W. was charged with 4 counts of Aggravated DUI in the Maricopa County Superior Court in July 2016 for allegedly riding a motorized bicycle under the influence. The attorneys at MayesTelles demanded that the State include certain materials in their presentation to the grand jury, resulting in the grand jury refusing to indict and the case being dismissed.
-
Client Charged with DUI
Client, GS, charged with DUI - sentence was reduced to reckless driving.
-
Client Facing Assault Felony
M.L. was charged with 1 count of Aggravated Assault, a class 3 dangerous felony. She plead guilty to Aggravated Assault, a class 6 undesignated felony, with a stipulation to 3 months of initial jail. She received credit for 32 days and the rest of the jail time was deferred. She was placed on 3 years of supervised probation. She has the opportunity to designate the offense a misdemeanor after successfully completing probation. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
-
Client Charged with DUI
Our client, A.R, was charged with 1 count of DUI and 1 count of Failure to Control Speed to Avoid a Collision. During extensive pre-trial investigation, it was discovered that the police made many errors in how they handled the case. We were able to get the client's charges reduced to reckless driving. Location: Glendale City Court
-
Client Charged with Four Felony Counts
Our client, Ms. D., was charged with two counts of forgery - a class 4 Felony as well as theft - a class 2 Felony and also fraudulent schemes and artifices - a class 2 Felony. We were able to get her conviction reduced to a class 6 undesignated felony with the opportunity to reduce further to a misdemeanor. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
-
Client Charged with Trespass & Assault
Our client, T.C., was charged in Maricopa County Superior Court on July 8, 2015 with 1 count of Criminal Trespass, a class 6 felony, and 1 count Assault, a class 2 Misdemeanor. On September 9, 2015, after an 8-day jury trial, our client was found not guilty on both charges. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
-
Client Charged with Shoplifting
Our client, Ms. H., was charged with shoplifting - a class 1 misdemeanor. We were able to get her conviction set aside. Location: Phoenix Municipal Court
-
Client Faced 5 Felony Sex Offenses
Our client, Mr. C., was charged with five counts of felony sex offenses, including two counts of Sex Conduct with a Minor and three counts of Molestation of a Child. We were able to get the case dismissed upon a successful Motion to Dismiss. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
-
Client Charged with Disorderly Conduct
Our client, K.F., was charged with Disorderly Conduct, a class 1 misdemeanor. We were able to get this client's case dismissed. Location: Tempe Municipal Court
-
Client Facing Multiple Criminal Charges
Our client, L.S., was charged on October 20, 2014 in Mesa for an assault, disorderly conduct, and criminal damage. MayesTelles PLLC was able to get those charges dismissed.
-
Client Facing Multiple Domestic Violence Offenses
Our client, Ms. C., was facing charges of assault / domestic violence (class 1 misdemeanor), disorderly conduct / domestic violence (class 1 misdemeanor), and criminal damage / domestic violence (class 1 misdemeanor). We were able to get our client's case dismissed. Location: Mesa Municipal Court
-
Charged with Assault & Failure to Appear
Our client, L.S., was charged in Phoenix on December 27, 2014 for assault and failure to appear. After completing diversion, our client's case was dismissed.
-
Multiple Felony Theft Offenses
Our client, Mr. C., was charged with Theft of Means of Transportation (Class 3 Felony) and Trafficking in Stolen Property (Class 3 Felony). Both class 3 felonies have a possible sentencing range of 2 - 8.75 years in prison. We were able to get our client's charge reduced to a Class 1 Misdemeanor with no jail time. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
Why Choose MayesTelles PLLC?
-
Nearly 200 Years of Combined Experience
-
Thousands of Cases Successfully Handled
-
Voted Top 100 Trial Lawyers
-
Available to Our Clients 24/7
-
Former Prosecutors & Law Enforcement
-
AV Preeminent Rated Attorneys