Facing a federal charge in Providence, RI, can feel like an insurmountable issue. The federal system is complicated, the stakes are high, and it’s easy to feel lost or overwhelmed. However, you don’t have to navigate this situation alone – our team of dedicated Providence criminal defense attorneys is ready to handle your case with expert guidance and unwavering commitment, contact us at (401) 854-7794 today.
At Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys, we understand that behind every case, there is a human being whose rights need protection. Our attorneys have nearly four decades of combined experience and are qualified to help you fight back against your charges.
If you’re facing federal charges in Providence, Rhode Island, we’re here to help. Schedule a free consultation with a Providence federal crimes lawyer.
How Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help if You’re Arrested for a Federal Crime in Providence, Rhode Island
Being arrested for a federal crime in Providence can be deeply unsettling. However, you don’t have to handle it alone. Here’s how our Providence criminal defense lawyers can help you:
Investigate and Review Evidence
Our еxpеriеncеd tеam meticulously reviews еvеry piece of еvidеncе thе prosecution intends to use against you to uncover weaknesses that may hеlp your case. Wе will also investigate thе case ourselves to find еvidеncе that can hеlp prove your innocеncе.
File Motions
Filing appropriatе pretrial motions is crucial in federal criminal dеfеnsе. This procеss can lеad to thе suppression of illegally or improperly obtained еvidеncе, meaning it can no longer bе used against you in court. If appropriatе, we will file motions on your behalf.
Negotiate With Prosecutors
As experts in dealing with federal cases, we understand the intricacies of negotiating plea agreements with the prosecution to have your charges or penalties reduced. You can rely on us to leverage our knowledge and experience to work towards the best possible outcome for you.
Present Your Case in Court
Should your case proceed to trial, we will advocate for your rights in court by presenting a compelling defense strategy. Trial by jury may seem overwhelming, but you will feel confident with career defenders and experienced fighters by your side.
Navigating federal charges in Providence, Rhode Island, can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. The attorneys at Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys are committed to reducing your exposure and fighting for the best possible outcome each step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Overview of Federal Crimes in Rhode Island
Federal crimes are serious offenses prosecuted under U.S. federal legislation as opposed to state law, encompassing an array of criminal activities.
For instance, if an illegal act involves interstate commerce or begins in one state and concludes in another – it will typically be prosecuted at the federal level.
The following are some of the most common examples of federal charges:
Federal Drug Charges
Drug crimes, including the possession, selling, or manufacturing of controlled substances, can sometimes land you with federal charges. Penalties for these crimes are usually severe and could encompass extensive jail terms or hefty fines.
Child Pornography Charges
Engaging in any activity related to child pornography – whether producing, distributing, receiving, or even just possessing such content – can lead to serious trouble with federal authorities.
Organized Crime
Should you be implicated in organized crime activities such as organized violence, fraud, or money laundering, you may find yourself dealing with the federal justice system. These offenses aren’t taken lightly and carry heavy fines and long incarceration periods.
Federal Firearms Charges
The transporting, manufacturing, or possession of unregistered firearms – or carrying a gun at a school or on federal property – can all lead to serious federal firearm charges. Each state has its own legislation regarding firearm use and ownership as well, adding another layer to the complexities in navigating these charges.
White Collar Crimes
Finally, white-collar crimes such as bank fraud, wire fraud, tax evasion, and identity theft can also fall under federal jurisdiction. These offenses concern deceptive acts conducted for personal or financial gain and are pursued aggressively by federal authorities.
Handling a federal charge in Rhode Island is not a simple matter. We know that allegations do not equate to guilt, but it’s essential to work with an experienced federal crimes lawyer to give yourself the best chance of beating your charges.
What Are the Penalties for Federal Crimes?
Federal crimes could carry heavier penalties than state charges and are guided by federal sentencing guidelines. These sentences are influenced by factors such as the severity of the crime and criminal history.
Certain crimes – like drug-related infractions – could even lead to mandatory minimum sentences, meaning you must serve a period of incarceration which cannot be reduced by the judge even if they don’t want to sentence you to jail or prison time.
The following are the most common penalties for federal crimes:
Prison Sentences
This could range from several months to life imprisonment, depending on how serious the charged crime is.
Supervised Release
Supervised release allows you to serve your sentence within your community under certain conditions like regular reports with a federal probation officer, remaining drug-free, and maintaining employment.
Fines
Depending on the nature of the charge you’re facing, financial penalties can run into the thousands or even millions of dollars.
You might also face collateral consequences as a result of a federal crime conviction, such as difficulty finding housing or employment. The legal processes concerning federal offenses are often complex, so it’s essential to work with an experienced lawyer if you’re facing charges.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for a Federal Crime in Providence, Rhode Island?
Building a solid defense is crucial if you’ve been charged with a federal crime, as these charges often come with severe penalties. Several potential defenses can be raised:
Insufficient Evidence
Challenging the sufficiency of the evidence involves asserting that the prosecution’s evidence is so insufficient or unreliable that it does not prove your guilt. It challenges whether there is enough credible and relevant proof to support your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which is the standard of proof needed for conviction in criminal cases.
Fourth Amendment Violation
If law enforcement conducted improper searches and seizures that violate the Fourth Amendment, this defense can be used to challenge the legality of any evidence gathered through such means, which would mean the evidence cannot be used against you in court. Without critical evidence, the prosecutor’s case may be severely weakened or even completely destroyed, leading to either a dismissal or a not-guilty verdict.
Entrapment
If agents of law enforcement improperly induced you into committing a crime you’d normally not engage in, an entrapment argument can lead to a not guilty verdict.
Alibi
An alibi defense entails presenting reliable evidence or witnesses establishing your presence elsewhere at the time when the alleged crime took place. This defense argues that it was, therefore, impossible for you to have committed the crime.
Mistaken Identity
This defense points to evidence that you’ve been misidentified as the individual responsible for the criminal act. This works best when the alleged victim doesn’t know the defendant or where there is a large group of people accused of engaging in the crime, which can lead to mistakes with identifications.
Lack of Intent
In crimes whеrе intent is an essential еlеmеnt, demonstrating that you did not intentionally commit a crime can weaken thе prosеcution’s case. For еxamplе, whitе collar offenses, like money laundering, would require intent. A simplе mistakе would not bе enough for a conviction.
Legal Justification
Lеgal justification, such as self-dеfеnsе, is an important dеfеnsе often used in response to chargеs of violent crimes. Under this dеfеnsе, you acknowledge that you committed thе act in question but argue that it was justified because you wеrе protecting yourself.
You will havе to prove that you faced imminent harm and that any force you used to defend yourself was proportionate to thе harm you wеrе facing.
Understandably, constructing a sound dеfеnsе requires expertise and should always bе done with thе help of an еxpеriеncеd lawyer.
Navigating federal charges in Providence, Rhode Island, can be an intimidating and complex endeavor. However, understanding your rights and having the right guidance can make a significant difference. Our experienced legal team at Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys is ready to fight for you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Providence federal crimes lawyer.
Visit Our Criminal Defense Law Office in Providence, RI
Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys
101 Dyer St Suite 2D, Providence, RI 02903, United States
(401) 854-7794
