Montana Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

Securing legal assistance is vital if you’re facing criminal charges in Montana. A Montana federal criminal defense attorney can answer your questions and mount a strategic defense to the allegations. Your attorney can explain the charges and possible defenses and fight to secure charge dismissal. Contact the Zoukis Consulting Group to speak with a Montana federal criminal defense lawyer for help.

Montana Federal Criminal Defense Attorney | Montana Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Montana Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys

The Zoukis Consulting Group is a full-service firm specializing in federal criminal defense. Our network of experienced Montana federal criminal defense attorneys represents clients across Montana in various legal matters. These include investigations, grand jury proceedings, indictments, jury trials, and plea bargains.

Federal prosecutors aggressively seek charges against defendants indicted for federal crimes. With over 100 different federal offenses, they have many violations from which to choose. Based on the underlying facts, charges can be filed for state and federal law violations. If convicted, you may face serious consequences, including prison time, fines, and a loss of your constitutional rights.

When federal charges are brought against you, you need to promptly seek the advice of an experienced Montana federal criminal defense attorney. Our defense firm has a proven track record of success in federal court, always fighting for our clients at every turn.

If you or someone you know is charged with a federal crime, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our law firm partners will review your case to determine your legal options.

Counsel for Indigent Defendants

The Federal Defenders of Montana represent criminal defendants unable to afford retained counsel. These public defenders represent indigent defendants. When multiple co-defendants are charged, an attorney from the CJA panel is appointed. The Criminal Justice Act allows for the appointment of private counsel when the public defender’s office has a conflict of interest.

Additionally, the University of Montana School of Law and Montana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers sometimes interject in notable cases. Public defenders represent clients at the trial level and in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Montana Federal Crime Prosecutions

When it comes to enforcing criminal laws, many prosecutions occur at the state level, typically in municipal or county courts. These courts have jurisdiction over most matters that arise within the state and are therefore responsible for handling most criminal cases.

However, there are instances where the federal government has jurisdiction over criminal matters, even when they arise within a single state. For example, certain crimes fall under federal jurisdiction because the U.S. Constitution explicitly reserved it for the federal government. Additionally, crimes crossing state borders or occurring on federal property can become federal offenses. Both federal and state authorities may prosecute these types of cases.

Overall, it is clear that most prosecutions occur at the state level, but the federal government occasionally steps in to handle specific cases as necessary. In such cases, the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecutes these cases in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana.

If you are charged with a federal crime in Montana, you need a Montana federal criminal defense attorney on your side.

Typical Federal Crimes in Montana

When most people think of federal crimes, they think of serious offenses like robbery or murder. However, the truth is that there is a wide range of federal crimes, and some of them may surprise you.

This section considers several federal crime examples. We also discuss the penalties imposed for conviction on these charges. If you are accused or under investigation for a federal crime, please keep reading.

Enforcement agencies pursue and punish federal criminal infractions. These investigations frequently include state or local officials, but they directly violate federal criminal law. An Assistant United States Attorney represents the federal government in court. Federal district court judges impose sentences according to the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

The following section lists some of the most prevalent types of federal offenses. You can discover more about each crime type by clicking on the links within each section. And don’t hesitate to speak with a Montana federal criminal defense lawyer if you have any questions.

Federal Insider Trading

Federal insider trading crimes are governed by several statutes, including:

  • Securities Exchange Act of 1934
  • Securities and Exchange Commission Act of 1940
  • Insider Trading and Securities Fraud Enforcement Act of 1988

These statutes create many different crimes related to insider trading, including:

The federal government must show that the defendant had access to confidential information and used the information to trade in securities unlawfully to prosecute these crimes. This can be challenging to prove, as it requires the government to establish both the existence of the confidential information and the defendant’s intent to use it unlawfully. As a result, federal prosecutors often rely on circumstantial evidence to prove these cases.

To secure a conviction, federal prosecutors must show that the defendant:

  • Had access to confidential information
  • Used that information to trade in securities
  • Did so in a way that was not fair or lawful

Insider Trading Cases and Penalties

Convictions for insider trading can result in significant prison sentences and heavy fines. Additionally, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) can bring civil charges against those who engage in insider trading. These charges can result in disgorgement of ill-gotten gains and civil penalties. Congress has also criminalized insider trading under certain circumstances, such as making the trades using material or nonpublic information obtained through fraud.

The government has brought several high-profile insider trading cases in recent years, including these prosecutions:

  • Raj Rajaratnam, Galleon Group hedge fund founder
  • Bernard Madoff, mastermind of the largest Ponzi scheme in history

These cases show that the federal government is committed to prosecuting those who engage in this illegal activity.

You need the advice of an experienced defense attorney if you are charged with insider trading or any other federal securities fraud offense. Your defense trial lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal landscape and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Federal Drug Crimes

There are many different types of federal drug crimes. The more common ones include drug trafficking, drug possession, and drug manufacturing. These federal crimes carry severe penalties, including prison time and significant fines. Having a Montana federal criminal defense lawyer defending you against these accusations is critical.

Drug trafficking is the sale or distribution of drugs illegally. It is typically more serious than drug possession and carries harsher penalties. For example, these offenses often result in a lengthy term in federal prison. Drug trafficking can be charged as a federal or state crime depending on the circumstances.

Drug possession is the unlawful possession of illegal drugs. This can include possessing legal drugs without a prescription and possessing illegal drugs. Drug possession is typically a less serious crime than drug trafficking, but it can still result in jail time and fines.

Drug manufacturing is the creation of drugs illegally. This can include growing or producing drugs and selling or distributing them. Drug manufacturing is a more serious crime than drug possession or drug trafficking and carries harsher penalties.

You must seek legal assistance immediately if you are charged with any federal drug crimes. An experienced Montana federal criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the complex legal system and fight for your rights. Contact a defense lawyer today to discuss your case.

Your Montana Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys

When you or someone you love is under federal criminal investigation, it can be a very stressful and confusing time. If you are charged with a federal offense, hire an experienced attorney to help you navigate the complex legal system and contest the allegations.

Whether you are charged by law enforcement in Great Falls or elsewhere, our legal team can help.

At the Zoukis Consulting Group, our experienced Montana federal criminal defense lawyer partners regularly represent clients in various federal criminal cases across the state. We invite you to contact our Montana criminal defense office today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.