Tennessee Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are under investigation for a federal crime in Tennessee, you must retain legal counsel as soon as possible. A Tennessee federal criminal defense lawyer can answer your questions and help determine the best next steps. Your lawyer will also seek to reduce or dismiss the charges against you through early intervention. Contact a Tennessee federal criminal defense attorney today to discuss your case and learn more about your options.

Tennessee Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Anyone charged with a crime knows the criminal justice system is complex and intimidating. If you face federal criminal charges, you need an experienced and knowledgeable Tennessee federal criminal defense lawyer on your side. The professionals at our law firm have an excellent reputation as respected criminal trial lawyers, helping clients during all phases of criminal prosecution.

Our attorneys have handled various federal criminal charges, including broad drug trafficking crimes and complex white-collar cases. They know how to build a robust defense and will tirelessly protect your rights.

Don’t hesitate to contact our Tennessee federal criminal defense attorneys if you are charged with a federal crime. We will furnish you with the high-quality legal representation you need and deserve.

Types of Tennessee Federal Crimes

Contrary to popular belief, not all crimes committed in the United States are tried in federal court. Some provisions in the United States Constitution must support federal charges for a criminal act to be considered a federal offense.

The Constitution gives the federal government jurisdiction over certain crimes, including drug trafficking, counterfeiting, child pornography, and fraud. Additionally, the Constitution gives the federal government authority to protect civil rights, which has led to federal prosecution of hate crimes and human trafficking.

While most crimes committed in the United States fall under state law and are prosecuted in state courts, the federal government aggressively prosecutes federal criminal law violations.

The following are examples of federal crimes and how a Tennessee federal criminal defense lawyer might defend you against these allegations.

Federal Bankruptcy Fraud Charges

Bankruptcy fraud is a white-collar crime in which people or businesses seek bankruptcy to defraud creditors. Individuals and companies may commit bankruptcy fraud, with negative economic consequences.

There are many ways that people or businesses can commit bankruptcy fraud. One common method is to hide assets from creditors to keep them out of the reach of the bankruptcy court. This can be done by transferring assets to family members or friends or hiding them in offshore accounts.

Federal bankruptcy fraud cases can be complex. As such, you need an experienced Tennessee federal criminal defense attorney with a firm grasp of these offenses.

Federal White-Collar Charges

A white-collar crime is any offense committed for profit. White-collar offenses include embezzlement, money laundering, fraud, and insider trading. Business executives and government officials with access to significant amounts of money are the typical offenders of these crimes.

White-collar crime has always been a problem in the United States, but it has increased in recent years. The government has enacted stricter laws and penalties in response to this increase. For example, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 stiffened penalties for securities fraud. This act was passed in response to the Enron scandal, in which executives at the energy company engaged in fraudulent activities that cost investors billions of dollars.

While people in positions of power often commit white-collar crimes, anyone can be convicted of a white-collar offense. You could face significant fines and incarceration in the Federal Bureau of Prisons if convicted of a white-collar crime.

Federal Drug Charges

A drug crime is any crime that involves the illegal use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of drugs. Drug crimes are typically divided into two categories: possession and trafficking. Possession crimes involve the unlawful use or possession of drugs, while trafficking crimes involve the sale, transport, or import of drugs.

Drug crimes are punishable by various penalties, including federal prison time, fines, and probation. The punishment’s severity depends on the type and amount of drugs. Another critical factor is if the drug weight triggers a mandatory minimum.

Drug crimes are a serious problem in the United States, and the penalties for these crimes can be severe. If you are charged with a drug crime, you must contact an experienced Tennessee federal criminal defense lawyer to defend your rights and fight for a favorable outcome in your case.

What Tennessee Law Enforcement Agencies Investigate Federal Crimes?

Various federal agencies enforce federal criminal law. These agencies investigate violations and gather information to be presented to the United States Attorney’s Office.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the most well-known federal law enforcement agency. Other agencies include the following agencies:

• Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
• Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
• Secret Service
• Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

These agencies investigate potential crimes that fall under federal jurisdiction, including crimes that cross state lines or occur on federal property. Once a federal investigation is complete, the evidence is turned over to Department of Justice prosecutors. If charges are filed, the case proceeds to federal court. Federal criminal law is enforced by a complex system of investigations, prosecutions, and federal district courts.

If you are contacted by the FBI, DEA, ATF, or any other federal law enforcement agency, seek legal counsel immediately. These agencies have significant resources at their disposal, and they are not afraid to use them in their investigations.

A federal criminal defense attorney can help level the playing field and protect your rights throughout the process. An able attorney will know how to deal with federal prosecutors and investigators. They can help you understand your options and make the best decisions for your federal case.

Don’t wait until it’s too late – if you are under investigation by a federal law enforcement agency, contact a federal criminal defense lawyer today.

Federal Sentencing Guidelines

Federal judges must consult the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines when pronouncing a sentence for someone convicted of a federal crime. The standards give the court appropriate and uniform sentencing ranges based on the crime’s severity, the defendant’s circumstances, and prior convictions.

The guideline ranges account for the severity of the offense and the offender’s criminal history while also providing flexibility to take into account other relevant factors unique to the case. In this way, federal sentencing guidelines help ensure that defendants who commit similar crimes receive similar sentences. This is regardless of which judge presides over their matter.

Tennessee Federal District Courts

U.S. district courts are where all criminal cases are heard in the federal court system. The United States District Courts hear all federal criminal cases.

Tennessee has three federal districts:

• Eastern District of Tennessee
• Middle District of Tennessee
• Western District of Tennessee

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee has four locations: Chattanooga, Greeneville, Knoxville, and Winchester.

The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee has three locations: Nashville, Columbia, and Cookeville.

The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee has two locations: Memphis and Jackson.

Criminal cases begin when a federal law enforcement officer arrests a person, or a grand jury returns an indictment. The accused is brought before a court for an arraignment, where they choose to plead guilty or not guilty.

If the defendant pleads not guilty, the case goes to trial. If the defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty by a jury, the court sets a hearing for sentencing. In determining an appropriate sentence, the court considers the crime’s severity and the defendant’s criminal record in addition to other factors.

How a Tennessee Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

When you are facing federal criminal charges, you need an experienced and aggressive defense lawyer on your side. The consequences of a conviction can be life-changing, and you need someone who will fight for your rights and ensure that you have the best possible chance of success in court.

A Tennessee federal criminal defense attorney can help in many ways. They will work to secure charge dismissal or reduction. A good lawyer will also work to mitigate your sentence if you are found guilty. This means they will motivate the judge to order a lighter sentence than what is typically issued for the charged offense.

If you are facing federal criminal charges, hiring an experienced and aggressive defense lawyer who can advocate on your behalf is essential. Contact a Tennessee federal criminal defense lawyer today to discuss your case and learn more about how they can help.

Speak with an Experienced Tennessee Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Federal charges are serious business, and if you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being under investigation or indicted, it’s vital to have a team of experienced federal criminal defense attorneys on your side.

Our partner Tennessee federal criminal defense lawyers have years of experience representing clients against federal charges. This includes handling federal criminal cases in Nashville federal court. They will work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way.

Contact us today for an initial consultation – a strategic criminal defense is only a phone call away.

Published Feb 15, 2022 by Christopher Zoukis, JD, MBA | Last Updated by Christopher Zoukis, JD, MBA on May 12, 2023 at 1:19 pm