What Are the Most Common Federal Crimes in Texas?

Some crimes carry different penalties and are considered more serious because they break federal law. If a person commits a federal crime, they will face a different justice system, and the possible outcomes are different.

Not all crimes are federal, and the specifics of each case will play a large role. Federal crimes often carry higher potential penalties, so it is crucial for anyone accused to have all the information- and the best defense.

Here is an overview of some of the most common federal crimes committed in Texas- and a few other good things to know about how the federal government handles cases.

What Is a Federal Crime?

Put simply, federal crimes break federal law. Federal laws apply to the entire country, are set by the government, and are upheld by federal law enforcement agencies.

Criminal offenses committed on federal property, across state lines, or on an Indian reservation may also be tried in the federal court system.

What makes a crime federal depends on the nature of the offense. It may be related to the victim's identity or profession, the location of the crime, the severity of the offense, or the involvement of federal resources.

What Are the Most Common Federal Crimes?

There are many federal crimes, ranging from murder to child pornography. Here are some of the most common federal crimes committed in Texas and throughout the US.

Drug-Related Offenses

Drug crimes are amongst the most common federal charges in the US. Federal drug offenses are usually brought against large-scale operations that involve drug trafficking, manufacturing, or distribution. However, repeat offenses on a smaller scale may also be a case for federal judges.

Penalties for drug-related federal charges vary depending on the amount of illegal substances involved and the scale of the operation.

Fraud

Fraud comes in many forms, including identity theft, mail fraud, securities fraud, and healthcare fraud. Federal fraud charges tend to apply to crimes that cross state lines or use federal communication systems.

Murder

Not all murder cases are tried in the Federal system, but some are. Some of the circumstances that make a murder case federal include:

• Murdering a federal judge, elected official, or law enforcement agent

• Killing a family member (immediate) of a federal official

• Fatally injuring someone during a bank robbery

• Murders involving violent rape or the sexual assault of a child

• Drug-related murders

• Murder for hire

A federal murder charge can be first or second-degree. First-degree federal murder in Texas can lead to the death penalty or life in federal prison. Second-degree federal murder is punishable by any term in federal prison and will depend on the circumstances of the crime.

Firearms Offenses

Federal firearms laws determine who can own and sell firearms and what types of firearms are legal or illegal. The illegal sale, possession, or trafficking of firearms is a federal crime.

Some crimes committed with a firearm, including domestic violence and other violent crimes, may also be considered federal offenses.

Tax Evasion

Tax evasion is one of the most common federal crimes throughout the US. criminal tax fraud is when a person knowingly and purposefully avoids paying, underpays, or refuses to pay their tax obligation. It can carry a sentence of up to five years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $100,000.

Immigration Offenses

Immigration violations fall under federal law- since this area of the law is monitored and managed by the federal government. Some of the most common examples of federal immigration crimes include:

• Fraudulent marriages for the purpose of securing a visa

• Overstaying a visa

• Entering the country illegally

• Knowingly employing illegal immigrants

• Falsifying documents to help with an illegal entry

• Assisting a person in entering the country illegally

There are fines and civil penalties for federal immigration crimes, and the possibility of custody in a federal prison.

Cybercrimes

Cybercrime is on the rise around the world. As the internet becomes a bigger and bigger part of daily life, so too does the threat of digital crime. Hacking, identity theft, online financial crimes, and the sharing of illegal content are some examples of potential federal cybercrimes.

The penalties for federal crimes committed online vary depending on the nature of the offense and the scale of the damages.

Understanding Federal Law in Texas

Federal agencies handle the majority of federal crimes. Local law enforcement may pass cases on to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or other relevant agencies, to move forward with investigations, arrests, and charges.

Once a person is charged with a federal crime, their case goes to federal court- where federal prosecutors and judges will hear the case and apply penalties. Defendants charged with federal crimes may not always end up with convictions, as a full trial must still be held to determine the outcome.

A federal crime attorney can represent the accused in court during the trial and help them navigate the process.

There are no set penalties for federal crimes in Texas. Penalties, including fines and jail time, are applied on a case-by-case basis, and the strength of a person's defense can play a significant role in the outcome.

Facing Charges in the Federal Courts? Secure the Best Defense Today

Facing federal charges can be complicated, and it is important to have a dedicated defense team that will fight for the best possible outcome. There are rules regarding who can represent defendants convicted or accused of federal offenses, and it is crucial to hire qualified and approved attorneys to fight for you. They can also advise on situations like when does a crime become a federal offense?

Sparks Law Firm is a leading criminal defense firm in Fort Worth, Texas, with extensive experience representing clients in federal court. Whatever federal criminal charges you are facing, you can count on these dedicated and passionate legal minds to explore every avenue and seek the optimal outcome for your case.

Contact the team today to arrange a free consultation and case evaluation, and take the first step toward the defense you deserve.