Salinas Federal Crimes Attorney

Aggressively Defending You against Serious Charges in Monterey & the Surrounding Counties

Committing any crime which violates United States federal law can be considered and prosecuted as a federal crime. Federal crimes are among the most serious and carry severe penalties for a conviction.

While most crimes, such as rape, assault, and theft, are state crimes, federal crimes are usually tied to a national issue, such as interstate drug trafficking, federal tax fraud, child pornography, and others.

Call Law Offices of William V. Pernik today at 831-480-9165 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our federal crime defense attorneys in Salinas.

Types of Federal Crimes

Federal crimes that we have extensive experience with include:

Forgery
Tax evasion
RICO charges
Identity theft
Drug trafficking
All types of fraud
Money laundering
Child pornography

Since federal crimes directly affect topics of national concern, they are, naturally, prosecuted more harshly and taken more seriously than state crimes. As such, the maximum punishments for federal crimes are much higher than the maximum punishments for state crimes. Also, federal prosecutors and judges have far less discretion to negotiate plea bargains and exercise lenient sentencing than their state counterparts. Therefore, it is in your best interests to retain an experienced federal criminal defense attorney in Salinas to protect your rights and fight for your freedom.

What are the Federal Sentencing Guidelines?

The United States Federal Sentencing Guidelines were established with the intention of providing federal judges with set sentencing ranges for criminal offenders. Based on numerous factors – such as the nature and circumstances of the crime, as well as the criminal history and characteristics of the alleged offender – the judge will use the guidelines to help determine the alleged offender’s punishment. There are 43 levels of offenses laid out in the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and 6 categories of criminal history, which are based on the number and recency of past offenses. A higher level of offense indicates more severe penalties.

Once a base level of offense is determined, the end offense level will be reached by taking into account numerous factors such as if a weapon was used in the commission of the crime, if great bodily harm was inflicted, or if pictures or videos were used in a child pornography case. However, a judge may lower the final offense level if the alleged offender accepts their responsibility.

For example, if the defendant made restitution prior to a guilty verdict, pled guilty, or truthfully admitted their role in the crime, their offense may be decreased by two levels, thereby receiving more lenient penalties. A skilled federal defense attorney in Salinas will have a comprehensive understanding of these sentencing guidelines and use this knowledge to their clients’ benefit.

Why Choose Law Offices of William V. Pernik for Your Federal Crimes Defense?

When facing serious federal charges, it is crucial to have an experienced and dedicated defense attorney by your side. At Law Offices of William V. Pernik, we specialize in federal crimes defense and have a proven track record of aggressively representing our clients in Salinas, CA, and the surrounding counties.

Here’s why you should choose us for your federal crimes defense:

Extensive experience: Our team of attorneys has years of experience in handling a wide range of federal crimes cases, including but not limited to drug offenses, white-collar crimes, fraud, and conspiracy charges. We understand the complexities of federal law and have the knowledge and skills necessary to build a strong defense strategy.
Personalized approach: We believe in tailoring our defense strategies to the unique circumstances of each case. We will take the time to thoroughly assess your situation, gather evidence, and explore all possible legal avenues to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
Strong courtroom presence: Our attorneys are seasoned litigators who are not afraid to take your case to trial if necessary. We will aggressively advocate for your rights in the courtroom, presenting a compelling defense and challenging the prosecution’s evidence and arguments.
Client-focused representation: We prioritize open and transparent communication with our clients. We will keep you informed about the progress of your case, answer any questions you may have, and provide honest and realistic assessments of your options. You can trust us to always have your best interests at heart.
Proven results: We have a strong track record of success in defending clients against federal charges. Our past results speak for themselves, and we will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

Don’t face federal charges alone. Contact Law Offices of William V. Pernik today to schedule a consultation and discuss your federal crimes defense options. We proudly serve clients throughout Monterey County from our office in Salinas. We accept cases in Santa Cruz, San Benito, Carmel, and select cases from the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.

Call our experienced federal criminal defense lawyers in Salinas today at 831-480-9165 and schedule a free consultation.

Commonly Asked Questions

What is the difference between a federal crime and a state crime?

Federal crimes are those that violate United States federal law and are usually tied to a national issue, while state crimes are those that violate state law and are prosecuted by the state.

How are federal crimes punished?

Federal crimes carry severe penalties, with the maximum punishments being much higher than those for state crimes. Federal prosecutors and judges have less discretion to negotiate plea bargains and exercise lenient sentencing than their state counterparts.

What are the Federal Sentencing Guidelines?

The United States Federal Sentencing Guidelines were established with the intention of providing federal judges with set sentencing ranges for criminal offenders. The guidelines take into account numerous factors such as the nature and circumstances of the crime, criminal history, and characteristics of the alleged offender.

Why should I hire a federal criminal defense attorney in Salinas?

A skilled federal criminal defense attorney in Salinas will have a comprehensive understanding of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and use this knowledge to their clients’ benefit. They can protect your rights and fight for your freedom in the face of serious federal charges.