Newport Beach Federal Crimes Attorney
The federal system is different from the state level. The laws, procedures, and consequences of a conviction all vary significantly. Consequently, retaining an experienced Newport Beach federal crimes attorney is critical to your interest and future. Many attorneys do not practice in federal court because of procedural differences. We are not intimated by the federal system and we routinely represent our clients in all federal courts throughout California.
Attorney John D. Rogers is an accomplished Orange County criminal defense attorney and a board-certified specialist in criminal law by the State Bar of California. This achievement is only held by a small group of criminal lawyers in Orange County. It instills confidence in his clients that his professional experience, ethics, and reputation are among the highest in the legal community.
The Law Offices of John D. Rogers stands ready to intervene at any stage of a federal case. Common types of cases we handle in Orange County federal court include:
- Bank Fraud
- Wire Fraud
- Money Laundering
- Drug Trafficking
- Grand Jury Investigations
- Firearm Charges
- Conspiracy
- White-Collar Crime
- Bankruptcy Fraud
- Aggravated Identity Theft
- Public Corruption
Table of Contents
Early Intervention by a Federal Defense Lawyer is Paramount
When accused of a federal crime, early intervention by a Newport Beach federal crimes attorney is of paramount importance. This is because the federal criminal justice system is complex and the consequences of a conviction can be severe, including lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines. An experienced federal crimes attorney can provide the accused with the knowledge and resources necessary to mount an effective defense and protect their rights throughout the criminal process.
One of the key benefits of early intervention is that they can begin to investigate the case immediately. This can include interviewing witnesses, reviewing evidence, and consulting with experts to build a strong defense. An experienced federal defense attorney can also negotiate with federal prosecutors to try to legally deflect the investigation and persuade prosecutors from ever charging our clients.
Difference Between State and Federal Charges
The main difference between state crimes and federal crimes is the level of government that is responsible for investigating and prosecuting them. State crimes are investigated and prosecuted by state governments, while federal crimes are investigated and prosecuted by the federal government. Another significant difference is that state crimes are typically investigated and prosecuted by state and local law enforcement agencies, such as the state police or county sheriff’s office, while federal crimes are investigated and prosecuted by federal law enforcement agencies, such as:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
- Internal Revenue Service
- Homeland Security Investigation
- Office of the Inspector General
- Immigration Customs and Enforcement
Federal Sentencing Guidelines
The federal sentencing guidelines are a set of rules and principles established by the United States Sentencing Commission that provide guidance to judges in determining appropriate sentences for defendants convicted of federal crimes. The guidelines take into account the nature of the crime, the defendant’s criminal history, and other relevant factors to ensure that sentences are consistent and fair across the federal system. It should be noted that the guidelines are purely advisory and not mandatory.
The guidelines are based on a points system, in which the judge assigns points to the defendant based on the specific facts of the case and the defendant’s criminal history. The total number of points determines the defendant’s sentencing range, which is the range of sentences that the judge may consider imposing. The sentencing range is based on the defendant’s offense level, which is determined by the nature of the crime, and the defendant’s criminal history category, which is determined by the defendant’s prior criminal record.
Federal Plea Agreements and Negotiations
A federal plea agreement is a legal agreement between a defendant and the prosecution in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a crime in exchange for a reduced charge or a more lenient sentence. The agreement is made in federal court and is subject to the approval of the judge overseeing the case. The terms of a federal plea agreement may also include other concessions, such as cooperation with the government in other investigations or the forfeiture of assets.
Sometimes it may be appropriate to enter into plea negotiations whether it be pre or post-indictment. Our office will carefully evaluate any plea agreement to ensure that our clients are not subject to more aggravating circumstances than necessary.
An early resolution to the case may increase the chances of receiving a lesser sentence. The rationale is that government and court resources were saved as a result of the defendant’s acceptance of early responsibility.
Recent Federal Case Results
- Client Charged with Money Laundering Conspiracy – CASE DISMISSED: Our client was charged in a 25-defendant conspiracy involving drug trafficking and money laundering. After a thorough investigation into the law enforcement officers involved in the case, we produced damaging information to the U.S. Attorney that discredited the law enforcement officers. As a result, the charges were completely dismissed.
- Drug Trafficking Out of LAX Airport: Our client was charged with drug trafficking after attempting to transport several kilos of methamphetamine onto an airplane in Los Angeles. By explaining our client’s unique background and mitigating circumstances, the judge agreed to sentence our client to time served notwithstanding our client was facing over 10 years in federal prison.
- Attorney Under Investigation for Fraudulent Payment Scheme: Our client was a southern California attorney under investigation for aggravated identity theft, embezzlement, and coordinating a bankruptcy scheme. Despite the FBI telephone recording our client on several pretext phone calls, Attorney John D. Rogers was able to successfully convince the prosecutor to drop the investigation and close the case.
- Client Charged with Assaulting 2 FBI Agents on Video: Surveillance video footage showed our client in a scuffle with FBI agents that resulted in one of the agents suffering bodily injury. After highlighting our client’s background, personal character, and familial repercussions in the event a lengthy sentence is imposed, our office was able to convince the federal prosecutor to drop the case to a single misdemeanor charge. Thereafter, our client received probation with no jail time.
- Client Charged with Money Laundering Over $1 Million: Our client was charged with laundering money for a large-scale drug cartel out of Los Angeles. We convinced the judge that our client should receive a lesser sentence after exposing his difficult childhood and how a prison sentence would jeopardize the livelihood of his family. Our client received a probation sentence with NO JAIL TIME despite the federal sentencing guidelines recommending 33 months in prison.
Get Professional Help From a Newport Beach Federal Crimes Attorney
While most lawyers are competent to handle a basic criminal case, it is much different in the federal justice system. Retaining the wrong lawyer could result in irreparable harm to your case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Newport Beach federal crimes attorney. We can help you navigate through this unfamiliar process and provide you with options.