Federal Lawyer & Criminal Law Practice Areas

Federal Lawyer & Criminal Law Practice Areas

A federal lawyer is one that can represent clients in federal court for a certain jurisdiction. A federal defense attorney defends clients in criminal cases on the federal level. So what are criminal cases?

Criminal law is the body of law that relates to the prosecution and defense of individuals charged with committing acts against society. Federal, state, and local laws define these crimes. They can vary from minor infractions like speeding to serious crimes like murder.

The penalties for crimes are generally proportional to the severity of the crime, with minor offenses usually punishable by a fine or probation. On the other hand, serious offenses could result in life in prison or even the death penalty depending on the jurisdiction and the circumstances of the crime.

Criminal proceedings in federal court can be very complex and can carry harsh penalties. Hence, it is important to contact a federal lawyer if you are charged with a crime.

Different Practice Areas Of Law For A Federal Lawyer

There are many different types of law, and attorneys usually specialize in one or two areas.  Most attorneys choose to focus on one or two areas that interest them the most. However, becoming a licensed federal lawyer is possible without specializing in a particular area.

Criminal defense, family law, personal injury, and real estate are some of the more common practice areas. Each of these areas has its own unique set of laws and regulations that a federal lawyer needs to be familiar with.

Criminal Defense Practice Areas

Criminal defense is one of the more challenging fields in the legal profession. It is more straightforward than defending the accused for a variety of reasons. The Penal Code of Texas covers various crimes. These crimes are practice areas in their own right. Fortunately, criminal defense lawyers are well-equipped in handling these cases. The following are some of these practice areas:

Assault & Abuse Charges

There are a variety of different types of assault crimes. Simple assault, aggravated assault, and battery are the most common assault crimes. Depending on the severity and circumstances of the crime, assault can be charged as a felony, misdemeanor, or municipal offense,

Assault charges can also vary depending on whether it is committed against a child, domestic partner, or another individual. The identity of the victim affects the classification of the assault and its consequent punishment.

Drug & DUI Charges

Drug charges can include various crimes related to the possession, manufacture, distribution, and sale of drugs. These crimes can be misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the severity of the charge.

Charges for DUI/DWI (driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs) are also becoming more common and can result in serious penalties. It is important to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer who understands the drug laws in your state and can help you build a strong case.

Each state has its own laws on DWI and DUI. However, these offenses become federal crimes if they are committed on federal property or property covered by federal jurisdiction. The following are some places where you may be convicted of a federal DWI/DUI:

• Military bases
• National parks
• Post office
• Government compounds
• Parking lots located on federal land.

If you do find yourself facing a federal DWI charge, hire an experienced federal lawyer to ensure your rights are protected.

Theft & Shoplifting

Two of the most commonly charged crimes ate theft and shoplifting.  They are mostly prosecuted on the state level. However, certain circumstances may bring theft charges under federal jurisdiction.

Theft is defined as the act of taking anything that does not belong to the person. This act must be accompanied with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of the property permanently or for a period of time.

Shoplifting is taking something from a store or place of business without intending to buy it. There are many different types of theft and shoplifting charges, each with its own penalties and consequences.

There are several theft crimes that may be prosecuted in federal court. These include the following instances:

• A person responsible for US currency fails to deposit it with the treasurer.
• A person in charge of government funds misappropriates the same. Such misuse of public funds is punishable by up 10 years imprisonment.
• An individual or group of individuals steals property that is in transit, in the course of interstate business.
• Anyone that steals public property. This is punishable by up to 1-year imprisonment if the amount involved is less than $1000. If the value of the stolen property is $1000 or more, the punishment can be up to 10 years in prison.

Anyone facing federal theft charges should immediately contact a federal lawyer.

Traffic Charges

Traffic charges are some of the most common criminal law charges. They can include a variety of offenses, such as driving with a suspended license, being a habitual traffic offender, DUI/DWAI, drug charges, theft, and more.

Any traffic violation committed in federal installations and property are taken to federal court. If you receive a federal traffic ticket that means you violated traffic rules within a federally-owned property.

If this happens, reach out to a qualified federal lawyer to help you face the charges against you. Remember that not all attorneys are licensed to appear in federal court. Consequently, it is important to make sure you hire a lawyer who has qualified accordingly.

The Medlin Law Firm has experienced federal lawyers who are able to assist you in fighting a federal traffic charge.

Internet/Computer Crimes

Internet and computer crimes can include a wide variety of charges, depending on the circumstances. Some common examples include fraud, forgery, identity theft, hacking, cyberstalking, and child pornography. These crimes can be prosecuted at both the state and federal levels.

Therefore, a licensed federal lawyer is better equipped to help you navigate the proceedings in federal court.

Miscellaneous Crimes

There are a number of additional criminal charges that a federal criminal defense lawyer may be able to help with. These include criminal mischief, harassment, and probation violation.

Criminal mischief includes any felony or misdemeanor charge related to vandalism. Mischief offenses can be prosecuted in federal court if:

• Government property or contracts are vandalized.
• Communication lines, stations, or systems are damaged or destroyed willfully.
• Willful and malicious destruction was done on structures that are located within the special maritime or territorial jurisdiction of the US.
• Damage or destruction of commercial articles or property by use of fire or explosives. This should come with the intent to prevent foreign trade and commerce.
• Consumer products are tampered with if such products affect interstate or foreign commerce.
• Willful damage and destruction are caused on energy facilities. Even an attempt to do such damage falls under federal court.
• A person interferes with the operation of a satellite.
• A person injures or harms or attempts to injure animals that are used in law enforcement. Serious injuries that lead to a permanent disability or death of the police animal are punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Less serious injuries are punishable by up to 1 year in prison.
• Deliberate and malicious destruction of any veteran’s memorial.

Harassment can include physical contact, verbal disputes, and stalking at the felony, misdemeanor, and municipal levels. Probation violation includes negotiation with probation officers and district attorneys as well as representation at probation violation hearings.

Criminal Defense Federal Lawyer

In addition to the more commonly known criminal defense and criminal law, protection orders are an important part of thriving criminal defense practice. These orders protect people from abuse and can include violations of protection orders or restraining orders, as well as the filing of defenses against civil restraining orders.

A criminal defense law firm must have a system in place to attract and retain clients in order to be successful. There are various ways to achieve this, including advertising and public relations strategies. And most importantly, most criminal offenses have the possibility of being prosecuted in federal court.

As such, it is advantageous to a criminal law firm to have a licensed federal lawyer that can represent clients facing federal charges.

The Medlin Law Firm

The Medlin Law Firm is a dedicated criminal defense law firm. The firm’s managing partner, Gary Medlin, is a licensed federal lawyer. He is qualified to represent clients in all of Texas as well as in federal court. The firm focuses on criminal law and has 80 years of combined experience.

They are dedicated to providing clients with high-quality representation. The criminal defense attorneys of The Medlin Law Firm are uniquely qualified to represent clients in all manners of criminal charges. Each client is accommodated according to each unique case. The team keeps clients apprised at every stage of the case. This gives each client a sense of security in knowing that their case is being handled by professionals who know what they are doing.

Criminal defense largely involves a person’s life and/or liberty. It helps to know that a knowledgeable federal defense lawyer is at the helm of your case.

Dallas Criminal Lawyer

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