This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founder, Daniel Perlman who has years of legal experience as a Federal Crimes attorney. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.
By: Daniel Perlman
Violent crimes like murder, manslaughter, assault, and battery are some of the most heavily prosecuted crimes in the United States. When these crimes are charged as federal offenses, the penalties associated with a conviction can be devastating. They could result in years in prison, a life sentence, or the death penalty.
If you have been arrested for a violent crime or if you have been targeted by a federal violent crime investigation, you will need the legal experience of a seasoned federal criminal defense attorney on your side. Your attorney must present the strongest possible defense and improve your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome in your case.
At Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers, our trial-tested defense attorneys offer the highest-quality legal representation in some of the toughest federal criminal cases, including those involving severe violent crimes.
When facing violent crime charges, you need our federal violent crimes attorney to provide the strongest possible defense. Learn more below. Then, contact us to schedule a free initial consultation.
When you are accused of committing a crime that violates state law, your case is tried in state court. But when you are charged with a federal crime, it is because you violated federal law. Therefore, a federal prosecutor representing the U.S. Attorney's office will try your case in federal court.
The federal court system has a different set of rules and procedures than the state courts. You need to ensure you have a licensed defense attorney who is equipped to handle the challenges of federal court.
Federal offenses typically carry higher fines and longer terms of imprisonment than California state crimes. You could potentially face up to life in federal prison or the death penalty. The stakes in a federal criminal case are extremely high.
Attorney Daniel R. Perlman is a former prosecutor. His defense team at Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers has years of experience defending clients against violent crimes and other criminal offenses in state and federal court.
Our criminal defense attorneys at Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers represent clients at both the state level in California and at the federal level in all 50 states. No matter your criminal charges, we can mount a strong defense in your federal case.
We believe that defendants in all federal cases have the right to capable and competent legal representation, no matter how severe the alleged crime is. That is what we offer at Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers. We know that every federal violent crime case is unique. When you hire our firm, we will put our experience to work for you.
A violent crime is any criminal offense that is violent in nature. This means the person accused of committing the crime used or threatened to use force upon the alleged victim.
Title 18 of the United States Code Section 16 further defines a "crime of violence" as:
"(a) an offense that has as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the person or property of another, or (b) any other offense that is a felony and that, by its nature, involves a substantial risk that physical force against the person or property of another may be used in the course of committing the offense."
Some examples of violent crimes that can be prosecuted in federal court include the following:
The state court handles most violent crimes in Los Angeles. But there are certain cases where federal authorities may become involved. Often, these include crimes involving organized crime, kidnappings, mass killings, serial killings, or sniper murders.
Gang violence, hate crimes, terrorist threats, and violent crimes against children may also result in intervention by federal agencies like the FBI. The FBI "continues to play a key role in combatting violent crime in big cities and local communities across the United States" and prosecution by the federal government.
Furthermore, anyone accused of violating federal law, committing a crime on federal property, or committing a crime that crosses state lines can be charged with a federal offense.
Any violent crime is critical. But those prosecuted at the federal level are even more so. Any individual facing federal charges for a violent crime in federal court is sure to face severe penalties under the federal sentencing guidelines.
This is because violent crimes are seen as morally objectionable crimes deserving of the harshest punishment. When a person is accused of committing a violent crime in violation of federal law, the stakes are higher than ever.
Suppose you are facing criminal charges in federal court. Depending on your criminal history and the nature of the charges against you.
In that case, a conviction for a violent crime can carry a punishment of years in prison. This might mean a life sentence or possibly even the death penalty. This devastating punishment is reserved for the most severe criminal offenses.
Violent crimes are often closely tied to drug crimes and weapons offenses. This includes those involving the possession, transportation, manufacturing, or distribution of drugs or firearms. Any allegation of a crime with a deadly weapon is grievous.
If you are charged with multiple criminal acts of this kind, you could face increased penalties upon conviction. In addition to facing harsh criminal penalties, individuals accused of weapons-related crimes may be subject to forfeiture of any money or assets associated with the criminal activity.
Any person convicted of a violent crime in federal court will also have a permanent criminal record. It will appear on any background check run by a potential employer or landlord.
Allegations of a violent crime put your freedom and your reputation at risk. But it is important to remember that an accusation does not mean guilt. This charge does not necessarily mean you will be found guilty and sent to prison.
At the same time, federal charges mean that federal prosecutors have the force of the government behind them. They benefit from nearly unlimited resources they can use to pursue a conviction and impose harsh penalties upon offenders.
The prosecution still has the burden of proof. This means the government can only prove its case and get a conviction if it can establish the elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
As an example, if you are accused of murdering in violation of federal law, the federal government can only find you guilty of the crime if it can prove that you committed the crime with "malice aforethought." This is one of the most important elements of a murder charge.
Malice aforethought is the intent to kill or cause harm. If the prosecution is unable to establish the malice aforethought element, you cannot lawfully be convicted of the crime of murder.
Violent crimes like assault, battery, and weapons offenses are not uncommon occurrences in Los Angeles and Southern California. Far too often, violent crime charges are based on circumstantial evidence and sloppy investigative techniques. This results in innocent individuals being charged with heavy crimes they did not commit.
As a result of overzealous prosecution by the federal government, many of these defendants are wrongfully convicted. They could be sent to prison for years or for life. Some might even be sentenced to death. You need us to defend you.
Being charged with a federal crime is a frightening and intimidating experience. It is normal to feel like the prosecution's case against you is ironclad. But there is always a defense strategy your attorney can use to challenge the prosecution's evidence. We can also help you minimize the consequences of a conviction.
The following are some potential defense strategies for a murder case:
At Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers, our lawyers are aware of federal criminal law and sentencing guidelines. We know how to defend your rights in federal court. Let us help you get the best outcome possible in your case.
Any time you are charged with a federal violent crime like murder or a weapons offense, you need to do everything in your power to set yourself up for success from the very beginning. That includes retaining an aggressive and experienced federal criminal defense attorney with a proven history of success defending clients against violent crimes in federal court.
When you hire Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers, our defense attorneys will thoroughly investigate your charges' circumstances, interview any witnesses to the alleged crime, deal with the federal authorities on your behalf, negotiate with the prosecution, and represent your best interests in court.
Under the U.S. Constitution, you have the right to an attorney. When choosing the best possible attorney to represent your defense in a federal violent crime case, there is no substitute for skill, confidence, and years of practical experience.
Our defense lawyers are committed to providing clients with expert legal representation and personalized attention at Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers. We will work tirelessly to ensure you know the charges against you, your rights and options under the law, and what you can expect from the federal court process.
Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers is based in Los Angeles, California. We offer federal criminal defense representation across the country. We offer prospective clients a free initial consultation with an experienced defense attorney. This means you can learn more about your rights and options with no obligation to hire our firm. Contact our law firm today to have a federal criminal defense lawyer review your case.
Any time you are facing criminal charges for a violent federal offense like murder, armed robbery, or manslaughter, you can be sure that the prosecution will go above and beyond to convict. You must have someone on your side working just as hard to keep you out of prison and clear your name.
When you retain the legal services of Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers, our reputable defense lawyers will stand by your side throughout your criminal case and work tirelessly to create a credible defense on your behalf so you can avoid a criminal conviction.
If you or someone you love has been accused of or arrested for a federal violent crime, consult our knowledgeable defense attorneys at Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers today. Contact our violence crimes attorney today to schedule your free initial consultation.
Daniel R. Perlman, the founding attorney at Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers, leverages his extensive background as a former prosecutor to provide superior defense strategies for clients across federal courtrooms. Earning his Juris Doctor from the Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law, he first honed his legal skills with the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office.
This diverse experience enables him to advocate effectively, understanding prosecution tactics intimately, which he expertly counters in defense of his clients. With a profound commitment to justice, Daniel leads his team in tackling complex federal cases, from white-collar crimes to violent offenses, ensuring the highest level of defense through every phase of the criminal process.
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