Being charged with a federal crime is a life-changing event. The U.S. Attorney’s Office
has almost unlimited resources to use in preparing its case against you and an amazing
success rate of more than 90 percent. Very few cases go to trial in federal criminal court
in San Antonio, and of those who do take their cases to trial, less than 1 percent result
in an acquittal.
You need to fight the charges with the help of a federal criminal defense attorney who
knows how the system works and who has a track record of success defending those
charged with federal crimes. Christopher Castro of The Castro Law Office is here to be
that attorney for you.
Federal Crimes in San Antonio, Texas
A crime is defined as an unlawful act punishable by the state or other entity. A federal offense is one that violates a federal statute, one that occurs on federal property, or one that involves a national or federal interest or constitutional violation.
Broad examples include:
- The crime occurred on land owned by the federal government, such as theft in a
national park. - The offense involved a federal agency. For example, fraud in obtaining a loan
from the Small Business Administration. - The crime crossed state lines and affected interstate commerce in violation of the
commerce clause of the U.S. constitution. Examples are money laundering and
drug trafficking. - The person accused of the offense crossed state lines, such as in human
trafficking and driving across a state line in a stolen car.
Some offenses violate both state and federal law. If prosecuted in federal court in San
Antonio, the offense generally carries a heftier penalty than if the same charges would
be brought in state court.
What are the Common Categories of Federal Offenses?
Federal conspiracy to commit a crime
A charge of conspiracy to commit a crime is a common charge brought by the federal
government. A conspiracy charge is difficult to defend and requires the assistance of an
experienced and zealous federal criminal defense lawyer in San Antonio.
All the government needs to prove its case is to show that you and at least one other
person discussed committing a crime, you both intended to commit the offense and one
of you took one step toward committing the offense. This is most often the case in a
drug offense.
For example, if you and another person talked about selling 10 kgs of cocaine. One of
you found a source for the cocaine, but didn’t end up buying it for selling, you can still
be convicted for the conspiracy and sentenced to a mandatory prison sentence of 10
years in prison the same as if you had sold the 10 kgs even though you never
possessed nor sold the cocaine.
Federal sex crimes
Sex crimes that fall under federal jurisdiction include:
- Child pornography
- Child exploitation
- Human trafficking
Federal drug offenses
Drug offenses can generally be charged by the state or federal government. Federal
drug crimes carry substantially more severe penalties than if the same conduct is
charged in state court. Most common federal drug crimes include:
- Manufacturing drugs
- Transport of drugs
- Sales of drugs
- Drug trafficking
Federal white-collar crimes
Most white-collar crimes involve fraud, which means the defendant deceived someone
to gain something of value. Charges include:
- Bank fraud
- Computer crimes
- Embezzlement
- Healthcare fraud, including Medicare and Medicaid fraud
- Identity theft
- Investment fraud
- Money laundering
- Mortgage fraud
- Securities fraud
- Tax fraud
- Wire fraud
Federal firearm crimes
Firearms are generally regulated by federal law, so any offense involving a firearm is
almost automatically a federal offense. A few examples include:
- Felon in possession of a firearm.
- Use of a firearm, explosive, or ammunition during the commission of a crime, most commonly a drug crime, crime of violence, or other felony offense.
- Unlawful trafficking in firearms or explosives.
Federal immigration crimes
Immigration crimes are charged as federal offenses since the federal government
regulates immigration in general. Some examples of charges include:
- Unlawful entry into the U.S. or remaining in the U.S. without authorization.
- Acquiring entry documents fraudulently.
- Human trafficking or smuggling.
- Creating or trafficking in false passports and false entry documents.
What are the Federal Crime Penalties in Bexar County, Texas?
If you are convicted of a federal crime, the penalties are usually harsh. Long prison
sentences are common and hefty fines are imposed. You need an attorney who will
thoroughly investigate your case and pull out all the stops to provide you a defense.
How Can a San Antonio Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help?
A federal criminal defense attorney will:
- Provide you confidentiality so that you can confidently discuss your case secure
in the knowledge that whatever you say stays protected from discovery by the
federal prosecutor. - Ensure that all your constitutional rights are protected and bring motions to
suppress the evidence when warranted. - Thoroughly investigate the case and discover if there is insufficient evidence to
support a conviction. - Whether cooperating with the government is in your best interest.
- Negotiating the reduction of charges which also reduces the severity of the
penalties. - Negotiating a plea agreement if that seems to be in your best interest.
Contact The Castro Law Office in San Antonio for a Free Consultation
Christopher Castro at The Castro Law Office is exactly the zealous advocate you need.
He is hard-working and compassionate. He knows a conviction will stay on your record
forever and possibly send you to prison for a long time. He takes your case seriously
and honors the trust you place in him to thoroughly investigate and prepare your case
for the best possible outcome.
If taking your case to trial is in your best interest, you will be pleased to have him stand
by your side in the courtroom fighting for an acquittal. If negotiating for reduced charges
and for lesser penalties is in your best interest, you will find Attorney Castro works to get
you the best possible settlement.
Do not talk to anyone about your case until you contact The Castro Law Office to
schedule a free consultation. You may do this online or by calling our San Antonio office
at (210) 934-2176 or our Rio Grande Valley office at (956) 456-2543.