Federal Criminal Defense

What is a Federal Crime?

In the United States, federal crimes are criminal acts committed in violation of federal laws. They are prosecuted by the United States government. In some cases, a state has jurisdiction to prosecute as well. Federal offenses are investigated by numerous federal agencies such as the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation), DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement), IRS (Internal Revenue Service), and the Secret Service. The U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) is the chief prosecuting agency for the United States in criminal cases.

Federal vs State Crimes 

The difference between state and federal crimes are that federal crimes break federal legal code whereas state crimes break state laws. Some serious crimes can also fall under both categories.

Most Serious Crimes 

Felonies are the most serious types of crimes while infractions are the least serious. Examples of felonies include kiddnapping, terroism, rape, burglary, or murder. Serious crimes are  classified by degrees  – with first degree being the most serious.

Not all Criminal Attorneys are Created Equal

There are hundreds of private criminal defense attorneys in California, but only a handful are admitted to practice law in federal court. Of those private attorneys admitted to federal court, there are even less who are also experienced at defending federal charges in federal court. The successful defense of federal investigations and prosecutions demands the expertise of a federal crimes lawyer who has extensive experience fighting criminal charges in federal court.

Attorney Debra S. White is a skilled federal crimes attorney who has a thorough understanding of federal laws and the complex federal criminal justice system. She knows how to effectively maneuver through the federal system to protect her clients at all stages of a federal criminal prosecution including: the investigative stages before formal charges are filed, after an indictment is issued, through the pretrial proceedings, trial, and the critical phase of sentencing.

Attorney Debra S. White is admitted to practice in following federal courts: United States District Court (USDC)- Central District of California, USDC – Southern District of California, USDC – Northern District of California, USDC – Eastern District of California.

Not all Criminal Attorneys are Created Equal

There are hundreds of private criminal defense attorneys in California, but only a handful are admitted to practice law in federal court. Of those private attorneys admitted to federal court, there are even less who are also experienced at defending federal charges in federal court. The successful defense of federal investigations and prosecutions demands the expertise of a federal crimes lawyer who has extensive experience fighting criminal charges in federal court.

Attorney Debra S. White is a skilled federal crimes attorney who has a thorough understanding of federal laws and the complex federal criminal justice system. She knows how to effectively maneuver through the federal system to protect her clients at all stages of a federal criminal prosecution including: the investigative stages before formal charges are filed, after an indictment is issued, through the pretrial proceedings, trial, and the critical phase of sentencing.

Attorney Debra S. White is admitted to practice in following federal courts: United States District Court (USDC)- Central District of California, USDC – Southern District of California, USDC – Northern District of California, USDC – Eastern District of California.

 

Examples of Federal Crimes 

  • Central Violations Bureau Offenses
  • Child Pornography
  • Cyber Crime
  • Conspiracy
  • Drug Offenses
  • Federal Property Crimes
  • Firearms Offenses
  • Fraud and Theft
  • Human Trafficking
  • Internet Offenses
  • Sex Offenses
  • Money Laundering
  • Violent Crimes
  • White Collar Crimes

A Sampling of Recent Federal Court Victories:

 

CHURCH LEADER ACCUSED OF SEXUAL ASSAULT ON AN AIRPLANE

Outcome: One year probation. No custody.

Description: Client, a minister and leader of a very large and respected church, was traveling to Los Angeles when the female passenger sitting next to him accused him of sexually assaulting her while she was asleep.

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She claimed that when she woke, she found his hand rubbing her bare skin under her skirt. He was arrested by FBI agents at LAX airport for sexual assault. This case was extraordinarily difficult because the minister had been accused previously of sexually touching a minor on a flight. That case resolved with in a civil settlement for large amounts of money. Furthermore, it was imperative to keep this case away from media attention. The Government was unwilling to let this case go because of corroboration from the prior accusation. Attorney Debra White pursued a plea instead of trial, because at trial a jury would hear about the prior molestation case and would convict Client on that basis alone. Negotiations were contentious, but proved successful after nearly a year of litigation. Client pled no contest to a misdemeanor charge of Simple Assault. He was sentenced to one-year formal probation, permitted to travel, and ordered to pay a $25 fine. His case stayed out of public eye.

 

CELEBRITY CYBER CRIME / HACKING

Outcome: Probation. No jail.

Description: Client, a successful composer, was addicted to spying on the secret lives of certain celebrities by hacking into their computers for information and photos. His addiction began when he responded to a pop-up ad from a Chinese dealer offering passwords for sale.

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He was eventually caught by FBI and arrested for Computer Hacking. The defense in this case took form after discovering various mitigating factors from Client’s childhood that explained his addiction. Client sought counseling that proved invaluable to understanding Client’s reasoning for committing the offenses, and to showing that he was not likely to recidivate. Prior to Indictment, Attorney Debra White convinced the Government to dismiss the felony crime in exchange for a misdemeanor. At sentencing, the AUSA argued for 6 months jail. Attorney Debra White prepared a comprehensive and convincing Sentencing Memorandum and successfully argued for probation. The Judge agreed to a one-year term with six months of supervised release.

 

LUXURY CAR DEALER ACCUSED OF MONEY LAUNDERING CARTEL DRUG PROCEEDS, STRUCTURING, AND CONSPIRACY

Outcome: Three years of supervised release and two months Federal Custody.

Description: Client, a successful owner of a luxury car dealership, was
accused of multiple counts of money laundering drug proceeds from the drug cartel, structuring bank deposits, and conspiracy.

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Pursuant to a tip by a confidential informer, Client had been under surveillance for many months by the FBI. The FBI set up a sting operation that eventually resulted in Client’s prosecution. Attorney Debra White and her trial team prepared a comprehensive and compelling sentencing memorandum to convince the Judge that Client was an extraordinary individual who deserved a light sentence. Despite the harsh sentences imposed on other defendants charged with the same offenses, Client was sentenced to supervised release with only two months of custody time.

Know The Lawyer You Hire

Finding the right criminal defense lawyer can be a daunting task. With thousands of lawyers at your fingertips, Ms. White has published an article with easy to follow steps to ensure that you hire the right lawyer.

Hire the right attorney

The lawyer you hire makes a difference.

We have helped countless clients and families.
We can help you too.

Call now for a FREE confidential consultation.
We are available to take your call 24/7.

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Woodland Hills, CA 91364

CALL 818-609-1800

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Los Angeles, CA 90071

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