Chicago Federal Criminal Attorneys

WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR FEDERAL CHARGES in Illinois?

When charged with a federal offense, you face relentless prosecutors, rigid sentencing guidelines, and powerful agencies that will stop at nothing to secure a conviction. With many serious federal offenses, you could be facing minimum sentencing guidelines that include long prison sentences, extensive fines, and other serious penalties.

In Illinois, the penalties for a federal charge depend on the offense itself and the circumstances surrounding the specific offense. Federal charges can include a wide range of criminal offenses, such as drug trafficking, firearms offenses, fraud, and white-collar crimes.

Some common federal crimes and their potential penalties in Illinois are:

• Drug trafficking: Penalties vary depending on the type and amount of drugs involved. For example, trafficking more than 500 grams of cocaine can result in a minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in prison, along with significant fines.
• Firearms offenses: Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon can result in a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Other firearms offenses, such as using a firearm during a crime of violence, can carry even steeper penalties.
• Fraud: Fraud can take many forms, such as mail fraud, wire fraud, or bank fraud. Depending on the amount of money involved, penalties can include significant fines and up to 30 years in prison.
• White-collar crimes: These can include embezzlement, insider trading, and other financial crimes. Penalties can range from significant fines to long prison sentences.

The penalties for federal charges can be more severe than those for state charges, and federal convictions generally carry more significant consequences, such as a permanent criminal record, loss of voting rights, and difficulty finding employment or housing.

While federal judges have broad latitude when sentencing an individual, it is important that you have an experienced and articulate Chicago federal criminal defense attorney fight to help you minimize your penalties or fight for your acquittal in court. When the stakes are high, turn to Pissetzky Law LLC for trusted counsel and proven advocacy for your criminal case in Chicago.

Difference Between Federal and State Charges in Illinois

In Illinois, there is a distinct difference between federal and state charges. Federal criminal charges are brought by the federal government and can include such violations as tax evasion, counterfeiting, or firearm possession across state lines. State charges are those adjudicated within the state and covered under Illinois laws; these types of offenses can range from assault to DUI. Each have their own unique set of penalties but the most severe sentence will generally come from a treasonous federal crime. If you have been accused of either a federal or state offense in Illinois, it is wise to secure legal counsel as soon as possible from our Chicago criminal defense lawyers!