Bel Air State & Federal Crime Lawyer
Whether you are facing a state or federal crime, it is important to find the most experienced lawyer available because the outcome of your case may very well dictate the remainder of your life. The attorneys at the law firm of Schlaich & Thompson Chartered are experienced in both state and federal crimes, and are available to help you understand what lies ahead. Reach out to our Bel Air state & federal crime lawyers at your soonest availability to set up a consultation.
Which are More Serious, State or Federal Crimes?
Just because you have been charged with a federal crime does not mean that the penalties you face are more serious. The type of offense has more to do with the prison time or fines that you face than whether or not the crime was a violation of state or federal law. In fact, many state crimes can be tried in federal court, though usually state crimes, such as burglary, are tried in state court, whereas traditional federal crimes, such as money laundering, are tried in federal court. Different lawyers are more experienced in federal crimes than state, and vice versa. As such, you need to choose an attorney appropriate for your defense.
Crimes Tried in State Court
If you are facing a state criminal charge, you need a Maryland attorney intimately familiar with Maryland’s laws. Common state crimes include the following:
- Assault,
- Battery;
- Rape or sexual battery;
- Sexual assault;
- Driving under the influence (DUI);
- Homicide;
- Manslaughter;
- Theft;
- Robbery;
- Burglary;
- Drug charges; and
- Much more.
Offenses Tried in Federal Court
Federal crimes crossover with state crimes in many areas. For example, many drug offenses are both state and federal crimes, as are kidnapping, firearm offenses, and various forms of fraud. However, the following are typically tried in federal court. As such, you need an attorney who has experience winning federal cases and the resources to go up against the federal government. Common types of federal crimes include the following:
- Kidnapping;
- Wire fraud;
- Mail fraud;
- Bank fraud;
- Aircraft hijacking;
- Firearm offenses;
- Drug offenses;
- Identity theft
- Counterfeiting;
- Tax evasion;
- Federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act offenses; and
- Much more.
In 2016, there were 79,787 criminal filings in federal court; 32 percent of these were for drug charges alone, according to U.S. Courts. On the other hand, the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that over 100 million state cases are filed per year, the majority of which are non criminal traffic violations. As you can see, most crimes are tried in state court, meaning that if you are facing a federal crime, it is all that much more important to find an attorney with federal experience.
Contact our Experienced Bel Air State & Federal Crime Lawyers
The attorneys of Schlaich & Thompson Chartered have experience defending clients both in state court as well as federal court. We encourage you to act today be setting up a free initial consultation with us at your soonest availability. We can be reached today at 410-838-0004.
