Experienced Eastern District of North Carolina Attorney
Federal cases are often complex with severe penalties, and federal charges can be more difficult to defend. Unlike local and state cases, federal investigators and prosecutors have large teams and access to unlimited resources, and they will stop at nothing to win a conviction. If you are being investigated for a federal crime or have spoken to investigators, you need an attorney who is admitted to practice in federal court. Attorney Bill Finn is a federal lawyer in Raleigh representing clients in the Eastern District of North Carolina with the experience and dedication necessary to fight back against the limitless resources of the Department of Justice and securing favorable outcomes for our clients.
Our federal attorneys are dedicated to fighting on your behalf. Call (919) 845-6688 to speak directly to a lawyer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Federal Crimes Need a Federal Lawyer
A federal crime is anything that violates federal law in the United States Code. It’s a common misconception that federal crimes are primarily “white-collar” financial crimes, but the reality is that those are only a small percentage of the charges our clients are facing. When we break down the federal criminal cases in the Eastern District of North Carolina, we see that:
- 29% are drug-related, primarily cocaine and heroin;
- 21% are related to firearm possession;
- 15% are immigration cases;
- <10% are financial or fraud-based charges.
White Collar Crimes
- Financial Crimes
- Tax evasion
- Tax fraud
- Embezzlement
- Wire fraud, including money transfers done via Internet or computer
- Mail fraud
- Counterfeiting
- Insurance fraud, including Medicare and Medicaid
- Anti-trust crimes
- Money laundering
- RICO (Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) related to organized crime
- Identity theft
Additional Federal Crimes
- Drug trafficking and conspiracy
- Child pornography
- Kidnapping (also transporting a minor across state lines)
- Bank robbery
- Animal cruelty under the PACT Act
- Human trafficking
- Civil rights violations, including hate crimes
- Threats against government officials
- Gun charges, including moving guns across state lines
- Prescription fraud
Why You Need a Federal Attorney in North Carolina
Federal crimes are any act that is considered illegal by U.S. federal legislation and outlined mainly in Title 18 of the United States Code. In addition to unique crimes that only fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government, it is also important to realize that almost any state crime can be handed over to the federal government. This is especially if the alleged crime occurred across state lines or evidence has crossed state lines. While the federal government often allows the states to handle most cases, they take great care in choosing the cases they investigate and prosecute. If they begin or take over an investigation, the charges that result are often much more serious.
Once federal investigators and prosecutors are involved in a case, it’s essential to contact a criminal defense attorney who is knowledgeable of federal crimes. Federal sentencing guidelines are often much more strict and severe than state or local sentencing, including lengthy prison sentences and higher fines. The sooner you secure legal representation, the sooner your attorney can build a stronger defense strategy and resolve your case.
Federal Lawyers Serving the Eastern District of North Carolina
Our federal lawyers represent in the Eastern District of North Carolina which includes, but is not limited to:
- Raleigh
- Fayetteville
- Fort Bragg
- Elizabethtown
- Clinton
- Rocky Mount
- Wilson
- Greenville
- Goldsboro
- Lumberton and Robeson County
- Whiteville
- Henderson
- Oxford
We also serve defendants in the Durham area and the Middle District of North Carolina, including, but not limited to:
- Chapel Hill
- Hillsborough
- Roxboro
- Mebane
- Burlington
- Greensboro
- Pittsboro
Contact Our Federal Lawyers in Raleigh
If you’re under investigation, have been charged with a federal crime, or have other causes for concern, it is essential to your future to secure aggressive, experienced legal defense as soon as possible. At Sandman, Finn, & Fitzhugh, our attorneys bring a combined half-century of legal experience to our clients along with the unique insight that comes from practicing as a prosecuting attorney.
We are dedicated to providing comprehensive defense strategies, from investigation and evidence gathering to witness interviews and jury selection to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your future. Contact a federal lawyer in Raleigh today to schedule a legal consultation by calling us at (919) 845-6688 to schedule your free initial consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions for Federal Lawyers
We understand you have questions related to whether you need a federal attorney and what you can expect. To help provide clarity, we’re sharing some of our most frequently asked questions.
What Is the Difference Between Federal and State Law
Federal laws are created by the U.S. Congress, signed into law by the President, and recorded in the United States Code whereas state laws are created by individual state governments. The Supremacy Clause of the Constitution guarantees that federal law takes precedence over state law, giving the Department of Justice the opportunity to take cases from the state and investigate and prosecute them.
What Crimes Go to Federal Court?
Any action that breaks a law in the United States Code can be prosecuted in federal court. Most often, these are crimes that involve federal organizations, such as the United States Postal Service, financial institutions, or the Internal Revenue Service, or crimes that cross state lines, like wire fraud or kidnapping. However, as we mentioned above, the Department of Justice can take any case from the state government that violates the United States Code, which is why you should secure a federal lawyer who can represent you in both state and federal court.
How Much Does a Federal Lawyer in NC Cost?
Price ranges for legal representation vary according to the case. However, we encourage you to contact us and schedule a free case review to learn more.
What Are the Most Common Federal Charges Represented by Sandman, Finn, & Fitzhugh?
While we do represent clients facing all types of charges, the most common are drug crimes, prescription fraud, and gun charges.