Abogado de Defensa Criminal Federal

El sistema legal criminal federal es un laberinto de leyes y procedimientos complejos, con apuestas increíblemente altas. Los fiscales persiguen vigorosamente condenas a toda costa y la sentencia federal puede ser brutal. Por estas razones, la gravedad de un enjuiciamiento federal puede sentirse abrumadora. Tener un equipo de abogados de juicio federales con experiencia en las particularidades del derecho penal federal es primordial para garantizar que sus derechos estén protegidos y que se haga justicia. 

En McKenzie Scott, nuestro equipo élite de defensa criminal se especializa en navegar por el intrincado sistema de tribunales federales y en defender con éxito a los clientes de cargos serios que pueden tener consecuencias que alteran la vida.

¿Por qué elegir a los abogados de defensa criminal federal de McKenzie Scott?

El sistema legal criminal de Estados Unidos está compuesto por dos soberanías separadas que pueden abordar violaciones de la ley penal:

• Tribunales estatales;
• Tribunales federales.

Las violaciones criminales federales son únicas, ya que los cargos son presentados por la Oficina del Fiscal de los Estados Unidos en nombre del Departamento de Justicia de EE.UU. A menudo son investigadas por los niveles más altos de la aplicación de la ley, incluyendo la Oficina Federal de Investigaciones (FBI), la Administración para el Control de Drogas (DEA) y el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS) entre otros. Por lo tanto, si ha sido acusado de un crimen federal, es imperativo que asegure representación legal de un abogado de defensa criminal federal con calificaciones específicas:

• Licenciado para ejercer en tribunales federales;
• Comprensión completa de las reglas y leyes federales;
• Experiencia ganado con esfuerzo defendiendo exitosamente casos federales, y especialmente en juicios penales federales.

Los abogados de defensa criminal federal de McKenzie Scott ofrecen a los clientes una combinación única e incomparable de dedicación, experiencia y resultados probados, incluyendo:

• Más de 80 años de experiencia combinada manejando casos criminales federales;
• Más de 80 juicios con jurado (aproximadamente tres cuartas partes de nuestros juicios en casos penales han resultado en absoluciones, jurados indecisos o éxito en apelación);
• Defendiendo con éxito a innumerables clientes enfrentando todo tipo de cargos federales;
• Décadas previamente sirviendo en la organización de defensor comunitario para el Distrito Sur de California (Defensores Federales de San Diego, Inc.);
• Docenas de apelaciones exitosas ante el Tribunal de Apelaciones del Noveno Circuito;
• Resultados incomparables previos al juicio, logrados combinando: estrategias legales probadas y de vanguardia; prácticas de mociones agresivas e innovadoras; investigación incansable y preparación; con un compromiso inquebrantable con cada cliente.

Nuestro equipo de litigantes criminales federales tiene vasta experiencia en prácticas de defensa tanto públicas como privadas. Antes de la fundación de McKenzie Scott, múltiples miembros del equipo sirvieron como abogados de juicio en Defensores Federales de San Diego, Inc., la organización defensora comunitaria federal designada para representar a personas indigentes acusadas de delitos penales en tribunal federal.

Abogados de Juicio en California con Experiencia Defendiendo a la Comunidad

Los socios fundadores de McKenzie Scott –Michele Akemi McKenzie y Tim Scott– comenzaron sus carreras como abogados de juicio con Defensores Federales de San Diego, Inc. Durante casi dos décadas, la Sra. McKenzie y el Sr. Scott proporcionaron representación experta en defensa penal para clientes indigentes, muchos de los cuales fueron acusados de delitos relacionados con drogas e inmigración. Sus prácticas desde entonces se han expandido para incluir defensa de delitos de cuello blanco, acusaciones de fraude relacionadas con atención médica y enjuiciamientos en derechos civiles en tribunal federal.

Su experiencia los distingue como abogados de defensa criminal federal únicos y altamente dedicados que mantienen una práctica privada robusta.

Además, los abogados de juicio de McKenzie Scott Marcus Bourassa, Michelle Angeles y Lauren Mellano sirvieron en Defensores Federales de San Diego, Inc., donde adquirieron una gran experiencia:

• Llevando y ganando juicios penales federales;
• Apelando casos al Tribunal de Apelaciones del Noveno Circuito/Tribunal Supremo de los Estados Unidos;
• Presentando desafíos constitucionales novedosos a enjuiciamientos federales; y
• Presentándose ante el Comité de Seguridad Pública de la Asamblea Estatal de California.

Mientras que muchos abogados de defensa penal optan por ir directamente a la práctica privada, el equipo de McKenzie Scott se enorgullece enormemente de su ética centrada en la comunidad y su dedicación a garantizar justicia para todos. Luchamos incansablemente para proteger a los acusados. 

Comprender los Cargos Federales y el Sistema de Tribunales Federales

Los cargos federales nunca son un asunto menor. A menudo involucran delitos serios que cruzan fronteras estatales, violan múltiples leyes federales y requieren una estrategia de defensa compleja.

McKenzie Scott’s criminal defense team handles all types of federal crimes. Some of the most common federal charges are brought as a result of allegations of:

• Drug trafficking;
• White-collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement, wire fraud, mail fraud, tax evasion, etc.);
• Cybercrime;
• Immigration offenses;
• Terrorism;
• Antitrust violations;
• Sex crimes;
• Insider trading;
• Money laundering;
• Insurance fraud;
• Honest services fraud;
• Illegal firearms possession;
• Drug manufacturing;
• RICO violations;
• Theft of trade secrets;
• Healthcare fraud;
• Solicitation to commit a crime;
• Murder.

Unlike state charges, federal cases are prosecuted in United States District Courts. These courts have their own set of rules, procedures, and sentencing guidelines.

The federal court system is structured in three tiers:

1. U.S. District Courts (trial courts);
2. U.S. Courts of Appeal;
3. The U.S. Supreme Court.

Federal sentencing guidelines play a significant role in determining punishment for federal crimes. These guidelines are complex and can greatly impact the outcome of your case.

Federal Sentencing Guidelines Explained

The Federal Sentencing Guidelines provide a method for calculating the severity of an offense using a point system. These guidelines consider a host of factors, some of the most common including:

1. The amount of money lost (in fraud or theft cases);
2. The quantity of drugs involved (in drug-related cases);
3. The defendant’s criminal history (in all cases).

By combining factors about the specific offense, victims, and circumstances of a case, the guidelines produce a total “offense level,” which is a numerical value assigned to a crime, purportedly based on its severity. This level, cross-referenced in a chart against the defendant’s criminal history (which generates its own point value and “Criminal History Category”), determines a suggested guideline range for an appropriate sentence.

For example, an offense level of 23 with a Category II criminal history (signifying a “moderate” criminal record) might result in a guideline range of 51-63 months in federal prison. While judges often sentence within this range, our experienced federal criminal defense attorneys can argue for lower sentences through “downward departures” or “variances.” 

Sentencing Examples for Common Federal Crimes

What is the typical sentence for a federal crime? The answer varies widely depending on the nature of the crime, the defendant’s criminal history, the sentencing judge, and a host of other factors. Here’s a general overview of some common federal crimes and correlating sentencing guidelines:

– Wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) and Mail fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341): As two of the most prevalent federal crimes, these offenses share similar elements:

1. Knowingly participating in a plan to defraud for financial gain;
2. Making material statements or omissions that could influence someone to part with their money;
3. Intent to defraud;
4. Using wire or mail communication as an essential part of the scheme.

The maximum sentence for these crimes is 20 (or in some circumstances 30) years in federal prison, as stated in the statute. That statutory maximum is per count, however, and prosecutors almost never charge only one fraud count in an indictment. Judges consider a variety of factors when determining sentences for wire and mail fraud cases. Furthermore, the actual sentence often falls within the guideline range based on the offense level and criminal history calculating method mentioned in the previous section.

As trusted and proven federal criminal defense attorneys, McKenzie Scott’s team works to challenge these calculations, present evidence in mitigation, and argue for sentences below the guideline range when appropriate.

– Bank Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1344): Bank fraud involves knowingly executing or attempting a scheme to defraud a financial institution. This can include obtaining funds, assets, or securities through fraudulent means. The penalties for bank fraud can be severe, with fines up to $1,000,000 and imprisonment for up to 30 years.

– Health Care Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1347): Health care fraud encompasses various offenses related to defrauding health care benefit programs. This can include violations of the False Claims Act (18 U.S.C. § 287) and the Anti-Kickback Statute (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b). These cases often involve complex legal and regulatory issues. The minimum sentence for healthcare fraud is a fine or up to 10 years in prison.

– Securities Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1348): Securities fraud involves knowingly executing or attempting a scheme to defraud in connection with securities transactions. This offense can result in fines and imprisonment for up to 25 years. Securities fraud cases often intersect with regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Federal Minimum-Mandatory Sentencing Explained

Federal minimum-mandatory sentencing refers to laws that require judges to impose a predetermined minimum prison term for specific crimes. These laws were introduced in the 1980s as part of the “tough on crime” era, with the ostensible goal of ensuring consistent punishments and deterring serious offenses.

While the intention behind these laws may have seemed to make sense at the time, their implementation has led to numerous unintended consequences, including overcrowding in federal prisons, exacerbated racial disparities in the criminal legal system, and limited judicial discretion in sentencing.

Judge Stephanos Bibas, who serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, has noted that mandatory minimums dehumanize people by acting as “sledgehammers rather than scalpels.”

Statistics from the United States Sentencing Commission confirm that from 2019 to 2023, the average sentence length was:

• 151 months for those subject to the mandatory minimum penalty;
• 67 months for those receiving relief;
• 30 months for individuals who were not convicted of an offense carrying a mandatory minimum penalty.

Crimes that are commonly tied to mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines include:

• Drug offenses (64.7% of individuals sentenced were convicted of an offense carrying a mandatory minimum penalty);
• Identity theft offenses (80.7% of individuals sentenced were subject to a mandatory minimum penalty);
• Firearms offenses (28% of individuals sentenced were convicted of an offense carrying a mandatory minimum penalty);
• Sex offenses (70.9% of individuals sentenced were convicted of an offense carrying a mandatory minimum penalty).

All 50 states as well as the District of Columbia have mandatory minimum sentencing laws in place. 

The Role of a Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

McKenzie Scott’s dedicated team of federal criminal defense attorneys plays a multifaceted role in every case:

• Arguing for bail and release to fight your case from a position of freedom;
• Researching and writing innovating and exhaustive motions attacking charges;
• Challenging sentencing guideline calculations;
• Arguing for sentences below the guideline range;
• Developing strategies to defend against federal charges;
• Ensuring clients understand the elements of their alleged offenses;
• Staying updated on changes in federal sentencing, such as those introduced by the First Step Act.

Understanding the nuances of federal criminal law is crucial for mounting an effective defense. Each case requires a thorough analysis of the facts and a deep understanding of the applicable laws and sentencing guidelines.

If you’re facing federal criminal charges in California, it’s essential to consult with an experienced federal criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. McKenzie Scott’s trial lawyers are here to help you navigate the complexities of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and develop a strong defense strategy tailored to your case, which includes:

• Protecting your constitutional rights;
• Fighting to undermine the prosecution’s case at every turn;
• Negotiating with federal prosecutors when necessary;
• Representing you in federal trials and appeals.

Our lawyers have the experience and results to give you peace of mind throughout every step of the federal criminal defense process. We’re skilled at navigating federal court procedures and taking on prosecutors, ensuring that all possible advantages are utilized in your case. 

What to Expect During a Federal Criminal Investigation

Even before charges are filed, our federal criminal defense lawyers can play a role in protecting your rights. Securing expert criminal defense representation immediately allows our team to properly prepare a defense strategy, including advising you on how to handle interactions with federal agents and helping prevent you from inadvertently weakening your legal position. 

The various phases of a federal criminal case may include:

– Pre-trial Proceedings and Plea Negotiations: Your attorney will review the evidence against you, file necessary motions, and (if desired) negotiate with prosecutors. If a plea deal is in your best interest, we’ll work to get the most favorable terms possible.

– Federal Trial Process: If your case goes to trial, our federal criminal lawyers will present your defense, cross-examine witnesses, and argue on your behalf. We’ll work to demonstrate reasonable doubt to secure an acquittal.

– Sentencing Phase: If a conviction is handed down, your attorney will advocate for the lowest sentence possible under federal sentencing guidelines.

– Federal Appeals Process: Judges and juries don’t always get it right. Sometimes mistakes are made. If necessary, our trial lawyers can file appeals to higher courts, challenging any legal errors made during your trial.

Benefits of Hiring an Experienced Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

The advantages of having McKenzie Scott’s elite team of federal criminal defense attorneys on your side cannot be overstated:

• We understand the nuances of federal law and can spot potential defenses to secure an acquittal;
• We have resources to conduct thorough investigations and challenge the prosecution’s evidence;
• We have the experience to handle complex white-collar criminal charges that require specialized knowledge;
• We’re well-versed at developing criminal defense strategies to minimize potential consequences (even if a conviction is likely).

What to Look for When Choosing a Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

Not all lawyers are created equal. When searching for the best federal criminal defense attorney to handle your case, consider:

• Experience in federal cases similar to yours;
• Track record of success in federal court;
• Specialization in relevant practice areas;
• Communication skills and availability;
• Reputation among peers and clients.

When you sit down with our attorneys for a case review, do not hesitate to inquire about our experience and approach to cases like yours. Your future may depend on the skills and dedication of the federal criminal defense attorney you hire.

Facing federal charges is harrowing. But with the right team of litigators by your side, you’re not alone. McKenzie Scott’s team will fight for your rights, guide you through the complex federal court system, and work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Remember, time is of the essence in federal criminal cases. If you’re under investigation or have been charged with a federal crime, seek our expert legal representation promptly. Your rights and your future are worth protecting.