Federal Crime Lawyer in Fontainebleau

Embezzlement occurs when someone who holds a position of trust converts money or property that belongs to the person who entrusts the perpetrator with his or her money or property. These cases are not always straightforward. In some cases, an employee or organizational leader may be accused of embezzlement if he or she uses entrusted money or property for a purpose the individual genuinely believed was authorized. For example, the treasurer of a trade organization is unlikely to be convicted for embezzlement if he or she diverted some of the organization’s money into an account that was solely used to pay an expense that benefitted the organization.

Money laundering is the multi-step process criminal organizations use to conceal the illegal activity through which they received illegal proceeds. Anyone who participates in a money laundering transaction may be charged with a crime. However, sometimes a transaction is just that. Criminal organizations purchase luxury items, gamble at casinos, buy real estate, and use money transfer services as part of the process of concealing their illegal proceeds. Any individual or small business that appears to transact with the criminal organization may be suspected of having knowledge of the illegal activity. If you are being investigated for money laundering because you unknowingly conducted monetary transactions with a criminal organization, your Fontainebleau federal defense lawyer can help you clear your name.

Racketeering, also known as RICO, refers to a pattern of criminal activity that is often disguised as a business enterprise. To prove racketeering, federal prosecutors must prove the defendant engaged in two or more crimes that meet the federal law definition of “racketeering activity.” The federal law RICO statute includes a list of specific offenses prosecutors may use to establish a charge of racketeering. The prosecutor must also prove the offenses were related to the criminal enterprise and occurred within the federal statute of limitations.

There are several approaches to challenging a RICO charge. For example, your attorney can prove you had no association with a criminal enterprise. If you were involved with a criminal enterprise in the past, but you did not engage in at least two examples of racketeering activity within the statute of limitations, you cannot be convicted for racketeering if the statute of limitations has been tolled.

Defense attorney for child pornography charges in Fontainebleau

If you have been wrongfully accused of a child pornography offense, your initial reaction may have been a feeling of embarrassment and wondering who you can turn to for legal advice. We understand the various situations that may lead to an erroneous child pornography charge. In addition to providing legal defense and advocacy, a Fontainebleau child pornography defense lawyer can also take measures to prevent unnecessary damage to your reputation during the investigative phase. Law enforcement officers sometimes overstep the rights of people who are accused of an offense. We make sure our clients’ rights are protected to the best of our ability at every step in the federal criminal process.

Federal law does not only prohibit the possession, transmission, manufacture, and production of child pornography. You can be charged in federal court for receiving child pornography. People receive unsolicited messages and images through the internet every day. Accidentally clicking on the wrong leak can download malware and unwanted files onto your device. If one of those files contains a sexual depiction of someone who is a minor, you may be charged under federal and state law. Anyone who comes across an illegal image of a child should immediately contact law enforcement and consult a defense attorney. Even though you may have had nothing to do with the image, you may still be investigated. Your Fontainebleau child pornography defense lawyer can advise you regarding how you can demonstrate that you had no intention to receive, possess, or transmit the illegal material.

Accused of a sex crime in Fontainebleau

Allegations of a sex crime can be difficult to refute on your own. Even if you are never formally charged or if your case goes to trial and you are acquitted, the people around you may still wonder whether you were involved in the crime. If you own a business, a sex crime accusation can make you lose customers. Your current and future employment may be at risk. Your neighbors may treat you as if you are a threat to the community’s safety. Many of these problems can potentially be prevented if you retain an experienced sex crimes defense lawyer as early as possible. Seeking legal counsel early will afford your lawyer more opportunities to protect your privacy and prevent law enforcement officers and potentially the media from overstepping legal boundaries. Contact Joffe Law if you have been accused of:

• rape
• sexual assault
• abusive sexual contact
• child molestation

We will help you understand the implications of any charges or criminal investigation you are facing. Having a seasoned lawyer by your side will make law enforcement agencies and federal prosecutors work harder to follow the rules and ensure you receive due process.

South Florida drug crimes attorney

South Florida is an important hub for the illegal drug trade, especially for organizations that operate in South America and the Caribbean Islands. Like many criminal organizations, drug trafficking rings rely on networks of people to manufacture, transport, distribute, and sell illegal drugs. These organizations also rely on others to help with laundering the proceeds of their illegal drug sales. Florida also has high rates of illegal prescription drug activity in addition to street drug offenses. It should come as no surprise that the federal government heavily prosecutes drug crimes in Florida. Some common drug charges we see include:

• drug possession
• drug trafficking
• drug manufacturing
• possession of drug paraphernalia

From entrapment to illegal searches and constitutional rights violations, we are prepared to contest any misstep the federal government makes in your case. Unfortunately, defendants are sometimes wrongfully convicted or sentenced excessively because they do not have effective legal counsel on the case. We understand the dire implications of a federal drug charge, and we will work to achieve the most favorable outcome possible in your case.

Mandatory minimum sentences in federal cases

Certain types of federal offenses have mandatory minimum sentences. Mandatory minimum sentencing generally applies to:

• drug cases
• child pornography cases
• sex crimes
• other violent offenses
• gun offenses

When a crime carries a mandatory minimum sentence, the sentencing court must order a minimum fine or prison sentence if the defendant is convicted of the offense. Critics argue mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines disallow judges the flexibility to exercise discretion in sentencing. Defendants are affected because the mandatory minimum sentence may not be the most appropriate option based on the facts of the case. There are certain conditions that permit judges to deviate from mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines. A knowledgeable Fontainebleau federal defense lawyer can determine whether your case may qualify for an exception.

Federal appeals attorney in Fontainebleau

We represent federal criminal court defendants at every step in the criminal court process, including after conviction. For defendants who are convicted for a federal offense, the fight for justice does not have to stop. A federal trial court conviction automatically triggers a defendant’s right to appeal. Filing a federal appeal is not a DIY project. The process of filing an appeal is time sensitive. You will also need a strong persuasive writer who has a strong command of the relevant case law, federal statutes, and criminal procedure to write your appellate brief. If the appellate court requests oral arguments, you will need an attorney who can confidently present your case before the federal appellate court.

Our talented team has the experience, knowledge, and expertise to represent defendants in complex criminal cases at the federal appellate level. We will determine the strongest issues in your case to argue on appeal.

In some cases, a direct appeal may be unavailable if the deadline has lapsed or if there are more appropriate legal remedies available. We will also inform you of other options for post-conviction relief that may be beneficial in your case.

Fontainebleau FL federal defense lawyer

If you believe you may be facing a federal criminal charge, it is never too early to consult a reputable attorney. The moment you realize you are under federal investigation is the time to upgrade your legal arsenal. Our Fontainebleau federal defense lawyer can represent you throughout the investigative stage as well as if you are formally charged with a federal offense. Contact Joffe Law to learn more about our successful track record in federal criminal cases. A member of our team will thoroughly review your case, and our attorney will determine the best strategy for your defense.