Staten Island Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Federal Criminal Defense Attorney in Staten Island

Getting arrested and charged with a crime is a serious matter, regardless of the circumstances. However, when the criminal charge is handled at the federal level rather than the state, your very future is at stake. Whether you’ve been accused of drug trafficking near Port Liberty or a white collar crime at your job at the NYC Department of Finance on St. Marks Place, it is essential to hire an experienced Staten Island federal criminal defense lawyer who can protect your rights.

Trust Your Federal Criminal Defense to the Team at Greco Neyland, PC

When you or a loved one has been charged with a federal criminal offense, you need to hire someone you can trust. The team at Greco Neyland, PC, values honesty and transparency above all else, and we work to uncover every possible defense strategy available in your case. Our lead attorney, a former prosecutor, knows his way around the courtroom at both the state and federal levels. With this knowledge on our side, we are an effective advocate for you.

At Greco Neyland, PC, we have experience operating in the U.S. District courthouses where your case will likely be handled. Whether your case is processed through the Theodore Roosevelt United States Courthouse at 225 Cadman Plaza East in Brooklyn or the Alfonse M. D’Amato United States Courthouse at 100 Federal Plaza in Central Islip, we are here to defend you and protect your freedom.

Key Differences Between State and Federal Criminal Cases in New York

When facing federal criminal charges in New York, it is important to understand how they differ from state-level charges. While federal criminal arrests have been on a 3% decline in recent years, people are still being charged with these crimes every day, and it is crucial to know how these charges are handled in federal court. The key differences between federal and state criminal law include:

• Resources for investigation: A federal investigation might span months or even years and involve various methods of surveillance, wiretaps, coordination between multiple federal agencies, and an in-depth financial analysis. These federal agencies often have a wider range of resources available to them and can include the FBI, DEA, IRS Criminal Investigation, and ATF. These agencies can all work together to build a harsh and comprehensive case against you.
• Penalties and consequences: When an individual is sentenced for a federal crime, the sentence will generally carry much more severe penalties than a state sentence for a similar crime. Most federal defendants will find themselves facing mandatory minimum sentences, the possibility of serving time in a federal facility, and federal sentencing guidelines, all of which can take them away from loved ones and a support system.
• Jurisdiction: Federal crimes usually involve not just federal agencies, but also interstate commerce, and possible violations of federal laws and statutes. Unlike state-level crimes, which are handled and prosecuted by the local district attorney, federal cases fall under the jurisdiction of the United States Attorneys, who typically have unlimited resources at their disposal.
• Court procedures: The federal courts, which handle these cases, typically operate under different rules regarding procedure and evidence than state courts do. Federal prosecutors and judges are much more experienced in criminal cases, making it essential to have an equally experienced attorney.

Common Federal Criminal Cases We Handle in Staten Island

At Greco Neyland, PC, we have handled a variety of federal criminal defense cases over our many years of legal service. We are proud to offer representation and counsel to Staten Island residents facing the following federal criminal charges:

• White collar federal crimes: These crimes typically involve financial misconduct and are prosecuted aggressively by the courts. These cases will usually involve an extensive review of documents and evidence, complex financial transactions, and the need for a thorough and sophisticated defense. These charges include money laundering, RICO violations, bank fraud, wire and mail fraud, and tax evasion.
• Federal drug crimes: In a single year, over 870,000 Americans are arrested for drug charges. Federal drug charges can include drug manufacturing, drug trafficking and distribution, drug-related money laundering, drug conspiracy charges, Continuing Criminal Enterprise, or CCE, and international drug importation.
• Federal violent crimes: There are several federal violent crimes an individual can be charged with in Staten Island, including federal firearm charges, federal assault charges, bank robbery and armored car robbery, kidnapping another human being across state lines, crimes that involve federal officers, certain cases of murder or manslaughter, and Hobbs Act violations.
• Federal appeal cases: If you are looking to appeal a federal criminal court decision, the team at Greco Neyland, PC, can assist. Our federal appeal services include direct appeals to involved circuit courts, post-conviction relief motions, sentence reduction motions, and Habeas corpus petitions.

At Greco Neyland, PC, you become our number one priority the moment you walk through our office doors. We are here to review your case and determine what defense strategy, or strategies, work correctly in your case. With us on your side, you can rest easy knowing your defense is in good hands.

The Impacts of a Federal Criminal Conviction

Beyond the typical penalties a federal criminal conviction can bring, such as massive fines, prison time, and even the possibility of life imprisonment without the chance of parole, there are also more personal impacts of a federal crime. These include:

• Social stigma: Even being charged with a federal crime can lead to issues in your social circle and damage to your personal reputation. An arrest alone can affect your personal relationships and standing in your community.
• Financial burdens: Fines, legal fees, and the potential loss of income can all lead to a massive financial burden faced not only by you, but also by the loved ones who depend on you. It is crucial to understand the costs involved at every stage of your federal criminal case.
• Employment issues: When someone is federally convicted of a crime, it makes it nigh impossible to find future employment. In fact, around 60% of formerly incarcerated individuals are now jobless across the United States.
• Loss of licenses: Depending on your employment and the charges you are facing, you could lose certain professional licenses that will affect your livelihood and carry a hugely negative impact on your future post-conviction.

FAQs

How Can a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Help Me?

A federal criminal defense lawyer can help you in a wide variety of ways. They are there to review your case and listen to your side of the story. They can launch their own independent investigation to uncover evidence that may help support your defense and determine which defense strategies work correctly given the circumstances of your situation. They can then enter into negotiations with the prosecution and represent you in court when necessary.

What Should I Do if I Am Charged With a Federal Crime?

If you find yourself charged with a federal crime, it is essential that you seek legal representation as soon as possible. Having an attorney on your side from the beginning can help you better understand the charges you’re facing and get a defense strategy built as quickly as possible. It is important that you do not discuss your case with any party other than your attorney to protect your rights.

Will My Federal Case Go to Trial?

Your federal case will likely not go to trial unless there are very specific circumstances at play. In fact, according to one study, nearly 98% of all criminal cases end in plea bargains rather than going to a courtroom trial. When you work with the team at Greco Neyland, PC, we can review your case and offer our guidance on whether a plea bargain is appropriate or if a trial is the better option.

Can I Seek a Plea Bargain in a Federal Case?

In a federal case, you may be able to seek a plea bargain. Plea bargaining typically involves lengthy negotiations with the prosecution to seek a reduction in charges or penalties if convicted. This negotiation process is complex and will require an attorney with strategic negotiation skills and an understanding of the case the prosecution has built against you. It is crucial to speak to a lawyer before trying for a plea bargain.

Hire a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving Staten Island

When your very liberties are at stake, you need to hire a federal criminal defense lawyer from Greco Neyland, PC. We treat every case as though it is going to court and aren’t afraid to stand up and act as your legal champion before a judge, the prosecution, and jury.

We are committed to a transparent, open relationship with our clients and are here to explore all avenues of defense. Contact our offices today to learn how we can help and schedule a consultation. Our experienced legal team is ready to help you explore all of your available legal options to find a resolution to your case.