Ocala Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys: Your Advocates In Challenging Times
If you’re facing federal charges in the Ocala area, your entire future may be at stake, especially if you’re confronting felony allegations that carry mandatory minimum prison sentences. At O'Brien Hatfield, P.A., we are here to offer the steadfast legal support you need during this critical time.
Our team of federal criminal defense lawyers leverages decades of combined experience to craft strong defenses for our clients. As a former prosecutor, Mark O’Brien has valuable insight into how to build a strong defense. Our approach is thorough and tailored, and we handle every case with the utmost care.
Ocala Federal Court
The United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida handles federal criminal charges in the Ocala area. The Golden-Collum Memorial Federal Building and United States Courthouse is centrally located in downtown Ocala. Our attorneys have defended clients in federal courts across Florida, and they have been commended by federal judges for their effective advocacy.
Federal Vs. State Charges In Ocala
Federal charges differ in many ways from state charges. Federal law is often more complex, with highly technical legal elements and procedural rules. Because of their serious nature, federal charges also tend to carry harsher penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences.
Our firm’s extensive experience with federal criminal law is a major advantage when you’re facing federal charges. We know how to navigate the federal justice system and fight for our clients’ rights and freedoms.
A Skilled Defense Against Any Type Of Federal Charge
Our lawyers provide a robust defense against federal charges such as:
- White collar crimes: These offenses typically involve nonviolent crimes committed by business or government professionals for personal monetary gain, including fraud, embezzlement and bribery.
- Financial crimes: These offenses encompass a range of illegal activities where the perpetrator deceives or cheats someone to gain financial or personal gain, such as identity theft, Ponzi schemes and insurance fraud.
- Money laundering: This charge involves allegations of covering up money generated by a criminal activity by making it appear to have been earned legally.
- Drug trafficking: Federal law takes a harsh stance on the illegal production, distribution and sale of controlled substances. Charges at the federal level often involve large quantities of substances and organized distribution networks.
- Human trafficking: These offenses involve the illegal trade of people for the purposes of forced labor, sexual slavery or commercial sexual exploitation.
- Immigration offenses: This category of offenses includes crimes such as smuggling noncitizens across borders, often through large-scale underground operations.
- Gun crimes: Federal firearms offenses can include illegal possession, trafficking or use of firearms and ammunition, which may be linked to other criminal activities.
- Violent crimes: Violent offenses at the federal level include murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, robbery and aggravated assault.
- Conspiracy: This charge is applied when two or more people plan together to commit a crime and take some action toward that goal.
- Tax crimes: Allegations of tax offenses such as tax evasion, filing false tax returns or failing to report offshore bank accounts can result in harsh criminal consequences.
- Racketeering charges: Racketeering involves running an illegal business or scheme (a racket) to make a profit, perpetrated by a structured group. It often includes a pattern of activities that can include bribery, extortion and murder.
We understand what the prosecution must prove to secure a conviction for each type of charge, and we excel at identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. We take the time to develop an effective approach tailored toward the unique circumstances of each case.
What To Expect In The Federal Criminal Process
Having a broad understanding of the federal criminal justice system is important for anyone facing federal charges. The process can involve numerous steps, starting from the investigation phase and moving through grand jury indictment, arraignment, pretrial motions, plea negotiations and possibly trial. Each phase requires a nuanced defense strategy, which we are well-equipped to provide. Learn more about the federal process.
Under Investigation By A Federal Agency?
If you find yourself under investigation by a federal agency, securing a lawyer is crucial. Our experienced federal defense attorneys can protect your rights from the outset. We can serve as a vital shield between you and the investigating agency, ensuring that you do not unintentionally incriminate yourself or make your situation worse.
Additionally, enlisting our lawyers at the investigation stage allows us to begin crafting a defense strategy early in the process. We can strive to influence the outcome of the investigation by negotiating with federal authorities and seeking to mitigate or avoid charges before they are formally filed.
Protect Your Future Today
If you’ve been charged with a federal crime in the Ocala area, don’t wait to seek legal guidance. We are ready to defend your rights and guide you through the complexities of the federal legal system. Call 813-345-4909 or reach out through our online contact form to get started.