Conspiracy

If two or more individuals conspire to commit an unlawful act against the U.S. or defraud the U.S. government (including agencies), and at least one person takes some type of action to further their objective, they can both face federal conspiracy charges.

That means that you don’t have to be directly involved in a criminal act to be prosecuted for it. Federal criminal laws only require you to participate (in any way), and you can be charged as if you physically committed the act.

Cybercrimes

Cybercrimes are prosecuted harshly at the federal level. Generally, the federal government prosecutes cybercrime cases committed against the U.S. includes but is not limited to:

• Hacking into government computers

• Damaging computers owned by the government, banks, or those affecting interstate commerce

• Using any government computer (i.e., mobile phone, tablet, desktop, etc.) to commit fraud

• Unlawfully accessing, using, or distributing sensitive government information

• Using technology to commit crimes like stalking, extortion, or threatening others

• Wire fraud

Federal cybercrime can be applied to a broad range of situations, so much so that many activities that initially seem innocent can result in federal cyber-crimes charges.  In Nevada, the United States Department of Justice takes cyber crime seriously and routinely prosecutes persons for crimes related to computers.  Having a team on your side that understands the intricacies of cyber crime is not just important, it’s essential.   

Federal Drug Crimes

Many drug crime investigations begin at the state level but eventually lead to federal charges in Nevada.

The most common types of federal drug crimes prosecuted by the U.S. include drug trafficking, manufacturing controlled substances, aiding and abetting, drug possession in protected locations, and many more.

Individuals convicted of federal drug crimes face harsh penalties. The severity of the punishment depends on the drug schedule, exact charges, the quantity of drugs, and countless other factors.  Being convicted of a drug crime in federal court in Nevada can lead to very severe and harsh penalties.  For this reason, having a skilled lawyer by your side is very important.   

Federal Firearm Offenses

The federal government constantly changes and updates federal gun laws. With that in mind, individuals are often charged with federal firearm offenses without knowing that they violated the law.

Some of the most commonly prosecuted federal gun offenses in Nevada include but are not limited to:

• Possession of prohibited firearms

• Possession of firearms by prohibited person

• Using a firearm while committing a violent crime or drug trafficking

• Drug-related home invasions using a firearm

• Gun trafficking, importation, or smuggling

• Sale of illegal firearms

Individuals can be indicted with several federal gun law charges if they are involved in the sale, purchase, possession, or otherwise unlawful possession of a firearm while crossing state lines.

Federal Fraud Charges In Las Vegas

Individuals facing federal fraud charges often require a federal criminal defense lawyer to represent them in criminal proceedings or qui tam civil actions. The penalties for federal fraud charges include exorbitant fines, lengthy prison time, and restitution payments.

A few of the most commonly prosecuted federal fraud offenses include:

• Bank and Check Fraud

• Healthcare fraud

• Making false claims to government agencies

• Participating in a conspiracy to defraud the government

• Mail & Wire Fraud

• Mortgage Fraud

• Embezzlement

• Extortion

• Identity Theft

In addition to the criminal penalties, those convicted of federal fraud charges may be required to pay back as much as three times the amount they defrauded.

Human & Sex Trafficking

Federal human trafficking laws involve the unlawful exploitation of people for labor, services, or commercial sex. Sex trafficking laws more specifically target the illegal transportation of people across the border for unlawful sexual purposes.

Individuals charged with federal human tracking offenses face extensive prison sentences. That’s especially true for crimes involving children, vulnerable populations, violence, or drugs.

Federal Money Laundering

The crime of money laundering, otherwise known as “washing money,” involves making resources derived from criminal activity look like they came from legitimate business activities. The “dirty” money is “laundered” (cleaned) to make it more difficult to trace.

Individuals involved in illicit industries or practices like arms trafficking, drug trafficking, sex trafficking, embezzlement, terrorism, and the like are more likely to launder their money than others.

For that reason, money laundering cases are harshly prosecuted at the federal and state levels.

Federal “RICO” Crimes

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) makes it a criminal offense to engage in activities that further criminal enterprise. More specifically, RICO crimes involve racketeering.

Racketeering involves unlawful actions (typically the use or threat of force) perpetrated by an organization to earn a profit. RICO legislation was largely enacted due to overtly aggressive mob and gang activities. Common examples of RICO crimes include but are not limited to:

• Extortion and blackmail

• Kidnapping

• Murder

• Money laundering

• Counterfeiting

• Human trafficking

• Predatory lending

• Protection rackets (victims must pay money for “protection” or face harm)

RICO activity must be conducted by a group, known as an “enterprise,” such as a drug cartel, motorcycle club, gang, political party, business, or other types of organizations. Individuals charged with federal RICO offenses face both criminal and civil penalties if convicted.