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Atlanta Criminal Defense Lawyers > Blog > Criminal Defense > Committing Crimes Across State Lines And Federal Charges

Committing Crimes Across State Lines And Federal Charges

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When you are accused of committing a crime, it could only involve one state and its laws, or depending on what it is, it could involve multiple states. These situations can be highly complicated and are handled much differently than those which only involve a single state. No matter which situation you are in, if you are being charged in one state or if your alleged crimes have crossed state lines, the thing you do need is a solid legal defense with experience litigating such complex legal situations.

The Georgia criminal defense attorneys at Hawkins Spizman Trial Lawyers have you in good hands when you decide to move forward working with their legal team. The attorneys at Hawkins Spizman Trial Attorneys are always ready to fight on the behalf of aggrieved individuals facing serious criminal charges whose life can depend on the outcome.

Crimes that Could Involve More Than One State

You may not even know the actions you are taking are considered criminal or that they cross state lines for that matter. But if they do, you are in a special situation where federal charges may also apply. If you are facing federal charges the penalties and punishments can be increased substantially from that which would be sentenced by the state.

If you are unsure of what crimes can involve multiple states, consider the following:

  • Transporting illicit and unlawful substances or drugs across state lines no matter how much is in your possession may be charged as trafficking if you are caught doing so.
  • If you use your computer or another online access point to commit fraud across different states, this may be considered wire fraud.
  • Mail fraud happens when you physically send out deceitful and counterfeit fraudulent mail to other people throughout the country.
  • If you take physical possession of a child against their will or unlawfully, and you travel through different states or just to one or more states this is kidnapping.
  • If you have possession of a firearm that was acquired illegally and you cross state lines with it, you would violate the laws in more states than one.

Simply put, if you commit a crime and the duration of your crime spans more than one state, if caught, you will be held accountable for a crime that involves many states. When this happens it is possible that the federal government may become involved with your case. As a result, not only are the penalties much more severe with federal offenses but, in most cases, you will have a minimum prison sentence if you are found guilty and convicted of your crime. What this means is that even if your crime was fairly minor, if the federal government is involved, you may have no chance to avoid prison time. These mandatory minimums are serious as they can start at 12 months to as long as life behind bars.

Speak to an Atlanta Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Crimes across many states, especially when they result in federal charges can happen even if you did not mean to commit such serious offenses. When put in such a perilous situation, it is best to have the most effective and tactical legal counsel on your side fighting to help you overcome your charges and secure the best possible results. For more information, you can meet with an Atlanta criminal defense lawyer at Hawkins Spizman Trial Attorneys by calling 770-685-6400.

Hawkins Spizman Trial Attorneys represent individuals in Georgia including Atlanta, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Cobb County, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Johns Creek, and Sandy Springs.

 Source:

justice.gov/otj/federal-criminal-law

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