What are the Potential Consequences of Being Convicted of a Federal Crime in Nashville, Including Sentencing Guidelines and Penalties?
If you are under investigation for a federal criminal offense, you may feel overwhelmed and even terrified. With ample resources, the government meticulously investigates federal crimes to uncover incriminating evidence against individuals. Unlike state-level offenses, which have potential penalties subject to each jurisdiction’s specific statutes and laws, federal crimes are subject to Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Under federal law, regardless of whether you served time, your firearm privileges will automatically be revoked.
Avoiding a conviction is essential in safeguarding your freedom and future. When you retain the services of our Nashville federal crime lawyers at Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, you will be working with someone who takes a personal interest in your case. We believe that being informed is essential to understanding your rights, which is why our legal team has provided an overview of federal sentencing criteria and penalties.
Federal Sentencing Guidelines
Unlike state crimes that may have two or three levels pertaining to each offense, federal guidelines have 43 base level offenses. Various factors are taken into consideration when determining sentencing parameters, including if a firearm was used during the commission of the crime or the amount of money lost.
Certain factors, such as your level of participation in the offense, if the victim was physically or mentally disabled, if you accept responsibility for your actions, and if you have a prior criminal record, will all be taken into account by a judge in determining your sentence. By obtaining the representation of a Nashville federal crime attorney, you increase the likelihood of achieving a successful case outcome. A federal crime lawyer can highlight mitigating circumstances, allowing you to receive a more lenient sentence.
Federal Penalties
Since state-level crimes are often not as severe as federal crimes, potential punishments also tend to follow suit. This can easily be seen in drug trafficking since you could be charged at the federal level depending on the substance, the quantity in your possession, or if your operation takes place across state lines (which is likely in a drug trafficking charge).
If charged in federal court, a first-time offense for transporting between 500 to 4,999 grams mixture of cocaine is punishable by five to 40 years in prison. If anyone was injured or killed, then you could be sentenced anywhere from 20 years to life. Additionally, as an individual, you may be fined up to $5 million.
In state court, the most severe charge for trafficking cocaine or possession with intent to distribute is a class A felony. This applies if you are found in possession of 300 grams or more of cocaine. A class A felony is punishable by a maximum of 60 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.
Nashville Federal Crime Lawyers Providing Serious Representation Against Serious Charges
A federal crime comes with strict penalties, inhibiting your current freedom and ability to live a normal life once your sentence is completed. If you or a loved one have recently been accused of a federal offense, do not hesitate to contact our Nashville federal crime attorneys. We understand the consequences of a federal charge and will pursue every avenue to help you avoid a conviction. To arrange your free consultation, contact us online or give us a call today.