Federal Crimes in Nevada
Being charged with a federal crime is a frightening experience. Almost every aspect of a federal case is different than a state case. State cases are generally brought by the Clark County District Attorney’s Office and are handled in the Regional Justice Center. Federal cases are brought by the United States Attorney’s Office and are handled at the United States District Courthouse for the District of Nevada. The federal court system has its own set of complex rules and procedures, which vary significantly from the state rules and procedures. Most importantly, federal charges generally carry harsher penalties than similar state charges. Because the stakes are higher, you need the experienced Nevada criminal defense attorneys at Vegas Golden Law to stand beside you in the federal court system.
There are two ways a crime can end up in the federal court system. First, the crime occurs on federal land. This includes land administered by the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, and Social Security Administration. Second, the crime “affects interstate commerce.” While the term “affects interstate commerce” appears in nearly every federal statute, it’s mysterious and vague. The bottom line is that federal prosecutors can charge a vast array of crimes in federal court even if the crime happened entirely within Nevada’s borders. The Nevada criminal defense lawyers at Vegas Golden Law will help you navigate the complex federal court system and fight for your rights.
Federal Public Lands Cases in Nevada
Over half of the land in Nevada is administered by the federal government. This land includes the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the Red Rock National Conservation Area, the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (which includes Mt Charleston), the Hoover Dam, Great Basin National Park, and the land the annual Burning Man Festival is held on.
Federal administration means that any crime - no matter how minor - will be handled in federal court. Common crimes include speeding tickets, driving under the influence, boating under the influence, assault, disorderly conduct, and natural resource crimes. A federal criminal conviction carries with it a myriad of collateral consequences in addition to staining your record. A conviction could affect your driving privileges, your ability to obtain future employment, or even your ability to enjoy the national parks and recreation areas surrounding Clark County.
Federal Firearms Cases in Nevada
he reality in the United States is that the federal government regulates guns. The federal government regulates which types of guns may be sold, how a gun is sold, and - most importantly - who may possess guns. Under federal law, it is illegal for certain classes of “prohibited persons” to possess guns. If you have a prior felony conviction, a prior domestic violence conviction (misdemeanor or felony), or a restraining order against you, you are prohibited from having a gun under federal law.
A gun found during a traffic stop, during a parole or probation stop of a home, or during any encounter with law enforcement could lead to federal charges if it turns out you are a prohibited person. The stakes of a federal gun charges are high. You could be facing up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. Let the federal criminal attorneys at Vegas Golden Law defend you against these serious charges.