Common Federal Crimes

Common Federal Crimes: An Overview

Federal crimes are offenses that violate U.S. federal law and are prosecuted in federal courts. These crimes typically involve interstate activity, federal government interests, or issues that cross state boundaries. If you are sent a target letter or violation notice; arrested or facing trial, then federal criminal defense attorney Nate Crowley can help.

Here’s a list of common federal crimes to help familiarize you with federal crimes as defined by the U.S. justice system:

1. Drug Crimes. Federal Drug Crimes – An Overview
   • Drug Trafficking: Distribution, manufacture, or sale of controlled substances.
   • Drug Possession with Intent to Distribute: Possession of illegal drugs in quantities that suggest intent to sell.
   • Conspiracy to Distribute Drugs: Agreement between two or more persons to commit drug-related crimes.
2. White-Collar Crimes
   • Fraud: Including mail fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, securities fraud, and healthcare fraud.
   • Embezzlement: Theft or misappropriation of funds placed in one’s trust or belonging to one’s employer.
   • Money Laundering: Process of making illegally-gained money appear legal by channeling it through legitimate businesses or banks.
   • Insider Trading: Buying or selling securities based on confidential, non-public information.
   • Tax Evasion: Avoiding payment of taxes owed to the federal government.
   • Identity Theft: Fraudulently using another person’s identifying information to commit financial crimes.
3. Cyber Crimes
   • Computer Hacking: Unauthorized access to computer systems or networks.
   • Child Exploitation: Crimes involving child pornography or online solicitation of minors.
   • Online Fraud: Scams, phishing schemes, or fraudulent activities conducted through the internet.
   • Intellectual Property Theft: Downloading or distributing copyrighted material without permission (piracy).
4. Terrorism and National Security Crimes
   • Terrorism: Acts intended to intimidate or coerce a government or civilian population for political, religious, or ideological purposes.
   • Material Support to Terrorist Organizations: Providing funds, resources, or assistance to terrorist groups.
   • Espionage: Spying on the U.S. government to obtain classified information for a foreign power.
   • Treason: Waging war against the United States or aiding its enemies.
5. Violent Crimes
   • Murder: Especially when it occurs on federal property or involves federal officials.
   • Kidnapping: Taking a person across state lines without their consent.
   • Human Trafficking: Transporting or holding individuals in illegal labor or sex trade.
   • Assault on a Federal Officer: Attacking federal law enforcement or government officials.
6. Firearms and Weapons Off
   • Illegal Firearms Possession: Possessing firearms when prohibited by law (e.g., as a convicted felon).
   • Firearms Trafficking: Illegally selling or transporting firearms across state or national borders.
   • Using a Firearm During a Crime: Enhancing penalties for crimes committed with firearms.
7. Immigration Crimes
   • Illegal Re-entry: Entering the U.S. after being deported.
   • Human Smuggling: Bringing individuals into the U.S. illegally.
   • Visa Fraud: Misrepresenting information in immigration documents.
8. Organized Crime and Racketeering
   • RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act): Targeting criminal organizations engaged in activities like drug trafficking, money laundering, and extortion.
   • Extortion: Using threats to obtain money, property, or services.
9. Public Corruption
   • Bribery of Public Officials: Offering or accepting something of value to influence an official’s actions.
   • Election Fraud: Interfering with or manipulating the election process at the federal level.
   • Obstruction of Justice: Interfering with investigations or legal proceedings.
10. Sex Crimes
    • Sex Trafficking: Forcing individuals into sexual slavery or exploitation.
    • Sexual Exploitation of Children: Creating, distributing, or possessing child pornography.
    • Interstate Prostitution: Transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution purposes.
11. Civil Rights Violations
    • Hate Crimes (bias crime): Committing violent acts based on race, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.
    • Police Misconduct: Violations of constitutional rights by law enforcement officials.
    • Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law: Using government authority to violate someone’s civil rights.
12. Environmental Crimes
    • Violating Clean Air or Clean Water Acts: Illegal disposal of hazardous waste, pollution, or other environmental violations.
    • Illegal Wildlife Trafficking: Smuggling or trading endangered species or their parts.
13. Counterfeiting and Forgery
    • Counterfeit Currency: Manufacturing or distributing fake U.S. currency.
    • Forgery: Falsifying documents such as federal IDs, passports, or checks.
14. Perjury and False Statements
    • Perjury: Lying under oath during federal judicial proceedings.
    • False Statements to Federal Agencies: Providing inaccurate or misleading information to federal authorities.
15. Federal Property Crimes
    • Arson on Federal Property: Setting fire to federal lands or buildings.
    • Theft of Federal Property: Stealing government-owned property or resources.
16. Obstruction of Federal Proceedings
    • Contempt of Court: Refusing to comply with a court order or disrupting court proceedings.
    • Witness Tampering: Interfering with a witness’s testimony in a federal case.

These are some of the more common federal crimes, but there are many others that fall under the jurisdiction of federal law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, and ICE. You need a federal defense attorney that understands state, federal and civil law, such as California-based Nate Crowley, to handle your case.

Are You Charged With a Federal Crime? Contact California Federal Lawyer Nate Crowley.

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