Many people call our firm not knowing if their case involves criminal law – let alone federal criminal law.  LGR Law, LLC is a law firm focused on defending those charged or threatened with federal crimes in Manhattan, White Plains, and  New Jersey. The following is an overview of how to determine if you are threatened or charged with a federal crime.

Civil law cases involve two or more individuals (or companies) who have a dispute about their rights or duties, and the result is a fine or an order to stop or continue doing something.  .  Criminal law, on the other hand,  is a system of laws enacted by the government (federal, state or local municipality) with punishment attached for individuals or companies who fail to abide by those laws. Criminal charges are brought when the government determines that one of its laws was violated and that an individual or a company should be punished for either an act or an omission that violated that law.

Federal, state, and local authorities can all promulgate their own laws. Therefore, an act or omission can be a violation of any or all three of these governing bodies.

Federal crimes are enacted by federal legislation (statutes and regulations) that set forth the actions or inactions that are subject to punishment. Federal crimes include but are not limited to tax evasion and tax fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, pharmaceutical and healthcare fraud, money laundering, credit card fraud, firearm offenses, and illegal drug offenses.

The United States Attorney’s Office is the prosecuting authority that initiates federal charges.

Often federal offenses are investigated prior to the US Attorney’s Office lodging charges against an individual or company. In many of those situations, a federal agent or agents visit the individual and inform them of the anticipated charges and give them an option to come in and talk to the US Attorney prior to the initiation of charges.

If you or a loved one are approached or contacted by a federal agency such as the FBI, IRS, ATF, DEA, Homeland Security, Secret Service, Postal Inspector, or any other federal agency, you should immediately contact a federal criminal defense attorney BEFORE speaking to the agent or the US Attorney. That federal lawyer will make sure that your rights are protected.

Lorraine Gauli-Rufo and LGR Law Group focus on defending federal charges brought in New Jersey or in Manhattan, New York, and White Plains. If you or a loved one is facing federal criminal charges or is under investigation by federal agents or have been contacted by a federal agent or an Assistant United States Attorney, we can help you. Ms. Gauli-Rufo and her team have successfully defended people charged with crimes throughout New York and New Jersey. They have obtained acquittals of many charges and have been able to obtain reduced charges and below Guideline sentences (including probationary sentences) in thousands of cases over the last 30 years. Our representative cases include healthcare fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, internet and computer fraud, securities fraud, Hobbs Act Robbery, Firearm and gun charges, drug offenses, RICO charges, gang crimes, and more. We also handle appeals and habeas matters. We have appeared and argued in both the Third Circuit Court of Appeals and the Second Circuit. We offer a free 15-minute consultation and defense strategy session for all potential clients. Call today to schedule an appointment with our experienced and trusted criminal defense lawyers. Call (973) 239-4300 or contact us from our website www.lgrlawgroup.com or email us at [email protected].