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Federal Crimes

Phoenix Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Representation for Federal Charges in Arizona

Certain types of crimes can be charged through the federal government, which makes it different from state charges. In the United States, the federal justice system has sentencing guidelines in place and, oftentimes, they are more serious than state sentencing guidelines. If you are facing charges in the federal court, it is imperative that you seek experienced counsel from a Phoenix federal criminal defense attorney.

At MayesTelles PLLC, we take on all types of federal crime cases, including:

If you are under investigation by federal authorities in Phoenix, AZ, call (602) 428-7104 or contact us online today to let us fight for you!

What Makes An Offense a Federal Crime?

A federal crime is an offense that violates laws established by the federal government of a country. In the United States, federal crimes are offenses that breach federal statutes or occur under circumstances where the federal government has jurisdiction, as opposed to state or local governments. These crimes are prosecuted in federal courts and often involve federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, or ATF.

Examples of federal crimes in the U.S. include:

  • Crimes Crossing State Lines: Kidnapping, human trafficking, or transporting illegal goods across state boundaries.
  • Crimes on Federal Property: Crimes committed in national parks, military bases, or other federally-owned areas.
  • Federal Offenses Involving Specific Issues:
    • Drug trafficking under federal laws.
    • Bank robbery, since banks are often federally insured.
    • Counterfeiting currency.
  • Crimes Involving Federal Entities: Fraud against federal programs (like Medicare or Social Security).
  • Crimes of National Concern:
    • Terrorism.
    • Treason.
    • Cybercrimes targeting national security or federal systems.

State crimes are typically prosecuted under state law and occur within a state’s boundaries. Federal crimes fall under federal jurisdiction, which may overlap with state jurisdiction. In such cases, federal law often takes precedence.

Federal Sentencing & Penalties

Federal sentencing in the United States is the process by which courts determine the punishment for individuals convicted of federal crimes. The system is designed to balance fairness, consistency, and justice, taking into account the nature of the offense, the offender's criminal history, and various aggravating or mitigating factors. Sentencing is guided by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which were established by the United States Sentencing Commission to standardize punishments while allowing judges some discretion to deviate from recommended ranges in appropriate cases.

Federal sentencing considers the offense severity and the defendant's criminal history, which are combined to calculate a recommended sentencing range. Judges may impose sentences outside this range if justified by the circumstances. In some cases, federal laws mandate minimum sentences, especially for offenses like drug trafficking, firearms violations, and certain violent crimes. These mandatory minimums often restrict judicial discretion, resulting in longer prison terms regardless of mitigating factors. Conversely, defendants who cooperate with authorities or accept responsibility for their actions may receive reduced sentences.

Federal penalties can include imprisonment, supervised release, fines, and restitution. Prison sentences are often served in federal facilities, and supervised release provides ongoing monitoring after incarceration. Fines and restitution aim to hold offenders financially accountable for their actions, compensating victims or covering the costs of criminal proceedings. In all cases, federal courts weigh the goals of punishment, deterrence, rehabilitation, and public safety when determining penalties.

You need an attorney with federal defense experience if your case is being heard in federal court. Our legal team has unique experience and extensive success in federal cases. With previous experience serving as a prosecutor and judicial clerk, our team has knowledge of the process on both sides of the courtroom.

Let us defend you against your federal charges in Arizona. Contact MayesTelles PLLC at (602) 428-7104 today to speak with a federal criminal attorney in Phoenix.

We've Won Thousands of Cases

  • Charges Reduced to Reckless Driving

    Client R.C. was stopped by Mesa Police for a civil traffic violation and later charged with DUI, Extreme DUI, and Super Extreme DUI in a justice court. During the course of their representation, MayesTelles attorneys discovered important inconsistencies in the police reports. When we presented these issues to the State, the prosecutor’s office agreed to drop all DUI charges.

  • Fatal Commercial Vehicle Accident

    MayesTelles Client A.F. and her husband tragically lost their unborn child as a result of the negligence of an individual operating a commercial vehicle in Yuma, Arizona. After substantial investigation including accident reconstruction and filing a lawsuit, the insurance company paid out the policy limits of $1,000,000.00.

  • 4 Counts of Aggravated DUI Dismissed

    Client M.W. was charged with 4 counts of Aggravated DUI in the Maricopa County Superior Court in July 2016 for allegedly riding a motorized bicycle under the influence. The attorneys at MayesTelles demanded that the State include certain materials in their presentation to the grand jury, resulting in the grand jury refusing to indict and the case being dismissed.

  • Client Charged with DUI

    Client, GS, charged with DUI - sentence was reduced to reckless driving.

  • Client Facing Assault Felony

    M.L. was charged with 1 count of Aggravated Assault, a class 3 dangerous felony. She plead guilty to Aggravated Assault, a class 6 undesignated felony, with a stipulation to 3 months of initial jail. She received credit for 32 days and the rest of the jail time was deferred. She was placed on 3 years of supervised probation. She has the opportunity to designate the offense a misdemeanor after successfully completing probation. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court

  • Client Charged with DUI

    Our client, A.R, was charged with 1 count of DUI and 1 count of Failure to Control Speed to Avoid a Collision. During extensive pre-trial investigation, it was discovered that the police made many errors in how they handled the case. We were able to get the client's charges reduced to reckless driving. Location: Glendale City Court

  • Client Charged with Four Felony Counts

    Our client, Ms. D., was charged with two counts of forgery - a class 4 Felony as well as theft - a class 2 Felony and also fraudulent schemes and artifices - a class 2 Felony. We were able to get her conviction reduced to a class 6 undesignated felony with the opportunity to reduce further to a misdemeanor. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court

  • Client Charged with Trespass & Assault

    Our client, T.C., was charged in Maricopa County Superior Court on July 8, 2015 with 1 count of Criminal Trespass, a class 6 felony, and 1 count Assault, a class 2 Misdemeanor. On September 9, 2015, after an 8-day jury trial, our client was found not guilty on both charges. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court

  • Client Charged with Shoplifting

    Our client, Ms. H., was charged with shoplifting - a class 1 misdemeanor. We were able to get her conviction set aside. Location: Phoenix Municipal Court

  • Client Faced 5 Felony Sex Offenses

    Our client, Mr. C., was charged with five counts of felony sex offenses, including two counts of Sex Conduct with a Minor and three counts of Molestation of a Child. We were able to get the case dismissed upon a successful Motion to Dismiss. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court

  • Client Charged with Disorderly Conduct

    Our client, K.F., was charged with Disorderly Conduct, a class 1 misdemeanor. We were able to get this client's case dismissed. Location: Tempe Municipal Court

  • Client Facing Multiple Criminal Charges

    Our client, L.S., was charged on October 20, 2014 in Mesa for an assault, disorderly conduct, and criminal damage. MayesTelles PLLC was able to get those charges dismissed.

  • Client Facing Multiple Domestic Violence Offenses

    Our client, Ms. C., was facing charges of assault / domestic violence (class 1 misdemeanor), disorderly conduct / domestic violence (class 1 misdemeanor), and criminal damage / domestic violence (class 1 misdemeanor). We were able to get our client's case dismissed. Location: Mesa Municipal Court

  • Charged with Assault & Failure to Appear

    Our client, L.S., was charged in Phoenix on December 27, 2014 for assault and failure to appear. After completing diversion, our client's case was dismissed.

  • Multiple Felony Theft Offenses

    Our client, Mr. C., was charged with Theft of Means of Transportation (Class 3 Felony) and Trafficking in Stolen Property (Class 3 Felony). Both class 3 felonies have a possible sentencing range of 2 - 8.75 years in prison. We were able to get our client's charge reduced to a Class 1 Misdemeanor with no jail time. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court

Why Choose MayesTelles PLLC?

  • Nearly 200 Years of Combined Experience
  • Thousands of Cases Successfully Handled
  • Voted Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • Available to Our Clients 24/7
  • Former Prosecutors & Law Enforcement
  • AV Preeminent Rated Attorneys

Contact Us Today

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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Hear From Past Clients We've Helped
    "I would recommend them 1,000%"
    The entire staff was so kind and nobody treated me any different because of my past! There are no words I can give you to thank you for what your company has done for me!! Thank you so much!
    - K.H.
    "Only Pick MayesTelles"
    I sure hope to never get in trouble again but when I did I put my money and trust in MayesTelles. Not only do they listen, they CARE! As if it was them in my shoes! They don't judge you or make you feel uncomfortable and you can sit back and relax.
    - L. M.
    "Put My Mind at Ease"
    I never thought I would be someone needing a criminal lawyer. Choosing Mayes Telles was a great choice which has put my mind at ease. Melanie Laboy has been super responsive to my case and kept me informed during this entire process.
    - E.W.
    "I had a great experience and would definitely recommend David Lish."
    Got myself in some trouble and David Lish pulled me right out. He was really good at making me feel comfortable and helping me understand exactly what was going on with my case. David made my Felony go down to a misdemeanor and allowed me to come home to N
    - Elizabeth
    "Zach Thornley the greatest criminal lawyer at Mayes Telles"
    Zach turned hell to heaven (not guilty) for me and I will never say enough thank you for the fantastic job he did!!!!! Zach thank you
    - SG
    "The Best Lawyer in My Experience"
    David Telles is the best lawyer in my experience. It was a pretty big case, but he handled very professionally. My case was dismissed, I was very happy with the result and I am really thanks to David Telles.
    - Hanna
    "Professional, fair, and successful results for our clients."
    We are often asked what law firm do we see offers excellent advice and successful results for our clients and we tell them Mayes Telles. Blake Mayes, David Telles and Dean Turnbow have had fantastic communication with our office and our clients can't speak
    - Sanctuary Bail Bonds
    "Professional, fair, and successful results for our clients."
    We are often asked what law firm do we see offers excellent advice and successful results for our clients and we tell them Mayes Telles. Blake Mayes, David Telles and Dean Turnbow have had fantastic communication with our office...
    - Sanctuary Bail Bonds