Boston Immigration Lawyer and Criminal Attorney with Experience, Boston Massachusetts

Serving the community for more than 20 years.

617-303-2600
In-Person Appointment Covid-19 Safety Protocol
  • Español
  • FAQs
  • Newsletter
  • Media
  • Contact Us
Boston Immigration Lawyers
Boston Criminal Lawyers
Boston Personal Injury Lawyers
Logo
617-303-2600 Appointment Request
Logo
617-303-2600 Appointment Request
  • Home
  • Immigration
    • U.S. Residency – Green Card
      • Family Residency / Green Card
      • Marriage Residency / Green Card for Spouse
      • Same Sex Marriage Residency / Green Card for Same Sex Spouse
      • Employment Residency / Green Card
      • TPS to Green Card
    • Cancellation of Removal/Deportation (10 Year Law)
    • DACA (Deferred Action Program for Young Immigrants)
    • Immigration Pardons – I-601 and I-601A Waivers
    • Expansion of I-601A Waiver, as of 8-29-2016
    • Asylum Immigration
    • TPS (Temporary Protected Status)
    • Lawsuits Against the USCIS
    • U.S. Visas- Non-Immigrant Visas
      • H-1B Visa Specialty Occupation Work Visa
      • E-1 Visa & E-2 Visa for Investors and Traders
      • L-1 Visa for Intra-Company Transfers
      • K-1 Visa for Alien Fiancé (e)
      • The U Visa – for Victims of Crime & Domestic Violence
      • O Visas for Foreigners of Outstanding Abilities
    • U.S. Citizenship – Naturalization
    • Other Immigration Services
    • Immigration Client Success Stories
    • Immigration Client Testimonials
    • U.S. Immigration FAQs
    • Immigration Legal Fees
    • Immigration Application Schedule
    • Immigration Infographics
    • Immigration Videos
    • Trump’s Proclamation Suspending Entry of Certain Immigrants
    • Immigration Newsletters and USCIS Updates
    • Visa Extensions and Extensions of Stay
    • Unemployment Benefits for Immigrants
    • Schedule Initial Consultation
  • Criminal
    • Experience with Criminal Charges
    • Set Bail and Arraignment
    • What To Do/Say When Arrested
    • Individual Rights
    • Criminal Convictions and Immigration
    • Criminal Defense FAQs
    • Client Success Stories
    • Criminal Defense Legal Fees
    • Criminal Defense / Immigration Infographic
    • Criminal Defense Newsletters
    • Schedule Initial Consultation
  • Personal Injury
    • Motor Vehicle Accidents
    • Other Injuries
    • Personal Injury Claim Process
    • Client Success Stories
    • Why Choose Us
    • Personal Injury FAQs
    • Personal Injury Legal Fees
    • Personal Injury Infographic
    • Personal Injury Newsletters
    • Schedule Initial Consultation
  • Client Reviews
    • What Our Clients Say
    • Client Ratings
    • Video Client Testimonials
    • Customer Satisfaction Survey
    • Facebook Testimonials
    • Client Succes Stories
    • Write/Read Client Reviews
  • About Us
    • Our Firm
    • Our Team
    • Firm Overview & Mission
    • Our 5 Principles
    • Working Philosophy
    • Practice Areas
    • Video Client Testimonials
    • Why Hire Us
    • Our Fee Structure
    • Preparing to Meet With Us
    • Intake Form for Consultation
    • Communication Policy
    • Records Management and Retention Policy
    • Published Court Decisions
    • Client Success Stories
    • Check Our Events
    • Customer Satisfaction Survey
    • Careers
    • Send Us Your Feedback
    • Directions to Our Office
    • Blog
  • Newsletters
    • Immigration News
    • Criminal Defense News
    • Personal Injury News
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Contact Us
Schedule Initial Consultation
Cambiar a Español
In-Person Appointment Covid-19 Safety Protocol
Immigration
Criminal
Personal Injury
  • Español
  • FAQs
  • Newsletter
  • Media
  • Contact Us
  • Immigration
    • U.S. Residency – Green Card
      • Family Residency / Green Card
      • Marriage Residency / Green Card for Spouse
      • Same Sex Marriage Residency / Green Card for Same Sex Spouse
      • Employment Residency / Green Card
      • TPS to Green Card
      • Cancellation of Removal/Deportation (10 Year Law)
      • DACA (Deferred Action Program for Young Immigrants)
      • Immigration Pardons – I-601 and I-601A Waivers
      • Expansion of I-601A Waiver, as of 8-29-2016
      • Asylum Immigration
    • U.S. Visas- Non-Immigrant Visas
      • H-1B Visa Specialty Occupation Work Visa
      • E-1 and E-2 Visas for Traders & Investors
      • L-1 Visa for Intra-Company Transfers
      • K-1 Visa for Alien Fiancé (e)
      • The U Visa – for Victims of Crime & Domestic Violence
      • O Visas for Foreigners of Outstanding Abilities
      • TPS (Temporary Protected Status)
      • Lawsuits Against the U.S. Immigration Service (USCIS)
    • U.S. Citizenship – Naturalization
      • Other Immigration Services
      • U.S. Immigration FAQs
      • Client Success Stories
      • Immigration Legal Fees
      • Immigration Client Testimonials
      • Immigration Infographics
      • Immigration Videos
      • Immigration Application Schedule
      • Immigration Newsletters and USCIS Updates
      • Visa Extensions and Extensions of Stay
      • Unemployment Benefits for Immigrants
      • Trump’s Proclamation Suspending Entry of Certain Immigrants
      • Schedule Initial Consultation
  • Criminal
    • Experience with Criminal Charges
    • Set Bail and Arraignment
    • What To Do/Say When Arrested
    • Individual Rights
    • Criminal Convictions and Immigration
    • Sealing a Criminal Record and Immigration Applications
    • Criminal Defense FAQs
    • Client Success Stories
    • Criminal Defense Legal Fees
    • Criminal Defense / Immigration Infographic
    • Schedule Initial Consultation
  • Personal Injury
    • Motor Vehicle Accidents
    • Other Injuries
    • Personal Injury Claim Process
    • Client Success Stories
    • Why Choose Us
    • Personal Injury FAQs
    • Personal Injury Legal Fees
    • Personal Injury Infographic
    • Schedule Initial Consultation
  • Client Reviews
    • What Our Clients Say
    • Client Ratings
    • Video Client Testimonials
    • Customer Satisfaction Survey
    • Facebook Testimonials
    • Client Succes Stories
    • Write/Read Client Reviews
    • Schedule Initial Consultation
  • About Us
    • Our Firm
      • Firm Overview & Mission
      • Our 5 Principles
      • Working Philosophy
      • Practice Areas
      • Video Client Testimonials
      • Why Hire Us
      • Our Legal Fees
    • Preparing to Meet With Us
      • Intake Form for Consultation
      • Communication Policy
      • Records Management and Retention Policy
      • Published Court Decisions
      • Customer Satisfaction Survey
      • Client Success Stories
      • Events
    • Our Team
      • Legal
      • Administrative
    • Careers
      • Newsletters
      • Send Us Your Feedback
      • Directions to Our Office
    • Blog
    • Schedule Initial Consultation
  • FAQs
    • Frequently Asked US Immigration Questions
    • Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions
    • Frequently Asked Personal Injury Questions
    • Schedule Initial Consultation
  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
martine - client testimonial
Play Video
Martine: "My experience with FitzGerald & Company has been tremendously rewarding… they’ve helped me get my green card. He (Desmond) was always very realistic... He would never paint a picture more beautiful… would never say you get something within a month and then take a year..."
More
william - client testimonial
Play Video
William: "What I liked most about FitzGerald & Company is that they excel at professionalism.. the way they do their work, the communication with the clients.. When you call the office from the receptionist to the lawyer everything is well arranged..
More
alistair - client testimonial
Play Video
Alistair: "Came in originally with an H-1 b working visa.. and at one stage I had to apply for an E-1 investor visa which allowed me to start my own company. What I liked most about working with FitzGerald & Company was that the team that I worked with really got to understand my situation.."
More
ahmed - client testimonial
Play Video
Ahmed: "I have known Mr. FitzGerald for 9 years.. and he has always been there for me. The staff has been great as well, communicating with me through mail and phone. Billing has never been a problem with Mr. FitzGerald.. and of course He has succeeded and got the job done every time he worked with me.." More
isaac - client testimonial
Play Video
Issac: "They were there to support me on my case from day one.. always available if you call them.. always there if you have any concerns. Willing to walk with you throught the case.. I have recommended my friends to FitzGerald & Company, because I feel they will be treated the way I was treated and I was very happy.."
More
Previous Next
Home / Criminal Defense / When Is a Crime Considered a Federal Crime or Offense?

April 3, 2020

When Is a Crime Considered a Federal Crime or Offense?

A crime is a “Federal Offense” when a criminal charge is filed in the federal court and/or when an indictment is issued by a federal grand jury, based on alleged conduct that is a violation of a federal criminal statute/law.

Many criminal activities are governed by both state and federal laws, for example an individual who is alleged to have trafficked cocaine may be charged with a state criminal offense but could also face federal criminal charges for the exact same activity. Federal law enforcement agencies, like the DEA or the FBI, investigate these crimes and may arrest an individual for federal criminal charges. Generally, however, federal prosecutors will only become involved with relatively serious matters. Our team of federal criminal defense lawyers at FitzGerald Law Company can represent anyone facing federal criminal charges in Massachusetts, as well as several other federal courts.

Elements to Crime

All federal criminal statutes / laws identify specific elements that federal prosecutors must prove with evidence beyond a reasonable doubt.  For example, to prove bank fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1344, the government must prove the following elements (1) that the defendant knowingly engaged in a scheme (2) to defraud or obtain money (3) from a federally insured financial institution (4) by means of materially false statements or misrepresentations. See United States v. Munoz-Franco, 487 F.3d 25, 41 (1st Cir. 2007) citing United States v. Kenrick, 221 F.3d 19, 30 (1st Cir. 2000).  In order to obtain a conviction the government must present evidence to prove all 4 elements.

If any element is not proven regardless of how small that element may appear, the defendant cannot be convicted.  It is important to work with a federal criminal defense attorney who is familiar with the precise elements of the alleged crime to ensure that the government meets its burden and that you receive the best defense. 

Crimes Against the Government

Some crimes that are specifically against the federal government and generally will not go to state court, for instance, Immigration Fraud, which involves the presentation of false documents or statements to Immigration Officials (USCIS, ICE, CBP), will be prosecuted in the federal court. Many of the “White Collar” crimes, particularly those that involve financial institutions or transactions, are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys in the federal court.

Consequences of a Criminal Conviction in Federal Court

The consequences of a criminal conviction in federal court are usually severe and often result in a federal prison sentence.  Apart from prison, there are many other consequences that a defendant who is convicted in federal court may face, like large financial fines, the loss of their right to vote, and even deportation, and this is why it is so important to hire the an experienced federal defense lawyer to zealously protect your rights.

Hiring a Lawyer to Represent Someone With Federal Charges

When you are facing federal crime charges, you will need the assistance and support of an experienced federal criminal defense attorney to be by your side. We understand the process that you will face and have a proven track record of success representing individuals who have been charged with federal crimes in Massachusetts and other federal courts.

Schedule a Consultation Today With an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer

At FitzGerald Law Company, we have years of experience successfully representing those charged with criminal charges in the federal court of Massachusetts. We will listen to the details of your case, answer your questions about the process and what you can expect and craft a strategy to obtain the best results for you case.  To schedule a legal consultation today with one of our experienced Federal criminal defense lawyers in Boston, please call (617)303-2600. We serve Boston, Cambridge, Quincy, Malden, Somerville, Everett, Malden, Revere, East Boston, Jamaica Plain, Brookline, Waltham, Framingham, and all of the surrounding communities in Massachusetts.

Stay Informed
Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Newsletter

Get to Know Us Video

Get to Know Us

Client satisfaction
Client rating

Schedule your initial consultation today. Call 617-303-2600 (ext. 0)

StatisticsReview of Fitzgerald & Co

Call to schedule an
appointment today

617-303-2600

Serving clients in Massachusetts
and surrounding areas.

Benefits of Appointment

  • Learn your legal options
  • Understand your risks
  • Make well informed decisions
Online Appointment Request

Authorization of email use

Call to schedule an
appointment today

617-303-2600

Serving clients in Massachusetts
and surrounding areas.

Benefits of Appointment

  • Learn your legal options
  • Understand your risks
  • Make well informed decisions
Online Appointment Request

Authorization of email use

BBB Acredited Business 2014 Member peerrated 2019 best personal injury 2020 best immigration attorney 2020 best criminal defense attorney badge 2020 10 best immigration attorneys Top Somerville Car Accident Lawyers

FitzGerald Law Company (also know as “FitzGerald & Company” or “FitzGerald & Company, LLC.” )
185 Devonshire Street, Suite 601 Boston, MA 02110 (617) 523-6320

Site Map – Find The Page You Are Looking For | Blog | Privacy Policy

FitzGerald Law Company serves the following Massachusetts communities: Suffolk County including Boston, Jamaica Plain, Chelsea and Revere; Middlesex County including Cambridge, Framingham, Lowell, Malden, Everett, Newton, Somerville, and Waltham; Norfolk County including Quincy, Brookline, Weymouth and Randolph; Essex County including Haverhill, Lawrence, Lynn, Peabody, and Salem; Worcester County including Fitchburg, Leominster, Shrewsbury and Worcester; and Plymouth County including Bridgewater, Brockton and Plymouth.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this Web site is general in nature and subject to change at any point in time. As such, it may not necessarily apply to all situations. Therefore, under no circumstance it should be construed as legal advice. Please ensure that you consult with an attorney regarding your specific situation before starting a legal process.

Authorization of email use

By providing your email address you authorize us to communicate with you via email, and include you in our monthly eNewsletter's distribution list. For more information, please visit our Privacy Policy page.

Online Appointment Request
  • Immigration
  • Criminal
  • Personal Injury
Modal title

Schedule your initial consultation today. Call 617-303-2600 (ext. 0)

 

fitzgerald law company

Receive Our FitzGerald Law Company eNewsletter for:

  • Information on immigration Options
  • Client Success Stories
  • Important immigration Law Changes
  • Answers to Immigration, Criminal and PI FAQs
  • Events, important announcements, resources and tips
  • Which of our practice areas are you interested in? (you may select more than one)
  • Your email will be kept completely confidential
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

 

×