This is the next post in my series on the handling of embezzlement charges in Peoria, Illinois. My last article discussed the potential need for expert witnesses in an embezzlement case. Experts are sometimes needed in matters which involve complex financial fraud. They also may be required in cases where the taken property’s value is in dispute. If have been arrested, and your case requires the use of an expert witness, then it is essential that you retain a criminal defense attorney who is experienced in handling such matters. In this article I will discuss the difference between state and federal embezzlement charges. If you are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.
I previously discussed the difference between Illinois and federal charges as a general matter. As I discussed in that article, the federal government and the state of Illinois are considered separate entities. This means that a defendant, charged in US District Court, will be prosecuted by the United States Government. The matter will be governed by Title 18 of the US criminal code, as well as the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Illinois law and procedures will have no bearing on the matter. If a defendant is convicted, then they will be sentenced pursuant to the US sentencing guidelines. These guidelines will consider, among other things, the nature of the offense, the amount of money involved, other conduct with which the defendant has been charged, and whether the accused accepted responsibility or took the case to trial. These are just some of the differences between the two systems.
Defendants will typically face federal embezzlement charges under any of multiple scenarios. First, should the offense involve the misappropriation of assets across state lines then the federal government may assert its jurisdiction. Second, if the matter involved theft from federal entities, or somehow involved the federal government, then a defendant will likely find themselves charged in US District Court. It is important to understand that the rules of Federal Court will be strictly enforced and the rules of the Court will be adhered to. Not all attorneys are licensed to practice in Federal Court. It is, therefore, vital that you retain an attorney who is licensed to handle such matters and who is experienced in doing so.
I am a former prosecutor who is experienced in handling federal matters. I understand the serious gravity of such charges and I believe that everyone is entitled to a vigorous defense. If you or a loved one have been arrested then contact my office today to speak with a Peoria criminal defense lawyer. We also service the cities of Bloomington, Decatur, Eureka, Galesburg, Morton, Normal, Pekin, Springfield, and Washington. We also serve the counties of Fulton, Knox, LaSalle, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford. Additional areas where we handle federal cases include Benton, Chicago, East St. Louis, Springfield, and Urbana.