Federal Crimes Defense in San Diego County

Federal crimes are serious violations of statutes passed by the United States Congress. Typically, these federal laws address criminal activity that is of national concern, such as money laundering, drug transportation, and child pornography.

Although it is possible to be charged in both courts, the state and federal courts do differ in terms of prosecution, sentencing guidelines, and investigating bodies. Federal agencies like the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation), DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), and the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives) are the main investigators of serious federal crimes. Furthermore, criminal defense attorneys defending a federal charge must be specifically licensed to practice in federal court.

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Because of the serious nature of federal crimes and the various differences between the state and federal court systems, it is essential that if you have been charged with a federal crime, you are represented by an experienced Criminal Defense lawyer in San Diego who has experience on both the local and federal level.

Money Laundering Crimes and Charges in San Diego

Money laundering is a blanket term for vast number of crimes possible when it comes to concealing the profits of criminal activity. Money laundering is simply the process used to obfuscate, conceal, or misrepresent the profits from an illegal enterprise. The purpose of money laundering is to make the profits from illegal activity appear legitimate.

All persons charged with Money Laundering crimes are facing serious consequences if convicted in San Diego County.  Those charged with Money Laundering should retain an experienced San Diego Federal Crimes Defense Attorney as soon as possible to begin planning your defense.

Money Laundering Charges In San Diego

Often times, federal money laundering charges are attached to other charges, such as:

  • Bribery
  • Counterfeiting
  • Customs violations
  • Drug or narcotics trafficking
  • Fraud
  • Gambling
  • Organized Crime
  • Prostitution
  • Smuggling
  • Tax evasion
  • White-collar and financial crime

In terms of sentencing and penalties, money laundering charges are serious in nature—especially since they often come with additional charges relating to the money launderer’s source of profit. Without taking into account any additional sentencing enhancements, those convicted of money laundering at the federal level may face up to twenty years in federal prison and up to $500,000 in fines.

Because money laundering covers a broad spectrum of federal crimes, it is imperative that your criminal defense attorney understands and has experience with the intricacies of the law and the federal court system.  If you have been arrested for Money Laundering in San Diego, we can help.  Contact the Law Offices of Anna R. Yum for a free no-obligation legal consultation.

Drug Transportation Crimes and Charges in San Diego

While drug possession alone is a serious crime that comes with its own set of penalties and long lasting complications in San Diego County, drug transportation is an additional and severe charge that may be pursued at the federal level.

All persons charged with Drug Transportation Crimes are facing serious consequences if convicted of these crimes in San Diego County.  Those charged with Drug Transportation Crimes absolutely need to retain an experienced San Diego Drug Transportation Criminal Defense Attorney as soon as possible to begin planning your defense.

Drug Transportation Criminal Defense in San Diego

If an individual is caught with drugs in his or her vehicle, he or she might be charged with drug transportation—in addition to drug possession—if the arresting authority has reason to believe that the individual is transporting those drugs with intent to sell. If the accused/defendant is carrying a large amount/quantity/volume of marijuana or certain illegal/controlled substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, or narcotics—s/he may be additionally charged with drug transportation in San Diego.

There are many factors that an arresting officer and/or prosecutor might take into account when considering an additional charge of drug transportation or drug trafficking.  These may include:

  • Whether or not an unusual or significant amount of money is found on the person allegedly possessing and transporting drugs in San Diego
  • Whether or not the drugs or controlled substances discovered were individually packaged into smaller quantities, indicating intent for future sale in or around San Diego County
  • Whether or not certain drug transportation or drug trafficking accessories were found on the accused, such as a scale
  • Whether or not any weapons were discovered in the vehicle or in the possession of the accused

The addition of a drug transportationcharge to a drug possession charge is particularly significant because the former comes with much steeper penalties in San Diego, and potentially at a federal level.  These penalties including time in a federal prison facility and severe fines.

As state and federal laws continue to develop, especially with regards to marijuana possession and transportation, it is essential that your criminal defense attorney understands the federal courts and the complexities of drug transportation and trafficking laws. A San Diego criminal defense lawyer with experience at the federal level is best suited to advocate on your behalf.  Ms. Yum has extensive experiencing in successfully representing clients accused of drug transportation on both the state and federal level.

If you have been charged with Drug Possession or Drug Trafficking in San Diego, we can help.  Contact the Law Offices of Anna R. Yum immediately for a free legal consultation.

Child Pornography Crimes and Charges in San Diego

Child pornography charges are incredibly serious. Not only is a child pornography charge typically prosecuted at the federal level with severe penalties, the negative legacy of a child pornography accusation or conviction often lasts a lifetime. A child pornography conviction comes with mandatory registration as a sex offender, up to six years in federal prison, and up to $100,000 in fines.

In San Diego County, it is illegal to both possess and/or distribute child pornography in any way, including, by electronic means such as text messages, e-mails, CD-ROMs, and or/external drives. Any photo or video that is either sexually suggestive—i.e. sexual posing—or is depicting any sexual activity involving a minor is considered child pornography. Even if you did not create the image or video, possessing media that depicts child pornography, as well as forwarding or passing it along is considered a chargeable offense/crime in San Diego.

Child Pornography Criminal Defense in San Diego County

In the state of California, including San Diego County, most sex-crimes are defined by non-consensual activity, but in the instance of child pornography, sex offenses that relate to minors—those under the age of 18—do not hinge upon consent. Therefore, any individual who willfully promotes, employs, coerces, persuades, or forces a minor to participate in the photographing or filming of sexual activity can be charged with felony child pornography.

There are important factors that affect a child pornography charge in San Diego, such as the accused’s knowledge of the depicted minor’s age, and other extenuating circumstances. To best protect your rights and freedom, and to defend yourself against charges leveled at you, the wisest decision you can make is to secure an experienced criminal defense attorney in San Diego that can skillfully advocate on your behalf.

If you have been charged Child Pornography crimes in San Diego, we can help.

Anna Yum worked as a prosecutor, before becoming a Criminal Defense attorney in San Diego.  She was specifically assigned to the sexual assault child abuse unit when she was a deputy district attorney.  Her unique background as a deputy district attorney enables her to plan your child pornography criminal defense proactively by planning a strategy based on how the prosecutors will lay out the case against you.

Ms. Yum is also regularly sought out by local and national media for her expert opinion on some of the nation’s highest profile criminal cases.  Anna Yum has also been named a 2015 and 2016 Super Lawyer, Top DUI Attorney in San Diego by San Diego Metro Magazine, amongst numerous other awards.  Read her full biography here.

Federal crimes come with serious legal and financial penalties and should be handled by a knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorney. If you or a loved one is facing federal criminal charges in San Diego County, such as money laundering, drug transportation or trafficking, or child pornography charges, receive a free and private consultation today from the Law Offices of Anna R. Yum.