When a family member gets arrested for a crime, their loved ones can play a significant role in assisting them through their case. However, due to the complexity and typically higher stakes of federal criminal cases, prosecutions at the federal level can have a more significant impact on the families of defendants facing charges in Forney. As a result, understanding what to expect when a loved one faces federal charges can help your family provide them with the support they need during a challenging time.
What Makes Federal Criminal Cases Different?
Federal criminal cases differ in several ways from state cases. Federal prosecutions occur in U.S. District Courts, whereas state prosecutions occur in state courts. Federal crimes frequently involve greater complexity than state charges, as federal offenses typically occur on federal property or land, cross state or national borders, affect the U.S. banking system, or involve the use of the postal service or telecommunications systems. Investigations of federal crimes usually occur through federal law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, Secret Service, or the Department of Homeland Security. Federal criminal statutes also frequently impose harsher penalties for offenses than equivalent state criminal laws, as federal law imposes long mandatory minimum sentences for many offenses.
Emotional and Psychological Toll on Families
Due to the high stakes of many federal criminal prosecutions, family members of federal defendants may experience significant emotional stress or anxiety because of the uncertainty about their loved one’s future. Spouses of federal defendants may deal with the strain of emotional isolation and social stigma resulting from the accusations against their loved one. Some family members may experience behavioral issues and academic or professional difficulties due to fears about losing their loved one to a long federal sentence. Depending on the complexity of a case, the criminal justice process can take months or years, especially when cases involve appeals and post-conviction proceedings.
Financial Consequences for Forney Families
When a loved one faces criminal prosecution, families may experience substantial financial effects, including:
- Loss of household income due to a family member’s inability to work while in detention, or loss of their job due to their federal charges
- Freezing or forfeiture of assets due to their connection to the family member’s criminal charges
- Legal expenses incurred to secure quality representation for a loved one
- Travel costs associated with visiting a loved one in detention or supporting a loved one with the family’s presence in federal court
Practical Disruptions to Daily Life
A loved one’s arrest on federal charges, especially if the judge orders pre-trial detention or home confinement, can upend a family’s daily routine due to:
- Loss of a loved one’s presence to handle household duties, including childcare and home maintenance
- Difficulty in maintaining children’s academic and extracurricular schedules during a parent’s detention
- Inability for a defendant to perform household tasks (such as shopping) outside the home while under confinement
- Disruptions to daily life caused by visitation with a loved one in federal detention
Long-Term Effects After a Case Ends
Regardless of a federal case’s outcome, a prosecution can have long-term consequences for a family. A conviction will result in a defendant serving terms of incarceration and supervised release, leaving a family without a loved one’s income or household support for an extended period. A criminal record can also make it challenging for offenders to seek employment or jeopardize the family’s ability to secure housing. Even when a case ends in dismissal or acquittal, a federal prosecution can still impose a social stigma that may have long-lasting professional and personal consequences.
Contact Our Firm Today
The high profile and life-changing consequences of a family member’s federal criminal charges can have substantial effects on you and your loved ones, making legal representation from an attorney experienced with federal cases essential to helping your loved one secure a favorable resolution to their case. Contact Guest & Gray today for a free, confidential consultation with a criminal defense lawyer to discuss what a loved one’s federal prosecution may mean for your family.
