Stalking allegations are serious under both Washington and federal law. While many people are familiar with state stalking offenses, fewer understand that stalking can also be prosecuted in federal court. A federal stalking conviction can lead to significant prison time, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record. If you are being investigated or have [...]

Most sexual offense cases are prosecuted under state law. However, in certain circumstances, sexual misconduct can be charged as a federal crime. One such offense is abusive sexual contact, a crime that punishes certain forms of non-consensual sexual touching. Although abusive sexual contact doesn’t involve penetration, it’s still considered a serious federal sex offense [...]

Under federal law, it’s a crime not only to commit extortion or threatening conduct, but also to receive, possess, conceal, or dispose of money or other property obtained through extortion when you know it was unlawfully obtained. If convicted of receiving the proceeds of extortion, you can face up to three years in federal prison. [...]

In the United States, citizenship is one of the most important legal statuses a person can hold. It carries with it fundamental rights, from voting in federal elections to the ability to live and work without immigration restrictions, and it also comes with legal responsibilities. Because of its significance, the federal government strictly regulates [...]

Selling a stolen vehicle is not just a state crime. It can also trigger serious federal charges. Federal prosecutors aggressively pursue cases involving stolen cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other motor vehicles when interstate activity or organized theft is involved. A conviction can result in lengthy prison sentences, heavy fines, and permanent felony records. Please [...]

Federal criminal law specifically prohibits picketing or parading in or near a U.S. courthouse, or a judge's or court officer's residence, with the intent of interfering with the administration of justice or influencing a court participant. A violation if this law, generally referred to as “picketing or parading,” is punishable by up to one [...]

Federal law criminalizes peonage, or a system or arrangement where you are forced to work to pay off a debt. The offense is punishable by decades behind bars, and depending on the facts of your case, it could lead to a life in prison. Please contact a skilled criminal defense attorney now if you [...]

Passports are essential documents for proving identity and citizenship, especially when traveling internationally. Because of their importance, the federal government takes any misuse of a passport very seriously. Under federal law, specifically 18 U.S.C. 1544, the misuse of a passport is a crime that can result in steep fines and lengthy prison sentences. Pleas [...]