False Statement to Federal Agent

There are few crimes in the federal criminal code that are charged more frequently than making a false statement to a federal agent or agency. Federal prosecutors take advantage of the fact that this offense is easy to charge and sometimes far easier to prove than the actual act that the defendant is accused of lying about. There are dozens of federal agencies and anytime a person communicates directly with one of these agencies their words have potentially consequences. If you have been charged or are being investigated contact Maryland false statement lawyer Benjamin Herbst anytime for a free consultation at 410-207-2598. Benjamin is available 7 days a week and can immediately limit further questioning by the feds as well as begin planning a defense in your case. Making a false statement to a federal agent is a felony under 18 U.S.C. 1001 that carries up to 5 years of incarceration in most cases, and for some subject matters as much as 8 years. Federal prosecutors can stack these offenses by charging each individual occurrence, which can result in exposure to decades in prison. Do not wait to contact a Maryland federal false statement lawyer, and never walk into court without competent representation. Benjamin starts fighting for his clients the minute he is retained, and will fight for the best possible outcome even if that entails a lengthy jury trial.

There are a few things to understand when discussing federal false statement charges. The first is that the statement can be verbal or written, and it does not have to be a communication directly to a federal agent. Submitting false paperwork to a federal agency falls under the large umbrella of this offense. The statement or communication must be material and directly relate to a federal matter. A person who for example lies about what they do for a living might not be subject to prosecution, while lying about where they were on a day in question might be a material statement that could lead to charges. Statements generally denying involvement in criminal activity would not be prosecuted under this statute, but making a material omission could be prosecuted. In sum, there is a wide variety of conduct that may be subject to criminal prosecution in Maryland for making a false statement to a federal agent, so always think twice before communicating with the federal government about material facts. If you believe you are being investigated you should cease communication with the government and request a lawyer immediately. Nobody should have to face the federal government without a skilled attorney in their corner.

Benjamin Herbst is a Maryland federal criminal defense lawyer with extensive experience defending cases at both the Baltimore and Greenbelt federal courthouses. He is licensed to practice in all state and federal criminal courts in Maryland, and is also licensed to practice in Florida. Benjamin has tried over 65 jury trials in his career and has argued several hundred evidentiary motions and bench trials. He graduated with honors from University of Michigan and later went on the receive his law degree from the University of Miami. Benjamin takes a client centered approach and always keeps his clients informed of the progress of the case. All clients are provided with his cell phone number for access on nights and weekends, as one of the most stressful parts about being a criminal defendant is the unknown. If your family member or loved one is currently being held in custody Benjamin can file for a bail review and has a lengthy history of securing the release of clients at detention hearings. Contact Benjamin today to learn what defenses may be available in your case.

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