Flagstaff Federal Land Criminal Defense Lawyer

If there’s one thing many people fail to realize when it comes to Flagstaff federal land crimes, it’s that if you are cited or arrested, your case might not follow the same process as a charge filed in an Arizona state court. This is because federal regulations might control the conduct at issue, and because of this, you might need to consider a dedicated Flagstaff federal land criminal defense lawyer sooner rather than later.

A federal agency may have the authority to issue a violation notice, and your case might then be handled in the US District Court for the District of Arizona. However, there is always the chance that select notices can be resolved without you needing to appear in court, but the reality is, you could be required to appear before a US Magistrate Judge.

Fortunately, our team at Crews Law Group has been helping people like you facing federal land crimes charges in Arizona for more than 20 years. We can help you understand whether you will need to appear in court, and we’ll build a case with a trial-focused approach from the very beginning.

What Is Considered Federal Land?

When you think of federal land, you might hit a blank as to what that truly means. To put it simply, in most instances, federal land refers to land owned and managed by the federal government, usually by an agency like the National Park Service or the US Forest Service.

Currently, it’s believed that the federal government owns over 640 million acres, which is about 28% of the more than 2 billion acres of land in the US. This means that there are many instances in which a crime can be committed on federal land without anyone realizing it at the time.

Specifically in Flagstaff, federally managed areas include the Flagstaff Area National Monuments and the Coconino National Forest. Then, nearby is Grand Canyon National Park. It’s important to know which agency manages the land a crime is committed on, as each agency may have different federal regulations that could affect your case.

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What Are Examples of Federal Land Criminal Charges?

There are quite a few examples of federal land crimes in Flagstaff, and many of them can involve conduct that is also familiar under Arizona law.

For example, federal land crimes can include DUI and reckless driving. When these are charged as violations of National Park Service regulations, these offenses can carry up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual. Here’s a closer look at other examples of federal land crimes and their potential criminal repercussions:

• Disorderly conduct: You could face a federal citation if you are charged with disorderly conduct, which usually includes actions such as fighting, threatening behavior, and creating hazardous conditions. With disorderly conduct, Arizona’s federal collateral schedule lists $250 for certain disorderly conduct violations and $500 for fighting or threatening behavior.
• Trespassing: If you enter or remain in restricted areas, you could receive a federal trespassing charge. These vary, but National Park trespassing violations are listed with a $250 collateral amount in the District of Arizona.
• Damaging federal property: If you have willfully damaged US government property, this will require a mandatory appearance under Arizona’s federal citation schedule. In addition, more serious federal property damage can carry criminal fines and imprisonment.

At Crews Law Group, we can help you understand the crime you’re being charged with and work alongside you to build a case.

Hire a Federal Land Criminal Defense Lawyer for Legal Help

Federal land criminal defense laws are difficult to navigate, so of course, hiring a federal land criminal defense lawyer can help you learn what your next move should be.

They can identify the federal regulation or statute involved and confirm whether your notice requires you to appear in federal court. However, there are a few other ways an attorney can help you:

• Examining the evidence and building your defense: An attorney can review how the charge arose and challenge weaknesses in the government’s case. In addition, your lawyer will likely also identify defenses that may apply to your case.
• Representing you through the federal court process: When you hire a Flagstaff criminal defense attorney, they can communicate with federal prosecutors, appear with you before a US Magistrate Judge when necessary, and prepare your case for trial. However, a trial usually only occurs if no acceptable resolution can be reached.
• Explaining the consequences before you act: Since you don’t know what can happen when faced with a federal criminal land charge, a lawyer can be invaluable. They can help you understand what could happen if you pay a citation, plead guilty, or contest the charge. This allows you to have prior knowledge of the potential effect on your record.

FAQs

Can a Federal Land Crime Be a Felony?

Unfortunately, some federal land offenses can result in felony charges, but many are classified as misdemeanors depending on the true severity of the crime. For example, willfully damaging government property could be a felony. Still, it’s a good idea to speak with a criminal defense attorney who can help you establish how your criminal charges would be classified.

What Happens if You Ignore a Federal Land Citation?

As can be expected, if you ignore a federal land citation, you could encounter more serious consequences. According to the District of Arizona, failing to pay or appear when required could result in a summons or an arrest warrant. That’s why it’s so important to check the citation carefully for its payment or appearance requirements.

Will a Federal Land Citation Go on Your Criminal Record?

Whether or not a federal land citation goes on your criminal record depends on the violation and how it is resolved. For example, the District of Arizona states that qualifying collateral forfeiture terminates the proceeding without creating a criminal conviction. On the other hand, some cases may result in a conviction if you plead guilty or are found guilty.

Can You Contest a Federal Citation Instead of Paying It?

It is possible to contest a federal violation when you appear in court. However, if you choose to challenge the allegation, you must follow the court instructions and appear when required. Additionally, paying a citation can resolve certain eligible matters, so you should understand what accepting that option means before deciding how to proceed.

Speak With a Flagstaff Federal Land Criminal Defense Attorney Today

When you’re facing a federal land charge, it’s natural to feel unsure about what happens next or how seriously you should take the notice in front of you. At Crews Law Group, we have more than two decades of criminal defense experience in Northern Arizona helping people protect their rights.

When you hire a federal land criminal defense lawyer at our firm, we’ll review your case and explain your options. We’ll also prepare your defense with a trial in mind. If you would like to speak with us, contact our team here for a confidential consultation.