What Crimes Does the FBI Investigate?
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is an “intelligence-driven and threat-focused national security organization with both intelligence and law enforcement responsibilities” that operates to protect Americans and uphold the US Constitution. As such, many of our clients who get investigated for serious crimes express concern as to whether or not the FBI will be involved in their case. These are valid concerns, as the FBI is the last law enforcement entity anyone would want to interact with.
To give a better idea of the offenses that the FBI focuses on, our Santa Barbara criminal defense attorneys to explain the FBI’s top criminal priorities below. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (805) 467-6060!
Terrorism: The FBI investigates two types of terrorism:
- International terrorism: Violent, criminal acts committed by individuals and/or groups who are inspired by, or associated with, designated foreign terrorist organizations or nations (state-sponsored).
- Domestic terrorism: Violent, criminal acts committed by individuals and/or groups to further ideological goals stemming from domestic influences, such as those of a political, religious, social, racial or environmental nature.
Counterintelligence: Contrary to popular belief, counterintelligence threats do not only consist of spies passing the nation’s secrets to foreign governments but also students, scientists and others stealing US universities’ and businesses’ trade secrets and sharing them with other countries. This includes sending controlled technologies overseas that help build bombs and weapons of mass destruction designed to hurt and kill Americans and others. As such, the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division continues to neutralize national security threats from foreign intelligence services and exposing, preventing, and investigating intelligence activities in the US.
Cybercrimes: The FBI works to change the behavior of criminals and nation-states who attempt to compromise US networks, steal financial and intellectual property, and put critical infrastructure at risk. To do so, it collects and shares intelligence and engages with victims while working to identify and expose cybercriminals.
Public corruption: Public corruption can affect everything from border security to court verdicts to how public infrastructure is built. It also sucks billions of public tax dollars each year, making public corruption among the top FBI criminal priorities. Types of public corruption include:
- Prison corruption
- Border corruption
- International corruption
Civil rights violations: The FBI investigates allegations regarding violations of federal civil rights statutes, which protect the civil rights of both citizens and non-citizens on US territory. The Bureau today works to identify and prevent hate crimes, color of law violations, and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act violations.
Organized crimes: Transnational organized crime (TOC) groups are self-perpetuating associations of individuals who operate illegally and work to obtain power, influence, and monetary gains through corruption, violence, international commerce, complex communication mechanisms, and an organizational structure exploiting national boundaries.
White collar crimes: White-collar crimes cover a wide range of frauds committed by business and government professionals that involve deceit, concealment, or violation of trust and are not dependent on the use or threat of physical force or violence.
- Corporate fraud
- Money laundering
- Securities and commodities fraud
- Bank fraud and embezzlement
- Healthcare fraud
- Mortgage fraud
Violent crimes: The FBI concentrates on significant violent crime matters such as mass killings, sniper murders, and serial killings can impact communities and deplete state and local law enforcement of their resources.
WMD: The FBI investigatesweapons of mass destruction (WMD) and mitigates threats from chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive weapons. WMD include any of the following:
- A destructive device, such as an explosive or incendiary bomb, rocket, or grenade
- A weapon that is designed to cause death or serious injury through toxic or poisonous chemicals
- A weapon that contains a biological agent or toxin
- A weapon that is designed to release dangerous levels of radiation or radioactivity
Under Investigation by the FBI?
Our Santa Barbara criminal defense lawyers defend several offenses that the FBI investigates, including violent, white collar, internet and weapons crimes. As former prosecutors, we are especially knowledgeable about how the FBI handles these types of cases and leverage our insights on both sides of the law to negotiate for the best possible outcome on behalf of every client we represent.
If you are facing criminal accusations, whether or not the FBI is involved, fight for your freedom with the help of Appel & Morse. To get started, schedule your free consultation online or by calling (805) 467-6060!