Our federal government owns or holds several areas in trust, including national parks, memorials, military hospitals, military bases, and reservations in New Mexico. If you allegedly commit a crime on any of these properties, you can face charges under the Assimilative Crimes Act in federal court. An Assimilative Crimes Act charges lawyer in Las Vegas, New Mexico at Grano Law Offices, P.C. has more than 20 years of legal experience and will tirelessly fight your case.
Get a Free Case Strategy Session Today
Fight to protect yourself and your rights. Grano Law Offices, P.C. can mount a legal defense that seeks that best possible outcome and will go to trial if necessary. Schedule a Free Case Strategy Session now by calling (505) 426-8711 or message us online.
How the Assimilative Crimes Act Works
The Assimilative Crimes Act is a law enacted by Congress. If a person is alleged to have committed an act on federal property that violates the laws of the state where the property is located, law enforcement and prosecutors may charge you in federal court.
The Assimilative Crimes Act
Here is the standard text from the Assimilative Crimes Act:
“Whoever within or upon federal property is guilty of any act of omission which, although not made punishable by any enactment of Congress, would be punishable if committed or omitted within the jurisdiction of the State in which such place is situated, by the laws thereof in force at the time of such act or omission, shall be guilty of a like offense and subject to a like punishment.”
Essentially, the prosecutor must prove two (2) elements to get a conviction:
- You committed a crime on a federal property
- The crime was not considered a crime under federal law
In other words, the Assimilative Crimes Act seeks to try cases involving state crimes on federal property where no federal law is broken. For example, the most common case under the Act is a DWI/DUI. Since the U.S. does not have a federal drunk driving statute, a DWI on federal property would trigger Assimilative Crimes Act charges because it is a crime to drive drunk in New Mexico.
Penalties for an Assimilative Crimes Act Conviction
The penalties for a crime under the Assimilative Crimes Act depend upon your case’s specific facts and classification. For example, federal misdemeanor convictions carry the following sentences:
- Class A misdemeanors: Up to twelve (12) months in prison
- Class B misdemeanors: Up to six (6) months in prison
- Class C misdemeanors: Up to thirty (30) days in prison
The stakes are too high when facing federal charges. Convictions influence job prospects, relationships, and earning potential. You have a critical opportunity to fight your case in federal court.
Take this opportunity to defend your case. Hire an experienced and aggressive criminal defense lawyer at Grano Law Offices, P.C., to build your case strategy.
