Seasoned Indiana Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys
Federal offenses are among the most serious criminal charges you can face in this country. You will need an attorney who is licensed to practice in federal court and is familiar with how the system works. Better yet, you want a criminal defense lawyer who has jury trial experience and can match the prosecutor in competence, drive and commitment.
In other words, you need an effective defense strategy to confront felony charges and give you the best possible chance of avoiding a criminal conviction. The stakes are high whenever someone is charged in federal court, but beating a federal case is possible. An experienced federal defense attorney can find weaknesses in the prosecution case, fight to preserve your civil rights and take your case to court rather than force you to accept an unfairly burdensome plea deal. In many cases, the right Indiana defense lawyer can get the charges dismissed or prevail at trial.
Proven Defense Against Serious Federal Charges
At The Region Lawyers, you can bring your case to our proven federal offense lawyer. Attorney Russell W. Brown Jr. has extensive experience handling jury trials and has defended clients against such serious charges as those involving the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, drugs and murder in court at the federal level. From our office in Merrillville, our criminal defense attorneys serve clients throughout the region, Indiana and northern Illinois.
What Are The Penalties You Could Face?
In the federal court system, penalties are generally much harsher than at the state level. The prosecutors are aggressive and have full funding and resources from the federal government. Some of the sentences include:
- Drug charges: One year to life in prison
- Sex offenses: Five to 35 years in prison
- Human trafficking: Up to 30 years in prison
- Gun offenses: Five years to 30 years in prison
- Violent crimes: Five years to life in prison
- White collar crimes: Five to 20 years in prison
- Tax evasion: Up to $500,000 in fines and up to five years in prison
- Violation of immigration laws: Three years to five years in prison
Many of these offenses have enhancement factors that can increase your punishment. For example, a federal crime carried out while using a deadly weapon will lead to more serious consequences. Additionally, federal judges are often restricted by federal sentencing guidelines, prosecutors have fewer options when negotiating a plea deal and offenders must usually serve a minimum of 85% of their sentences.
What To Expect From A Federal Charge
The investigation process for federal offenses is intensive. The FBI, Drug Enforcement Association (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Secret Service and other authorities spend months or even years investigating them. They do not make an arrest or file a charge unless they have substantial evidence. Once they do, these cases are usually high profile. Your family, friends, co-workers and neighbors will likely hear about it in the news. Although you will face pressure to give an interview to the authorities, offer evidence in exchange for a better sentence or negotiate a plea bargain, don’t do these things – until you have a defense lawyer present.
State Vs. Federal Charges: Understanding Jurisdiction
Determining whether a crime falls under state or federal jurisdiction can significantly impact the legal process and potential outcomes. Here’s a breakdown of key differences:
Jurisdictional Authority
State charges typically involve crimes that occur within a single state’s boundaries. These include a wide range of offenses, such as certain violent crimes (e.g., assault, robbery), property crimes (e.g., burglary, theft) and drug offenses (e.g., simple possession). State courts handle these cases and adhere to state-specific laws and procedures. The state of Indiana’s legal framework and resources are tailored to address and manage these local issues effectively.
Federal charges, in contrast, involve crimes that cross state lines, violate federal laws or impact national interests. Examples include drug trafficking across state borders, large-scale fraud schemes affecting multiple states or national institutions and immigration violations. Federal jurisdiction also covers crimes that involve federal property or regulations, such as crimes on federal lands or involving federal agencies.
Types Of Charges
While possession and small-scale distribution may be handled at the state level in drug charges, trafficking large quantities of drugs, especially across state lines, falls under federal jurisdiction. When it comes to gun offenses, state courts may address illegal possession or use of firearms, but federal courts handle cases involving the trafficking of firearms or violations of federal gun regulations.
In white collar charges, state charges might involve local financial crimes, while federal charges cover more extensive fraud schemes affecting national institutions or involving significant sums.
Investigation And Prosecution
Understanding jurisdiction is crucial as it influences how a case is investigated and prosecuted:
- State level: Investigations are generally conducted by local or state law enforcement agencies, such as local police departments or state bureaus of investigation. State prosecutors, often part of the district attorney’s office, are responsible for handling these cases in state court. The state’s legal resources and investigative capabilities are focused on local crime and law enforcement.
- Federal level: Federal investigations are carried out by specialized agencies such as the FBI, DEA or ATF. These agencies have extensive resources, advanced technology and national reach, which can lead to more extensive investigations. Federal prosecutors working for the U.S. Attorney’s Office handle these cases in federal court.
Understanding these distinctions can help you gauge the seriousness of your case and the approach required to build an effective defense.
Do Not Waste Any Time – Get Help Immediately
The time to bring in our seasoned federal defense attorneys is as soon as possible. If you believe you are under investigation, it is not too soon to retain The Region Lawyers. To schedule your initial consultation, please call us at 219-961-3814 or send us an email.