If you’ve been accused of a crime, the jurisdiction matters. While most people are familiar with state laws and criminal justice systems, the federal system is different. These crimes violate the laws Congress passes and thus are prosecuted in a different court system. Federal criminal cases often carry more severe penalties than state crimes, including lengthy prison sentences and large fines.
So, what are some federal crimes attorneys defend? Below are the most common federal crimes attorneys see in practice. If you’ve been accused of one of these federal offense examples, a Dallas federal criminal defense attorney can help.
Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking charges are common federal offenses in the United States. Under federal law, it is illegal to manufacture, distribute, or dispense controlled substances. Federal drug trafficking charges often involve large quantities of narcotics or cross-border movement, which places the case under federal jurisdiction.
According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, drug trafficking accounted for nearly 30% of all federal criminal cases in fiscal year 2023. Methamphetamine is by far the most commonly trafficked drug, with cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl rounding out the top four. Convictions can result in decades-long prison sentences, especially if a conviction requires a mandatory minimum sentence.
Child Pornography
Federal child pornography laws are among the strictest. These laws prohibit producing, distributing, receiving, or possessing material that sexually exploits minors, also known as child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Because these crimes involve internet use and other interstate communication methods, they’re typically charged as federal offenses. The U.S. Department of Justice outlines common penalties if you’re convicted—including up to 30 years in prison for some offenses.
White Collar Crimes
White collar crimes are non-violent financial offenses. They’re usually committed by people in professional or business settings, whether they’re employees, owners, or in another role. Common federal offenses in this category include wire fraud, mail fraud, securities fraud, and embezzlement.
These cases often involve complex financial records. A successful defense requires both legal and technical expertise. Working with a skilled federal crime lawyer in Dallas is crucial.
Healthcare Fraud
Healthcare fraud is another type of white collar crime. Under 18 U.S. Code § 1347, it is a crime to knowingly attempt to defraud any healthcare benefit program, like Medicare or Medicaid.
Common types of healthcare fraud include billing for services not rendered, upcoding, and offering or receiving kickbacks for patient referrals. Convictions often lead to steep fines and imprisonment. Depending on the fraud’s scope and severity, prison sentences can be for ten years or more.
Computer Crimes
Cybercrime includes hacking, identity theft, distributing malware, and fraud involving online financial transactions. The Department of Justice lists various offenses under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) guidelines. These offenses often involve interstate or international communications, which is a major reason why they’re treated as federal crimes.
Contact Broden & Mickelsen for a Free Case Review
If you’re facing charges related to any of these examples of federal crimes, a skilled legal team can make all the difference. While many firms focus on defending state crimes, Broden & Mickelsen, LLP offers significant experience defending federal criminal cases.
As board-certified specialists in both criminal law and criminal appellate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, our firm provides comprehensive representation at both the trial and appellate levels. Call us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help.
