Stow Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Stow Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

Federal crimes are quite serious. If convicted of a crime that occurs on federal land, across state borders, or against the federal government, you’ll face substantial penalties. A good way to reduce the chances of facing harsh penalties for your crime is to hire a Stow federal criminal defense lawyer who has successfully represented similar clients.

DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder have defended clients facing a wide variety of federal charges. We have experience with everything from drug trafficking to interstate sex crimes and have successfully defended countless clients in federal court. Reach out to find out how we can help you increase the chances of getting your case dismissed and avoid the worst potential consequences of your charges.

Hire a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Federal crimes come in many forms in Ohio. In 2023, drug crimes constituted the majority of federal convictions at 40.0%. Firearms charges were the next most common at 24.4%. Other charges included everything from money laundering and robbery to sexual abuse and child pornography. Only 46 federal crimes went to trial in Ohio in 2022 out of a total of 1,724.

It doesn’t matter what type of federal offense you’re facing. You need to hire a federal defense lawyer with a deep knowledge of the federal system. Federal criminal defense laws are different from state laws, as are the sentencing guidelines and the general procedures of federal courts. A Stow federal criminal defense attorney will be well-equipped to protect your rights and advocate for the optimal outcome, whether that means accepting a plea bargain or going to trial.

State vs. Federal Jurisdiction

Federal crimes typically violate federal laws or involve the national interest. Common examples include federal tax fraud and immigration offenses, but other types of crimes can also be tried in federal court. They include:

• Crimes that occurred on federal land
• Crimes committed against the USA or a federal agency like the SBA
• Crimes that involve interstate commerce, such as money laundering
• Crimes that involved crossing state lines, as sex trafficking and some forms of grand theft auto

The connection to national security or interstate commerce is sometimes tenuous in federal criminal defense cases. It’s also important to note that federal lands include more than just federal courthouses and prisons. You can also be tried in federal court if you commit a crime:

• In a national park
• In a federal building
• In Washington, DC
• On an indian reservation
• On a plane while it’s in flight
• On a ship at sea

Crimes that are prosecuted in state courts typically involve crimes against individual people or entities. Even serious crimes such as murder, assault, robbery, and rape are typically tried at the state level if they occur within a single state’s borders.

Subject Matter Jurisdiction

The US Constitution grants the federal government exclusive authority over some issues. This is known as subject matter jurisdiction. Criminal issues that always fall under federal subject matter jurisdiction include:

• Bankruptcy fraud cases
• US mail fraud cases
• Criminal immigration cases
• Money counterfeiting
• Tax evasion and tax fraud
• Civil rights violations

Concurrent Jurisdiction

Some cases are tried in both state and federal courts. There’s a common misconception that this would violate double-jeopardy rules, but those apply only to retrial of defendants within the same jurisdiction.

Types of Federal Crimes

Federal crimes can include everything from white collar crimes like tax fraud and evasion to violent offenses such as serial murder or rape. Common offenses tried at the US District Court for the Northern District of Ohio include:

• Crimes against the government, such as treason and terrorism.
• Crimes across borders, like sex trafficking or drug trafficking.
• White collar crimes, including fraud and money laundering.
• Computer crimes, such as identity theft and stalking.
• Federal sex crimes, like human trafficking and child pornography.
• Weapons charges, including the unlawful import or export of firearms.
• Violent crimes, such as serial rape, murder, and kidnapping.

FAQs

What Is the Hardest Criminal Case to Beat?

The hardest criminal cases to beat are federal charges. Federal cases typically involve powerful law enforcement agencies such as the DEA and the FBI, and highly experienced prosecutors. Federal criminal cases also tend to be complex, which makes the charges even more difficult to fight against. You can maximize your chances of successfully beating federal charges by hiring a federal criminal defense lawyer.

Is It Better to Be Charged by the State or Federal Government?

It is generally better to be charged by the state government than the federal government. State charges tend to be less extreme and the penalties less severe. It’s also more likely that you’ll beat state charges than federal ones since the resources available to investigators and prosecutors are greater at the federal level.

Can Federal Charges Be Dropped?

Federal charges can be dropped if you can prove that there is insufficient evidence to support the case, your rights were violated, or procedural violations occurred during the investigation. However, it’s rare for federal charges to be dropped. You shouldn’t count on this outcome if facing federal charges and should instead work with a skilled lawyer to craft an effective defense.

Is a Federal Charge Worse Than a Felony?

A federal charge isn’t inherently worse than a felony. However, they do often incur more severe penalties than felony charges. Federal sentencing guidelines typically impose mandatory minimum sentences, and the court system follows stricter rules. Both federal and state felony charges should be taken very seriously. If you’re facing either of them, it’s time to hire a criminal defense lawyer.

Stow Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Facing federal charges is stressful. Working with a skilled federal criminal defense lawyer in Stow can make the process of understanding and fighting your charges much easier. The team here at DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder has been working with clients facing federal charges for years. We have what it takes to craft effective defense strategies and minimize the impact of your charges on your life. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation today.