Philadelphia Federal Crimes Defense Lawyer

Unlike state criminal charges, federal criminal charges are crimes committed in direct violation of United States federal law. If you have recently been arrested for or charged with a federal offense, or if a federal investigator has contacted you or a family member, it is imperative that you retain the representation of our Philadelphia criminal defense attorneys. We can offer you the sound legal counsel and effective representation that you require at this time.

Whether you are facing charges for arson, conspiracy, espionage, tax evasion, extortion, drug trafficking, money laundering, wire fraud, antitrust violations, computer crimes, bank fraud, murder, or the possession or distribution of child pornography – we are here for you when you need us most. For a free legal consultation, call the Law Office of Lloyd Long at (215) 302-0171 immediately.

What is a “Federal” Offense?

Criminal cases are typically charged at the state level. For example, if someone was arrested for robbery in Philadelphia, he or she would most likely be prosecuted under 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3701, which is Pennsylvania’s robbery statute. If the same defendant was found guilty, he or she would face Pennsylvania-specific penalties for robbery. For instance, the Pennsylvania penalties for a second degree felony include a fine of up to $25,000, and a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

Though most criminal prosecutions involve alleged violations of state laws, there are also cases that focus on alleged violations of federal laws. To continue with the example above, robbery – though typically a state crime – could be charged as a federal crime if the defendant allegedly robbed a bank, due to the fact that banks are regulated by federal agencies.

Occurring on federal property, such as a bank, post office, or national park, is not the only reason a crime can be charged at the federal level. Crimes can also be charged in federal court if the defendant crossed state lines in committing the alleged offense – for example, trafficking controlled substances like heroin, cocaine, or marijuana between Pennsylvania and other states.

There are also some other critical differences between state and federal charges. For example:

• Federal courts handle fewer cases, which means prosecutors have more time and energy to devote to each investigation.
• Federal courts follow different rules and procedures for introducing evidence.
• Federal investigations often involve sustained long-term collaboration between multiple government agencies, such as the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) and DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration).
• Federal courts typically hand down longer sentences and larger fines, even for non-violent offenses.
• Federal prosecutors tend to have larger teams and more investigative resources.

Legal representation is crucial after being charged with any crime. However, the importance of skilled and experienced representation is especially great in federal cases due to their sophisticated prosecution strategies – and exceptionally long prison sentences.

Types of Federal Charges Our Law Firm Handles

The Law Office of Lloyd Long represents defendants charged with a wide array of federal crimes, ranging from white collar crimes to violent offenses to cyber crimes. Types of federal cases we handle include, but are not limited to:

• Child Pornography Crimes – The production, possession, and/or distribution of child pornography may be tried in federal court if the materials crossed state lines.
• Drug Trafficking Crimes – Drug trafficking may involve the cultivation, manufacture, transportation, and/or distribution of illegal street drugs or prescription drugs, such as opioid painkillers. We handle federal drug charges involving crack cocaine, powder cocaine, marijuana, heroin, MDMA (ecstasy), LSD (acid), methamphetamine, ketamine, fentanyl, psilocybin mushrooms, GHB, PCP (angel dust), steroids, OxyContin, Adderall, Vicodin, Xanax, Percocet, and other narcotics and controlled substances.
• Racketeering Charges – The Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) is often used by federal prosecutors to charge defendants with suspected connections to organized crime, and/or defendants suspected of drug trafficking or other gang-related activity.
• Terrorism – Crimes that threaten national security are among the most harshly penalized. People suspected of terrorism or espionage (spying) may be investigated by the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, and other federal agencies and counter-terrorism units.
• White Collar Crimes – White collar crimes are financial crimes, often involving investors, traders, or entire businesses. Examples include offenses like tax evasion, money laundering, corporate fraud, commodities fraud, bribery, embezzlement, Ponzi and pyramid schemes, and identity theft.

Philadelphia Federal Crimes Defense Attorney Handling Felony Cases

When you are up against federal court procedures, securing the representation of a knowledgeable federal defense attorney is vital to the successful resolution of your case. We may be able to help you obtain the upper hand in court.

Our qualified federal crime attorneys will direct the course of a thorough federal investigation and work tirelessly in order to prevent indictment. Various agencies will investigate your case prior to formal charges being filed. This may take weeks or months.

It is important to understand that the FBI takes federal crimes very seriously. The agency utilizes a proactive approach, investigating both crimes that have been committed and potential federal crimes. Our Philadelphia criminal defense law firm can combat all allegations against you at a federal level. We will go the extra mile, and we will not back down.

It is of the utmost importance to seek representation immediately if you believe that you, your spouse, or a family member is under investigation for a federal offense. For a free legal consultation with a highly experienced federal crimes lawyer in Philadelphia, contact the Law Office of Lloyd Long at (215) 302-0171.