Dallas texas

FEDERAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS, DALLAS, TEXAS

THE IMPORTANCE OF

Federal criminal charges are taken very seriously

Regardless of whether you are being investigated for a white-collar crime or a crime involving violence, any type of federal criminal charges must be taken very seriously. Punishment for federal crimes can be extremely severe and may include imprisonment in federal prison. If you or someone you care about has been charged with a federal crime, reach out to our experienced federal criminal defense attorneys in Dallas for an aggressive and expert defense.

Our team of Dallas federal criminal defense lawyers understands all facets of the criminal justice system and has decades of combined experience successfully defending clients in Texas against all types of federal charges. As former prosecutors in Dallas County and reliable defense attorneys, we have earned a reputation for our unwavering commitment to clients. 

Over the years, we have built valuable relationships with local law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges. Our expertise combined with the connections we have made can make all the difference in your case.

Accused of Federal Crime?

Understanding Federal Crimes

Federal criminal proceedings can be categorized into three broad categories:

  1. Subject matter jurisdiction: The U.S. Constitution grants the federal government exclusive authority to hear specific types of criminal matters. This exclusive authority is also referred to as “subject matter jurisdiction”. The following matters may require federal subject matter jurisdiction: immigration, bankruptcy, money regulation, coining, patents, and crimes relating to the Postal Service. Common types of criminal offenses that fall under the category of federal subject matter jurisdiction include mail fraud, money counterfeiting, and bankruptcy fraud, among others.
  2. Crimes across state lines: When a criminal offense crosses or is committed across state lines, it can be elevated to a federal crime. However, if an individual commits separate criminal offenses in different states, they will usually be prosecuted at the state level. Common types of federal crimes across state lines include drug trafficking, firearms-related crimes, mail and wire fraud, kidnapping, human trafficking, and others. 
  3. Crimes on federal property: Criminal offenses committed on federal property are usually prosecuted at a federal level. Common types of crimes that may occur on federal property include assault, theft, arson, vandalism, drug-related crimes, kidnapping, theft, trespassing, and others. For the purposes of prosecution, the term “federal property” is defined as any area owned, leased, occupied, or administered by the federal government. Common examples of federal property include federal prisons, national parks, federal courthouses, and other buildings, lands, or real property that meet the definition of federal property.

 

According to the United States Sentencing Commission, there were 64,124 federal criminal cases in 2023 in which the offender was sentenced. Out of the entire United States, Texas has two of the top five judicial districts that have the highest caseload, accounting for 21.8% of all federal crimes committed in the U.S. As more than ⅕ of the convictions for federal crimes happen in Texas, it is clear why top federal criminal lawyers are needed in Dallas. 

Examples of Crimes that Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys in Dallas Can Defend You Against

A criminal offense can be elevated to a federal crime if it meets any of the above-mentioned criteria (subject matter jurisdiction, crimes across state lines, or crimes on federal property). Some examples of federal crimes include:

  • Drug trafficking
  • Counterfeiting
  • Money laundering
  • White-collar crimes
  • Mail and wire fraud
  • Human trafficking
  • Identity theft
  • Cyber cries
  • Securities fraud
  • Bankruptcy fraud
  • Healthcare fraud
  • Tax fraud or evasion
  • Immigration law violations

 

Regardless of what federal crime you are facing, contacting a federal criminal defense attorney in Dallas, Texas, is your only rational course of action. We will study your case, and work with investigators and expert witnesses to build a strong defense strategy on your behalf.

Overlap of Federal & State Laws

It is not uncommon for federal and state laws to overlap. When this happens, prosecutors may want to prosecute the alleged criminal offense at both a federal and state level. However, the Fifth Amendment protects people from being prosecuted twice for the same crime. This is known as the “double jeopardy clause”. 

When there is an overlap of federal and state laws, both federal and state courts have jurisdiction over the matter, however, only one set of charges can be dropped. Our criminal defense attorneys can defend you agains both federal and state crime accusations.

The Federal Crime Process

The rules and procedures of the federal criminal justice system are differnt from state criminal procedures. Many people being investigated by federal authorities or charged with a federal crime do not understand how the federal crime process works. Importantly, individuals can be arrested during the federal criminal investigation process before any charges are filed.

Once a criminal complaint is filed and the defendant becomes aware of the complaint, the government must present their case and evidence to a grand jury within 30 days. A grand jury indictment is a formal instrument used to file federal criminal charges against the defendant. A federal grand jury consists of between 16 and 23 panel members. The defendant may testify before the grand jury.

It is never recommended to speak to law enforcement, testify before the grand jury, or otherwise attempt to handle your federal crime case on your own. The federal court process involves very specific procedural requirements and rules, which is why you need to hire an experienced federal crimes lawyer to fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

FEDERAL CRIME ATTORNEYS SERVING DALLAS, TEXAS

If federal authorities launched an investigation or filed criminal charges against you, you might feel overwhelmed. Contact a federal crime attorney as soon as possible. At M|C Criminal Law, we have successfully handled numerous federal crime cases. Our federal crime attorneys have decades of combined experience representing clients in criminal matters at a state and federal level. We provide creative, effective, and caring solutions to our clients in Dallas, Texas, and other parts of North Texas, including McKinney, Fort Worth, and Denton.

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