Were you charged with a federal crime in Lanham, MD? Call Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys at (301) 262-7005 to arrange a free consultation. Federal investigations move quickly and can escalate unexpectedly. Our Lanham federal crimes lawyers have a thorough understanding of this process.
Our legal team has 125 years of combined experience. We know how to challenge government evidence and build a strong defense from day one. We’re prepared to negotiate with federal prosecutors or take your case to trial when necessary.
Why Choose Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys if I’m Arrested for Committing a Federal Crime in Lanham, MD?
When your freedom is at risk, you need a defense team in Lanham, Maryland, that knows how to respond to these cases. Our Lanham criminal defense lawyers have built a reputation for protecting individuals facing serious charges and working closely with federal prosecutors.
Some reasons clients turn to Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys include:
- We have more than 400 5-star Google reviews.
- Members of our legal team have been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers “Top 100” and other prestigious legal organizations.
- We have former prosecutors on our team, which gives us an advantage when trying to anticipate what the opposing side will do.
Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation with a Lanham federal crimes attorney.
An Overview of Federal Crimes in Maryland
Federal charges are different from state charges because they involve conduct that triggers federal authority. These cases are investigated by federal agencies, prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys, and handled in federal court, where the procedures and penalties are often far more severe. Understanding what qualifies as a federal crime helps you determine the seriousness of your situation if you’re under investigation.
Below are some common situations that can turn an offense into a federal case.
Violates Federal Law
A crime becomes a federal case when it directly violates a U.S. federal statute. This includes offenses such as immigration violations, tax fraud, federal drug crimes, or terrorism. If authorities believe you broke a federal statute, agencies like the FBI, DEA, or IRS may get involved.
Crosses State or International Borders
When a crime involves more than one state, it generally becomes a federal matter. Federal jurisdiction encompasses actions that cross state or international lines, as no single state can regulate the entire conduct of an individual or entity.
Common examples include interstate drug trafficking, kidnapping across state lines, or transporting stolen goods from one state to another. Once a crime spans multiple locations, federal agencies typically intervene due to their broader investigative resources and expertise.
Involves Federal Property or Interests
A crime committed on federal property, such as a military base, federal courthouse, or national park, automatically falls under federal jurisdiction. This also applies to crimes committed against federal employees or institutions, including the U.S. Postal Service, Social Security Administration, or a federally insured bank.
For example, robbing a bank backed by the FDIC or assaulting a postal worker creates a federal case rather than a state one.
Involves Federal Systems
Crimes that involve federal systems, such as the U.S. mail, interstate wire communications, or federal financial institutions, fall within federal jurisdiction. This includes offenses such as mail fraud, wire fraud, and using interstate communications to facilitate criminal activity. Because these systems operate across the country (or sometimes the world), the federal government has the authority to prosecute them.
Federal charges carry severe penalties and are handled by prosecutors with substantial resources at their disposal. If you’re being investigated or charged, you need to speak with an experienced lawyer right away.
What Are the Penalties for Federal Crimes in Maryland?
Penalties for federal crimes vary in each case. What happens if someone is convicted will largely depend on the nature of the crime, its severity, and whether any aggravating factors were present. Someone charged with a federal offense in Maryland can face a wide range of sentencing options and consequences under federal law, including:
Imprisonment
The most severe federal criminal penalties generally involve prison sentences. Federal crimes, particularly those related to drugs, weapons, or significant financial schemes, often carry severe sentences that can include multiple years—or even life—in a federal prison.
In some cases, there are mandatory minimums, meaning a defendant is required to serve a prison sentence for a certain amount of time if convicted. Felonies typically carry harsher penalties than misdemeanors.
Heavy Fines
Fines are common in federal court, and they can be extremely high depending on the nature or financial scale of the alleged offense. For example, federal fraud convictions can result in fines of hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars.
Restitution to Victims
In many cases, especially with financial crimes, defendants are ordered to pay restitution to the victims. If it’s not paid, the defendant may face trouble with the court.
Supervised Release or Probation
Aside from jail time, some people are placed under supervised release or probation — a period of monitoring with significant rules/conditions (meeting regularly with a probation officer, testing for drugs/alcohol, having restrictions on where you’re allowed to go, or being unable to possess firearms).
No matter what crime you’re charged with, federal offenses can bring serious consequences.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Federal Crimes?
If you’re charged with a federal crime, it’s essential to consult with a lawyer and begin building a strong defense as soon as possible. Below are some of the common defenses:
Insufficient Evidence
Federal prosecutors must prove you committed every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Your attorney may be able to show the government lacks solid evidence, or challenge inconsistencies, missing details, or unreliable testimonies. By poking holes in their case, you can raise reasonable doubt in the judge and jury’s minds.
Lack of Possession
In gun and drug cases, a strong defense is that you didn’t possess the item. For example, suppose the police pulled you over while driving a friend’s car, and there are others in the vehicle with you. Subsequently, drugs and a gun are discovered in the vehicle, leading to your arrest for possession.
Your lawyer can argue that the items weren’t yours and you didn’t even know they were there.
Violation of Constitutional Rights
If police or federal agents violated your constitutional rights during arrest or investigation, this can be used in your defense. Evidence gathered illegally, such as through an illegal search or Miranda rights violation, can be suppressed.
Consequently, the evidence or statements cannot be used against you by the prosecutor in court. This exclusion can significantly hinder the prosecution’s ability to continue the case.
Alibi
You may also defend against criminal accusations by showing that you were elsewhere when the crime occurred. Alibi witnesses, video footage, cell phone records, receipts, and other evidence that place you in a particular location can demonstrate that you weren’t in the area of the crime when it allegedly occurred. If you’ve been wrongly accused, this is the best way to prove you really didn’t do what they say you did.
Lack of Criminal Intent
Many federal crimes require proof that you acted “knowingly” or “intentionally.” If you did something by accident, this could either negate the criminal charges against you or at least reduce the level of the charge. For example, many financial crimes require intent. If you can show that you either did something mistakenly or believed you had permission, this could help your defense significantly.
The specific defense used in your case will depend on the specifics of your arrest and charges. Your lawyer will make this determination and fight for you in every way possible.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Lanham Federal Crimes Lawyers
If you are being investigated or have already been charged with a federal crime in Lanham, you should not have to face the system alone. Federal prosecutors move quickly, and the penalties can affect every part of your life.
When you work with us, we’ll review every piece of evidence and conduct our own investigations to ensure we have all the necessary information to build a strong defense for you.
Call Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with a Lanham federal crimes lawyer.