Have you been charged with a federal crime in Rockville, MD? Contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys at (301) 364-3195 for a free consultation. Our Rockville federal crimes lawyers have more than 125 years of combined experience working with defendants and fighting against complex federal charges and investigations.
No matter what type of allegations you’re facing, we can help because we’ve seen it all. If you’re facing federal charges, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’ll get you set up with a free consultation with a Rockville criminal defense attorney from our office.
Why Hire Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys if You’re Arrested for Federal Crimes in Rockville?
Facing federal charges in Rockville, Maryland, is high stakes and can quickly overwhelm someone who doesn’t have the experience needed to support them. When you need a legal team that knows what they’re doing against federal charges, call Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys for help.
The benefits of working with our Rockville criminal defense lawyers include:
- More than 300 five-star Google reviews from clients, showing how many people in Maryland have trusted us
- Former prosecutors on our team give us unique insight into both sides of a federal case
- Our lawyers regularly travel all over the country for advanced criminal defense training
When you choose us when facing federal charges, you’re choosing experienced, award-winning trial lawyers committed to guiding and defending you at every stage. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a Rockville federal crimes attorney.
Overview of Federal Crimes in Maryland
Being investigated or charged with a federal crime means your case will move through the federal (not state) court system, and the penalties are often more severe. It’s important to understand what makes an alleged offense federal rather than state and some examples of crimes prosecuted under federal law.
A crime typically becomes a federal case if it:
- Violates a law created by Congress instead of a Maryland state law
- Occurs across state borders or involves interstate activity, such as using wire transfers or mail
- Takes place on federal property like a national park, military base, post office, or government building
- Involves federal agencies or programs, such as the IRS, FBI, DEA, or Social Security
Some of the most common examples of federal crimes include:
- Drug trafficking and manufacturing: When substances cross state lines or involve large quantities, federal authorities may take the case and file federal charges.
- Wire fraud and mail fraud: Using mail, emails, wire transfers, or phone calls to advance a fraud or theft scheme can trigger federal charges because these tools often cross state or national borders.
- Securities and healthcare fraud: Large fraud schemes involving the stock market, insurance, or medical billing often fall under U.S. jurisdiction.
- Weapons offenses: Certain gun charges, like possessing a weapon as a convicted felon or trafficking in firearms across state lines, fall under federal statutes.
- Kidnapping across state lines: Kidnapping becomes a federal crime when it involves moving a victim across state lines or when it occurs on federal property. The FBI and federal prosecutors become involved, and the punishment can be much heavier than state charges alone, including substantial federal prison sentences.
- Immigration offenses: Most allegations about illegal entry, employment practices, or document fraud become federal crimes.
A case in Maryland involving a federal charge calls for experienced defense lawyers to help you fight back.
What Are the Penalties for Federal Crimes in Rockville, Maryland?
Federal criminal charges are prosecuted under laws passed by Congress, and the potential consequences often carry far harsher penalties than Maryland state crimes.
If you are convicted in federal court, you face penalties heavily influenced by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which consider the type of offense, criminal history, and any aggravating or mitigating circumstances. Potential penalties typically include:
Federal Prison Sentences
Many federal crimes come with mandatory minimum sentences, which means you will be sent to prison for a set number of years, no matter what the judge wants. Drug trafficking, firearms violations, and certain child exploitation crimes fall into this category.
Sentences can range from a few years to decades; in severe cases, life imprisonment is possible. Unlike state courts, there is no longer parole in the federal system, meaning those convicted often serve most of their sentence.
Significant Fines
In addition to prison time, defendants can face substantial monetary fines, ranging from thousands to even millions of dollars, depending on the case. White-collar crimes like wire fraud, securities fraud, and tax evasion, along with drug and smuggling offenses, tend to carry significant financial penalties.
Supervised Release
Once you complete a prison sentence, you may be placed on supervised release, typically lasting between 1 and 5 years or longer in some cases.
While under supervision, strict conditions must be followed and can include reporting to a probation officer, finding lawful employment, restrictions on travel, random drug testing, and avoiding certain people. Violating these conditions could mean going back to prison.
Restitution and Asset Forfeiture
Restitution orders require repayment to victims in federal fraud, embezzlement, and financial crimes. In drug, fraud, corruption, or conspiracy cases, forfeiture statutes allow the government to seize assets it claims were involved with or gained from the crime, such as vehicles, property, or bank accounts.
Loss of Rights and Collateral Consequences
Beyond prison and fines, federal convictions often bring lasting consequences. Defendants could lose the right to vote, possess firearms, hold government employment, apply for security clearances, or remain in the United States for those who aren’t citizens. Keeping or obtaining professional licenses in medicine, law, and teaching may be impossible.
The stakes in a federal case are extremely high. If you are charged with a federal offense, finding experienced legal representation is essential.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Federal Crimes?
Being charged with a federal crime in Rockville, Maryland, can feel overwhelming since the federal government has vast resources and its prosecutors are aggressive. Fortunately, defenses are available that may help reduce charges or challenge the evidence being used against you. Some common defenses include:
Illegal Search and Seizure
The Fourth Amendment protects you from searches that violate your privacy rights. If federal agents collected evidence through an unlawful entry, a defective warrant, or by exceeding the scope of what was authorized, that evidence may not be admissible.
For example, suppressing essential evidence, like drugs, documents, or electronic data, can significantly weaken or destroy the prosecution’s case against you.
Lack of Evidence
Federal prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which is the highest legal standard. If their evidence comes mostly from questionable witnesses, incomplete records, or assumptions instead of actual proof, your attorney can highlight those weaknesses.
Miranda Violations and Improper Statements
After an arrest, law enforcement must inform you of certain rights before questioning, commonly known as your “Miranda rights.” Any statements you gave during questioning may be excluded if they don’t give you these warnings and interrogate you anyway. Eliminating these alleged admissions from court can make it much more difficult for prosecutors to establish their case.
Entrapment
With entrapment, the defense argues that the unlawful act originated with law enforcement or other government agents/informants who persuaded or pressured you into participating. This defense argues that you did not have the original intent or predisposition to commit the offense.
Alibi
Sometimes, it can be possible to show that you were wrongly identified. This can be done by providing evidence of an alibi, like surveillance footage, photos, or time-stamped receipts that place you elsewhere when the crime occurred.
No Intent or Knowledge
Most federal charges require intent to commit the crime or knowledge that what you’re doing is illegal. Your lawyer can argue that this isn’t the case. For example, you were doing something you thought was permissible based on what an employer told you.
Plea Bargaining
Your attorney might suggest looking into a plea deal in circumstances with a lot of evidence against you. This can lead to more serious offenses being dismissed or more lenient sentences, which takes away the risk of going to trial. It’s always up to you whether or not to take a plea deal, but your attorney can guide you on whether it’s worth considering.
With the right representation, there are many ways to defend yourself against federal charges.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with Our Rockville Federal Crimes Lawyer
Facing federal charges comes with serious consequences that should never be taken lightly. We want to help you fight back and give you the best chance possible to move forward with the life you deserve.
At Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys, we use our knowledge and resources to challenge the government’s case and fight aggressively for the best outcome possible. Let us help you. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with a Rockville federal crimes lawyer.
