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Understanding Federal Crimes in the United States: What You Need to Know

  • Writer: GARCIA MULLEN
    GARCIA MULLEN
  • Jan 5
  • 4 min read
When a person is accused of a federal crime, the stakes are significantly higher than in a typical state-level case. Federal charges often involve extensive investigations, powerful prosecutorial agencies, harsh sentencing guidelines, and life-changing consequences.
When a person is accused of a federal crime, the stakes are significantly higher than in a typical state-level case. Federal charges often involve extensive investigations, powerful prosecutorial agencies, harsh sentencing guidelines, and life-changing consequences.

At Garcia, Garcia & Mullen, our mission is to stand between our clients and the full weight of the federal government, providing strategic, aggressive, and an experienced defense.


Whether you or a loved one is under investigation or has already been charged, understanding how federal crimes work — and why having a federal criminal defense attorney — is critical. This guide will walk you through how federal crimes are defined, how federal cases proceed, common types of federal charges, potential penalties, and how our legal team can help.


  • What Makes a Crime “Federal”?


A crime becomes a federal offense when it violates United States federal law or occurs on federal property, or when federal agencies investigate the matter. Unlike state crimes — which are prosecuted by local district attorneys — federal crimes fall under the jurisdiction of:


  • The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)

  • Federal prosecutors in U.S. District Courts

  • Federal investigative agencies such as:

    • FBI

    • DEA

    • ATF

    • IRS

    • Secret Service

    • Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)


Federal crimes often involve:

  • Multiple states

  • Large financial losses

  • Government agencies

  • National security

  • Interstate commerce

  • Complex digital or financial activity


If you receive a letter, visit, phone call, or target notice from any of these agencies, contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately. You can reach our team through our Contact us for a confidential case review.


COMMON TYPES OF FEDERAL CRIMES


Federal criminal law covers a wide range of offenses. Here are some of the most frequently prosecuted federal crimes in the United States:


Drug Trafficking and Distribution

1. Drug Trafficking and Distribution

Federal drug cases generally involve:

  • Large quantities

  • Interstate movement

  • Manufacturing operations

  • Conspiracy charges

  • Distribution networks



The DEA, FBI, and Homeland Security often participate in long-term investigations. Mandatory minimums and federal sentencing guidelines make these cases particularly harsh.

Learn more about our criminal defense services here: Criminal Defense Overview


2. White-Collar Crimes

White-collar offenses often involve business, financial, or digital misconduct such as:

  • Bank fraud

  • Wire fraud

  • Mail fraud

  • Tax fraud

  • Securities fraud

  • Embezzlement

  • Money laundering

  • Insider trading

White-collar defendants frequently have no criminal history, but the penalties can still include years in prison and massive restitution orders.


 Immigration-Related Federal Offenses

3. Immigration-Related Federal Offenses

Federal immigration crimes may include:

  • Illegal re-entry

  • Harboring undocumented individuals

  • Visa fraud

  • Employment violations

  • Document fraud

Because immigration law is federal, these cases are prosecuted aggressively.



4. Firearm and Weapons Charges

These may include:

  • Illegal firearm possession

  • Trafficking weapons across state lines

  • Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person

  • Using a firearm in commission of a federal crime

The ATF and FBI play central roles in these investigations.


Cybercrimes

5. Cybercrimes

With rapidly advancing technology, federal cybercrime prosecutions continue to increase. Common charges include:

  • Hacking

  • Identity theft

  • Online fraud

  • Data breaches

  • Unauthorized access to protected computers

  • Cryptocurrency-related crimes


6. Human Trafficking & Exploitation

These are some of the most serious federal offenses and involve extensive investigations by agencies like Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI.


7. Crimes on Federal Property

Any criminal act committed on:

  • Federal buildings

  • National parks

  • Airports

  • Government facilities

  • Military bases

…may be prosecuted in federal court.



HOW A FEDERAL CRIMINAL CASE BEGINS


A federal case usually starts in one of three ways:

1. Target Letter

If you receive a “target letter” from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, it means they believe you have committed a federal crime. Do not ignore this. Contact an attorney immediately.


2. Federal Indictment

Most federal charges are obtained through a grand jury indictment. If indicted, you will be formally charged and required to appear in federal court.


3. Arrest and Complaint

In urgent cases, federal agents may arrest a suspect based on a criminal complaint before presenting evidence to a grand jury.


Federal judges use the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines to determine penalties. These guidelines can lead to long prison terms even for first-time offenders. Federal Judges and Prosecutors U.S. Attorneys and federal judges are highly experienced and well-resourced. The prosecution is often backed by months (or years) of investigation.
Federal judges use the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines to determine penalties. These guidelines can lead to long prison terms even for first-time offenders.




Penalties for Federal Crimes


Federal penalties can be severe, including:

  • Lengthy prison sentences in federal facilities

  • Heavy fines

  • Restitution orders

  • Forfeiture of assets

  • Probation or supervised release

  • Loss of immigration status

  • Loss of professional licenses

  • Permanent criminal record

Hiring the right federal defense lawyer early can drastically influence the result.



Defending Against Federal Charges


At Garcia, Garcia & Mullen, our goal is to challenge the federal government at every stage. Depending on the case, our defense strategies may include:

  • Challenging illegal searches and seizures

  • Suppressing unlawfully obtained evidence

  • Identifying procedural violations

  • Challenging wiretaps and surveillance

  • Investigating flaws in digital forensic evidence

  • Exposing weaknesses in the prosecution’s case

  • Negotiating charge reductions

  • Presenting mitigating evidence

  • Filing motions to dismiss the case

You can learn more about our criminal law services here: Federal Criminal Defense Services


Why Choose Garcia, Garcia & Mullen for Federal Defense


Federal criminal cases require:

  • Experienced legal strategy

  • Deep knowledge of federal procedure

  • Strong investigative skills

  • Negotiation ability

  • Courtroom strength


Our attorneys offer:


 Aggressive Representation

We are relentless in challenging evidence and fighting for your rights.


 Federal Court Experience

We understand how U.S. Attorneys build their cases — and how to dismantle them.


 Personalized Defense Strategies

Every case is different. We tailor our approach to your specific situation.


 Early Intervention Focus

The earlier you contact us, the more options we have to protect you.


 Commitment to Your Freedom

Your future matters. We fight to safeguard your life, career, and reputation.



Under Federal Investigation? Don’t Wait. Call Us Today.


If you believe you are under federal investigation, acting quickly is essential. Do not speak to federal agents without a lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you.

Let us protect your rights from the start.


Call Garcia, Garcia & Mullen today to schedule a confidential consultation. Or reach out through our Contact Page.

Your freedom, your future, and your reputation deserve the strongest defense possible.


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