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Indiana Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys

Federal Criminal Lawyers Serving Hamilton County and Madison County

Federal criminal cases are known to be often costly and time consuming for the parties seeking to defend themselves. It can be incredibly intimidating to be brought up on federal charges. You will have to deal with the federal court system, and the prosecutors may be aggressive in pursuing your case. If you are serious about fighting for your rights and securing a successful outcome, you will need a skilled and experienced federal criminal defense attorney.

Indiana law allows for our state’s court system to undertake the criminal prosecution of suspected offenders so long as their actions took place in the state. However, the federal government has a claim to prosecute many people for their actions in our state. This can be complex, and each case involving a question of state or federal jurisdiction is unique. Indiana law enforcement agencies and courts will often give a case up to federal agencies or courts, and in many of these situations, they will work together on a prosecution.

It’s important to speak with a federal defense attorney about your case as soon as possible after being charged with a crime. Our criminal defense lawyers understand how federal courts and prosecutions work, and we can help you bring about a favorable case outcome. Call GDS Law Group today at for a free, confidential consultation.

Many Crimes Can Lead To Federal Prosecution

The federal government has the power to prosecute suspected criminals in various types of scenarios. You can be prosecuted in federal court if you are suspected of having committed a crime on federal land, or even in a bank that is insured by the federal government. The federal authority also extends to interstate acts that happen in two or more states. For example, wire fraud is the act of committing or conspiring to commit fraud via a phone or internet connection, and this is often prosecuted in federal court since these telecommunication lines extend far beyond any one state. The federal government can also prosecute crimes involving foreign countries or on foreign ships sailing under the U.S. flag.

Your federal defense attorney must understand that the prosecution may charge you with multiple crimes that are different than each other. We know how the federal government will use their resources to seek your conviction, and we can mount your defense. Of the many different things that can land you in federal court, some include:

  • Serious drug trafficking crimes
  • Tax evasion and related crimes
  • Terrorism charges
  • Accounting fraud
  • Immigration violations
  • Social Security and health care fraud
  • Espionage
  • Bank theft or fraud
  • Securities fraud

Determining Jurisdiction Between The State And Federal Government

While the federal courts will have jurisdiction over crimes that are clearly defined as federal offenses, it can sometimes be confusing to understand where your case will go. Many times the state will take over an investigation at first, and then hand it over to federal authorities and courts as the details emerge. There are also situations where the state will begin a prosecution, and then other states or the federal government will wait their turn to prosecute crimes that fall under their jurisdictions. Having a felony attorney who understands these details can be very helpful if you are in a complex prosecution.

Many crimes can fall under both state and federal jurisdiction, For example, certain drug charges can lead to federal court, but it may be decided that the state will handle your prosecution. This decision can be reached if all governments involved feel as though the state has sufficient resources to complete the prosecution. When cases have concurrent jurisdiction between state and federal governments, they will often end up in federal court if one or several of the following applies:

  • The case involves large or highly sophisticated quantities of drugs or firearms.
  • Large amounts of money or property of the defendant have been seized.
  • The case involves very sophisticated technology.
  • The alleged criminal enterprise involved is huge and may span several states or countries.
  • The illegal activity in question has been going on for a long time.
  • There is determined to be a serious ongoing threat to national security.

Punishments For Federal Offenses

The punishment that you may be facing if you are charged with a felony can be severe. However, penalties for federal offenses often tend to be more severe than those that follow a state felony conviction. Several reasons can cause this, including:

  • Most federal crimes are punishable by harsher sentences.
  • Most federal crimes carry punishment enhancers. For example, a bank robbery punishment can be enhanced if the offender used a deadly weapon while committing the crime.
  • Federal sentences require the offender to serve at least 85 percent of the sentence, while most state felonies can result in a release after a shorter length of time.
  • Judges in federal court have fewer options when considering sentencing, and federal prosecutors have less discretion when negotiating plea deals.

The federal criminal process includes the ability to file an appeal to a conviction. Your federal criminal lawyer must not only understand how federal court works, but also how your charges can affect your sentence. Prison sentences for federal felony convictions include:

  • Class A Felonies – Life imprisonment or the death penalty
  • Class B Felonies – At least 25 years in prison
  • Class C Felonies – Between 10 and 25 years in prison
  • Class D Felonies – Between five and 10 years in prison
  • Class E Felonies – Between one and five years in prison

GDS Law Group Can Help Defend You From A Federal Criminal Charge

Serious criminal charges can turn your life upside down, and you can be looking at years in prison and a permanent record. The federal government has significant resources to prosecute defenders whom they charge with a crime. Federal court is not the same as Indiana state courts. The procedures are different, and each case is handled differently.

There are many different reasons why you may find yourself charged with a federal offense. It is important to not delay in finding skilled legal counsel to help you protect your rights and seek a favorable outcome from your prosecution. Your federal criminal defense attorney must understand how cases move through the federal system. Our team knows what is at stake when our clients are in federal court, and we know how to work toward a successful conclusion to your case.

Do not hesitate to call a felony lawyer at GDS Law Group after being charged with a serious crime. Many cases begin in state court but then are moved to federal jurisdiction. Many types of charges require an attorney who is familiar with both Indiana and federal laws and criminal procedure. To speak with our attorneys in Anderson, IN about your case, contact for a free, initial case assessment.