Federal Crimes
Federal Crimes in Oklahoma are serious offenses that can lead to severe penalties. If you are facing federal charges, it is important to have an experienced attorney on your side.
Being prosecuted by the United States federal government for a crime is a very serious matter not to be taken lightly. The federal government has an astronomically high win record in court for the prosecution of criminal offenses. If you are currently facing federal charges or believe you may be facing federal charges in the future, it is imperative that you consult with an attorney experienced in federal criminal defense as soon as possible.
There must be a link between the alleged crime and a federal interest for the crime to be charged in federal court. For example, criminal conspiracies that span multiple states affect the federal government’s interest in protecting interstate commerce. Based on the federal interest involved, criminal conspiracies spanning multiple states are normally charged in federal district courts.
Common law enforcement agencies that investigate federal offenses include:
- Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF)
- Bureau of Prisons
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Homeland Security
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- IRS Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CID)
- Secret Service
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
- U.S. Marshal Service
- U.S. Postal Inspector
Common charges prosecuted in federal district courts include:
- Child Pornography
- Conspiracy to commit a federal crime
- Crimes involving banks
- Crimes involving illegal gambling and gaming
- Crimes involving immigration
- Criminal schemes involving use of the mail, telephones, or the internet (Mail Fraud, Wire Fraud, etc.)
- Cyber sex crimes
- Drug crimes (Drug Trafficking, Possessions of CDS with Intent to Distribute, etc.)
- Money laundering
- Securities fraud
- Weapons crimes
- White collar crime
At Rockett Law Office, we defend clients charged with federal misdemeanor and felony offenses in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the Northern District of Oklahoma, and the Western District of Oklahoma. If you, a family member, or someone you know is facing a charge in federal court, give us a call at (405) 529-6005 to set up a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a criminal case federal instead of state?
A case may become federal when the alleged conduct involves a federal statute, federal agency investigation, interstate activity, federal property, certain firearms or drug allegations, or other federal jurisdiction. The charging authority and indictment determine the forum.
What should I do if federal agents contact me?
Do not assume an interview is informal or harmless. You should ask whether you are free to leave, avoid guessing or speculating, and speak with an attorney before answering questions.
How is federal court different from state court?
Federal cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office and may involve grand jury proceedings, federal discovery rules, federal sentencing guidelines, and different pretrial procedures.
Can a federal case be resolved without trial?
Many federal cases are resolved by plea, but whether that is appropriate depends on the evidence, charges, guideline exposure, defenses, and negotiation posture.
