Prosper Federal Crimes Lawyer

Are you facing federal charges by the FBI, DEA, or ATF in Prosper, TX? Federal charges are often more serious than state criminal charges with stiffer penalties and a different legal system. If convicted, you can even be sent to a federal prison far from your loved ones.

When you are facing federal prosecution, it’s crucial to work with an experienced Prosper federal crimes defense lawyer to defend you against the charges you face. Edgett Law Firm is here to fight for you. Contact our law office in Prosper, TX to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

How Edgett Law Firm Can Help You Defend Yourself Against Federal Criminal Charges

You may feel hopeless when you are facing prosecution by the U.S. government. Their resources are limitless, and the prosecutors and investigators are among the most experienced. While it may feel like you have no way out, our Prosper criminal defense attorneys can help you as your advocate.

A qualified lawyer from the Edgett Law Firm can help you protect your rights, build your defense, and negotiate on your behalf to seek the best possible outcome for your case. Your lawyer will seek to have your charges dismissed, if possible, or reduced and work toward a plea deal when possible.

Edgett Law Firm represents Prosper residents facing serious federal charges with a vigorous legal defense. Backed by extensive state and federal legal experience, our Top 100 Trial Lawyers will defend you outside and inside of a courtroom.

When you put our 24 years of experience to work for you, you can count on us to:

• Aggressively defend your Constitutional rights at every step, including during related grand jury proceedings
• Gather evidence to strengthen your defense
• Take advantage of weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case against you
• Negotiate with the prosecutor for dismissed or reduced charges or a plea deal
• Represent you in court at a jury trial, if necessary

The top-rated Prosper federal criminal defense attorneys at the Edgett Law Firm are here to fight for you. With your future on the line, contact our law firm as soon as possible to begin crafting the defense you deserve.

What Is The Difference Between State Versus Federal Charges?

Some crimes fall only under state or federal law, while others overlap and violate both state and federal law. As a general rule, federal offenses fall under fewer classifications and involve some type of federal or national interest. When determining whether you will be charged under state or U.S. federal law, a number of factors can be considered:

• Did the offense relate to a large criminal organization or operation?
• Was a federal agency involved in the criminal investigation?
• Were state lines crossed in the commission of the crime?
• Did the crime involve online activities, federal property, the postal system, or the bank system?

Some crimes, such as robbery, may be state crimes, but they can become federal offenses when, for example, a bank with federally insured deposits is robbed.

Most Prosper arrests involve violations of Texas Statutes. In most cases, violations of state laws are investigated by local law enforcement and prosecuted in a county court by a state district attorney.

Federal crimes are investigated by a federal law enforcement agency like the FBI, ATF, or DEA. When an arrest is made, the defendant is prosecuted by a federal prosecutor in a U.S. district court.

In some cases, both the state and federal governments may even pursue criminal charges.

It isn’t just prosecution that is different. Penalties for federal crimes are usually much harsher than those for state crimes. You may be facing harsh minimum sentencing guidelines when compared to a similar state charge.

Federal charges are also more serious than state charges because you will be prosecuted by a federal agency with almost unlimited resources and very experienced agents and investigators. This allows federal prosecutors to be relentless and makes it harder to defend yourself against the charges you face.

When you are facing federal criminal charges, it’s crucial to consult with a Prosper federal defense lawyer experienced in federal and state law. Keep in mind that lawyers must be authorized to handle criminal cases in federal court with certain requirements and must admit to that particular court. If you have been charged with a federal crime, contact the Edgett Law Firm as soon as possible to begin building your defense.

Common Federal Crimes Charged In Prosper

Any violation of federal law can result in an arrest by a federal law enforcement agency. However, federal agencies usually only get involved or make arrests in certain types of cases. You are likely to face federal charges in cases that involve:

• Criminal activities that cross state lines, particularly mail and wire fraud, drugs, and firearms
• Drug trafficking
• Large-scale criminal activities
• Identity theft and many types of large-scale fraud
• Crimes involving the postal system
• Crimes on federal property
• Immigration and customs violations

The following are the most common categories of federal arrests in Prosper.

Federal White Collar Crimes

A white-collar crime is usually defined as one motivated for monetary gain without violence. Common federal white collar crimes include:

• Tax fraud
• Embezzlement
• Money laundering
• Insurance fraud
• Wire fraud
• Securities fraud
• Cybercrime

Even though white collar crimes are non-violent, they are still taken very seriously. Federal agencies prosecute these crimes aggressively and often use them to set an example.

Federal Drug Crimes

Among the most serious federal charges are drug crimes. Most drug charges are charged at the state level, including possession. Federal authorities usually get involved when borders are crossed, organized crime is involved, or there is a high value of drugs involved. Drug trafficking is by far the most common federal drug charge you can face.

Federal drug charges carry among the harshest penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences that may be decades.

Federal Weapons Crimes

Weapons crimes are taken very seriously by the U.S. government. Federal law prohibits certain groups from owning a firearm, including people addicted to controlled substances or convicted of certain crimes. Common federal weapons offenses include:

• Sale or transfer of a handgun or ammunition to a juvenile
• Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person
• Possession of a firearm in the commission of a violent or drug crime
• Sale of a firearm to a prohibited person
• Straw purchasing
• Possession, transporting, or receiving a firearm with an altered serial number

A federal weapons offense can come with harsh penalties, including decades in federal prison.

Federal Sex Crimes

Most sex crimes like sexual assault are prosecuted by the state of Texas. However, many federal agencies invest a lot of resources into the federal investigation and prosecution of sex crimes. Examples of common federal sex crimes are:

• Child pornography
• Sexual exploitation of children
• Aggravated sexual assault
• Sex trafficking

Federal sex crimes usually have much longer sentences and mandatory minimum sentences than similar state charges.

Penalties For A Federal Criminal Conviction

Conviction of a federal offense can result in very serious penalties. If sentenced to prison, the term will be based on a point system that considers the nature and severity of the crime and any prior criminal record. Some crimes, especially drug charges, have harsh mandatory minimum sentences.

The penalties you face with a federal charge are usually much stiffer than those for similar state offenses.

Federal drug trafficking, for example, can result in a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 to 40 years and a fine of up to $5 million.

Under Texas law, drug trafficking penalties can be as low as 2 years in prison.

There are many reasons the penalties for a federal charge are harsher than those for state crimes:

• Federal statutes have more strict sentencing laws than state statutes
• The maximum punishment for a federal crime is usually higher than that for a state crime
• Federal prosecutors do not have much discretion when negotiating a plea bargain
• Federal judges have limited discretion in sentencing
• Federal judges must follow very strict federal sentencing guidelines
• Most federal crimes have punishment enhancements

When you are facing federal criminal charges, the Prosper federal criminal defense lawyers at the Edgett Law Firm are here to help you. We will fight for your freedom and your rights by building the strongest defense possible.

Schedule A Free Consultation With A Prosper Federal Crimes Lawyer

When you are facing federal charges, you may feel overwhelmed and hopeless. You are innocent until proven guilty, but it’s important to seek experienced legal counsel as soon as possible. When you are up against the resources of the federal government, contact a Prosper federal crimes lawyer at the Edgett Law Firm for the legal guidance and advice you need.

Our Prosper federal crimes defense lawyers have experience in state and federal courts, handling more than 5,000 cases successfully. Contact our law office today to schedule your free consultation with a defense lawyer who will give you the vigorous defense you deserve.