Dayton Federal Crimes Attorney

Have you been charged with a federal crime in Dayton, OH? The Dayton federal crimes attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC have more than 100 years of combined experience representing Ohio residents. Call us today at (937) 531-0435.

If you have been arrested by the DEA, ATF, FBI, or other federal law enforcement agency, it’s crucial to seek experienced legal counsel as soon as possible. Federal charges have harsher penalties than state charges and they are tried in federal court, not state court.

Contact our law firm today to schedule a free case review with a federal defense attorney who can help you.

How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help When You’re Charged with a Federal Crime

Facing a federal criminal charge can be frightening and overwhelming. Not only are you facing a potentially long prison sentence, but you may also be required to serve time in a federal facility far from home and your family. With almost limitless resources at their disposal, it can feel hopeless to try to fight a federal prosecutor seeking the maximum penalty possible.

At Suhre & Associates, LLC, we have more than a century of combined legal experience representing Dayton residents facing federal charges. We will serve as your advocate to tirelessly represent you, gather exculpatory evidence to clear your name, and negotiate with the prosecution on your behalf. You deserve the best legal defense, and we will strive toward the best possible outcome for your case.

The Dayton criminal defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC includes a former prosecutor and former police officer. 

We put our experience to work for you to:

  • Protect your constitutional rights
  • Gather evidence to build your defense
  • Take advantage of weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
  • Explore the best possible legal defenses to the charges you face
  • Negotiate with the prosecution and seek to have your charges reduced or dismissed or reach a satisfactory plea deal
  • Represent you in federal court if your case goes to trial 

When you are facing federal charges, the stakes are high. It’s important to hire an experienced Dayton federal crimes defense attorney to help with your case. Contact our law office today to protect your rights and begin building the strong defense you deserve.

What Is the Difference Between State and Federal Charges?

There are many differences between state and federal criminal charges to be aware of. Federal charges are filed for offenses that violate the Code of Laws of the United States. However, many offenses can be charged at either the federal or state level. Some cases result in charges in state and federal court, or you may only be charged by state or federal law enforcement.

Several factors are considered when determining if someone will be tried under state or federal law:

  • Was the offense related to a large criminal operation?
  • Did a federal agency conduct the investigation?
  • Did the offense cross state lines?
  • Was the offense related to a national or federal issue such as tax fraud or immigration? 

Some offenses are only crimes under federal law, but many acts can be prosecuted in state or federal court. There are fewer federal crime classes because state lawmakers have greater jurisdiction to pass laws but federal lawmakers can only pass laws when there is a national or federal interest involved.

In Dayton, most arrests fall under the Ohio Revised Code. The vast majority of offenses are charged under Ohio law, in which case the offense is investigated by a local law enforcement department and prosecuted by a state district attorney in county court.

Federal crimes, by comparison, are investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). When an arrest is made, a federal prosecutor tries the case in a U.S. district court.

State and federal charges do not just differ in where the cases are tried: there are many differences in procedure and punishment. Federal agencies have much better funding than state agencies with extremely skilled and experienced agents and investigators. The rules that apply in federal court will be very different than those in a state court which makes it crucial to seek counsel from a federal defense attorney in Dayton who is familiar with federal procedures.

As a general rule, most federal offenses carry harsher penalties and sentencing guidelines. This is particularly true for offenses that involve conspiracy, drug trafficking, and federal sexual offenses. In addition to mandatory minimum sentences and longer sentencing guidelines, federal judges have far less discretion than state judges. If you are convicted, you will also serve a sentence in a federal facility which may be far from home.

Common Federal Offenses in Dayton, Ohio

Federal law is not as broad as state law, but federal agencies still have the authority to make arrests in Ohio for a wide range of criminal offenses. However, most federal arrests fall under these categories.

Federal White Collar Crimes

White collar crime refers to typically non-violent crimes motivated by financial gain. This can include embezzlement, for example, or fraud. 

Federal white collar crimes can include:

  • Tax evasion
  • Health care fraud
  • Insurance fraud
  • Cybercrime
  • Securities fraud
  • Money laundering 

Even though these crimes are usually non-violent in nature, they are still taken very seriously. It’s also common for authorities to make an example out of white collar criminals with harsh penalties if convicted.

Federal Drug Crimes

Federal drug offenses are among the most serious and they are often charged alongside state drug charges. Many federal drug offenses involve the trafficking, exportation, or importation of controlled substances. If convicted, you may face life in prison.

When charged with a federal drug offense, it’s important to seek counsel from a Dayton federal criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. These offenses often carry mandatory minimum sentences if convicted, but there are many possible defenses available.

Federal Weapons Crimes

Americans have the right to own firearms, but gun ownership is strictly regulated at the state and federal levels. Federal law prohibits certain people from possessing or owning a firearm such as people unlawfully in the United States, people addicted to a controlled substance, and people convicted of specific crimes.

There are many federal weapons charges, but common offenses include:

  • Straw purchasing, or purchasing a firearm for someone unable to do so
  • Commercial robbery
  • Sale or transfer of a handgun to a juvenile
  • Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person
  • Possession of a firearm in the commission of a violent or drug crime
  • Possessing, receiving, transporting, or shipping a gun with an altered serial number

Federal law enforcement agencies take weapons offenses very seriously. A federal weapons offense can have you facing decades or even life in prison.

Federal Sex Crimes

Most sex crimes, including sexual assault are prosecuted by the state. A federal agency like the FBI, however, dedicates resources to investigating and prosecuting certain types of federal sex crimes. 

This includes:

Federal sex crimes have longer minimum sentences and prison terms than similar state sex crimes. Many of these federal offenses involve offenses that occur online or cross state lines.

Punishments for a Federal Conviction

Federal charges usually have harsher penalties than state charges, including potentially longer sentences served in federal prison. The federal criminal system uses a point system to determine a prison sentence for a charge that depends on criminal history, the nature of the crime, and the severity of the charge. There are also mandatory minimum sentences for many federal charges like drug offenses.

With most crimes, a federal conviction will carry a harsher punishment than you would receive for a similar conviction in an Ohio court. For example, a federal kidnapping charge carries a penalty of up to life in prison. It becomes a capital offense if the kidnapping results in a death. Under Ohio law, kidnapping may be a first or second-degree felony punishable by 3-11 years or 2-8 years in prison.

The penalties for a federal criminal conviction are always harsh, but you are not alone. Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer at Suhre & Associates, LLC so we can fight for you.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Dayton Federal Crimes Attorney

Have you been charged with a federal offense or you are currently being investigated? Do not delay; contact the Dayton criminal defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC to discuss your case and begin building your defense. We have more than a century of combined experience with federal and state law. A Dayton federal crimes attorney at Suhre & Associates, LLC is here to give you the guidance and legal advice you need.

Visit our Law Office

Suhre & Associates, LLC
130 W 2nd St #310
Dayton, OH 45402

(937) 531-0435

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