Are you facing federal charges in McKinney, Texas? Call Texas Defense Firm at (972) 369-0577 to speak with an experienced McKinney federal crimes lawyer about your situation.
Federal investigations and prosecutions are serious matters that carry life-changing consequences, often much more serious than the same crimes that are handled in state courts. With more than 200 years of combined legal experience, our firm has the in-depth knowledge to defend you at every stage.
Federal cases require aggressive strategies and an understanding of complex federal law that few firms possess. Don’t take chances with your future if you’re dealing with this situation. Contact our McKinney criminal defense attorneys to schedule a confidential consultation.
Why Choose Texas Defense Firm if You’re Arrested For a Federal Crime in McKinney, TX?
Facing federal charges in McKinney, TX, is a confusing experience for the defendant and their family. The team at Texas Defense Firm is here to help.
Clients turn to our McKinney criminal defense lawyers when they want compassion and results because:
- We’ve been voted the top criminal defense attorneys in McKinney.
- Our legal team includes Texas Super Lawyers, demonstrating our commitment to quality representation.
- We provide clients with immediate, around-the-clock access. You can call us 24/7 if you have questions or need updates about your case.
If you’re facing federal charges in Texas, our team can listen to your story and offer support. We have experience handling all types of federal court charges, and we’ll do everything it takes to get you the results you want. Contact us for a confidential consultation with a McKinney federal crimes attorney.
Overview of Federal Crimes in Texas
Federal crimes in Texas are handled differently from state offenses, with unique laws, courts, and procedures. Unlike a typical criminal case in state court, federal charges often carry more severe penalties and involve agencies like the FBI or DEA.
Understanding how the federal system works and what makes a case federal can help you navigate the process if you or someone you love is under investigation.
How the Federal System Works
Federal crimes are prosecuted in United States District Courts by federal prosecutors known as Assistant U.S. Attorneys.
Cases usually begin with an investigation by federal agents, often lasting months before an arrest is made. These courts follow the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which are generally stricter than Texas state sentencing laws.
Types of Federal Charges
For a crime to be prosecuted at the federal level, it usually needs to break a specific federal law, involve federal agencies or property, cross state lines, or affect interstate commerce. Federal charges often lead to tougher penalties and more complex investigations than state offenses.
Here are some of the most common types of federal crimes and what sets them apart:
Drug Trafficking
Smuggling, distributing, or manufacturing illegal drugs becomes a federal case when it involves crossing state or national borders, large quantities, or targets by federal agencies like the DEA.
Wire Fraud
Wire fraud covers schemes that use electronic communications, such as phone calls, emails, or online messages, to trick or steal from others, especially if the scheme crosses state lines or uses the internet.
Mail Fraud
Since the postal system is federally regulated, sending fraudulent documents or making false promises through the mail can result in federal mail fraud charges.
Bank Robbery
Crimes involving theft or attempted theft from banks and federally insured financial institutions fall under federal jurisdiction and are aggressively prosecuted.
Immigration Violations
Actions like entering the country illegally, reentering after deportation, or submitting false immigration documents are prosecuted by federal authorities because they concern national border and citizenship laws.
Child Exploitation Crimes
Producing, sharing, or possessing child pornography, as well as any online exploitation of minors, can trigger federal prosecution due to internet use and nationwide impact.
White Collar Crimes
These offenses, such as insider trading, healthcare fraud, and securities fraud, often involve federal agencies when committed against federally regulated organizations or across state lines.
Federal charges mean you face experienced prosecutors and strict sentencing, making it critical to work with a criminal defense lawyer who has experience with the system.
What Are the Penalties for Federal Crimes in McKinney, Texas?
Federal crime penalties in McKinney are serious and vary widely depending on the specific charge, the details of the case, your criminal record, and the federal sentencing guidelines. Consequences can be much harsher than what you’d face in a state court, and federal prosecutors have powerful resources at their disposal.
Here are some of the main penalties you could face if convicted of a federal crime:
Lengthy Prison Sentences
Federal crimes often come with mandatory minimum prison terms. Many offenses, like drug trafficking, weapons violations, or child exploitation, have set minimums and can result in years or even decades behind bars. Unlike state sentences, there is no parole in the federal system, so most people serve at least 85% of their sentence.
Substantial Fines
Convictions can lead to steep financial penalties. Fines for federal crimes can range from thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the severity of the offense and any monetary gain involved.
Supervised Release and Probation
After serving federal prison time, you may be required to complete a period of supervised release, a form of strict probation monitored by federal officers. This can last several years and include conditions like drug testing, employment requirements, or restrictions on travel.
Asset Forfeiture
In many types of federal cases, especially those involving drugs, fraud, or money laundering, the government may seize property, money, or assets connected to criminal activity. This can include your home, vehicles, or bank accounts.
Restitution to Victims
Courts often order defendants to pay restitution, meaning you must repay victims for their losses resulting from your crime. This can apply even after other fines or forfeitures.
Permanent Criminal Record
A federal conviction creates a lifelong record that can make it hard to obtain employment, housing, professional licenses, or even travel abroad. Some offenses, like sex offenses, also come with registration requirements.
The actual penalties you may face depend on factors like the type of crime, the amount of loss involved, your prior record, and your cooperation with authorities. The best way to get the lightest sentence is to work with a criminal defense lawyer right away.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for a Federal Crime?
Facing federal charges can be scary, but working with a lawyer allows you to build a strong defense. Some common legal defenses include:
Lack of Evidence
Federal prosecutors must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. If they only have circumstantial evidence or unreliable witnesses, your attorney can challenge the government’s proof, cross-examine their witnesses, and argue that the prosecution hasn’t met its burden. This defense may lead to dismissal or acquittal if the evidence simply doesn’t add up.
Unlawful Search and Seizure
If agents searched your home, car, or phone without a valid warrant or didn’t follow proper procedures, any evidence they found may be inadmissible in court. Your lawyer can file motions to suppress evidence obtained through an unconstitutional search, which might undermine the entire case if certain materials are excluded.
Entrapment
This defense applies if law enforcement pressured or persuaded you into committing a crime you otherwise would not have committed. For entrapment to succeed, your attorney must show you had no previous intent to commit the crime and that you were induced or set up by government agents.
Lack of Criminal Intent
Many federal offenses require the government to prove you acted willfully or knowingly. If your actions were accidental or you genuinely misunderstood the law or situation, your lawyer can argue that you lacked the necessary intent for a conviction.
Alibi and Mistaken Identity
If you can provide credible evidence that you were somewhere else when the crime took place, this can cast serious doubt on your involvement. Supporting documentation, such as receipts, surveillance footage, or reliable alibi witnesses, can be used to show mistaken identity or a false accusation.
Every federal case is unique, and the best defense will depend on a careful review of the allegations and the way evidence was collected. Working with an experienced federal criminal defense attorney gives you the best chance to build a strong, effective defense and protect your rights.
Contact Our McKinney Federal Crimes Lawyers for a Confidential Consultation
Facing federal charges can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to handle it alone. The legal process is complicated, and one mistake can permanently affect your freedom, family, and future.
With our firm, you have access to a team that’s handled some of the toughest cases in federal court. We make sure every possible defense is explored and every option is considered. Contact Texas Defense Firm to schedule a consultation with a McKinney federal crimes lawyer.