Federal Criminal Defense

Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers Advocating For You

Whether this is your first federal offense or an unfortunate repeat trip, federal crimes are no laughing matter. Although you technically stand charged with a white collar offense, the fact that the federal government is prosecuting you means you might lose even more than you anticipated.

Like other states, Pennsylvania retains a lot of authority in white collar criminal matters. It defines its own laws for many crimes, but this doesn’t mean that the feds won’t step in if they see fit. At Stanton D. Levenson, P.A. Law Offices, in Pittsburgh, we work diligently to help those who suddenly find themselves at the mercy of national authorities. Our father-daughter defense team is passionate about leveraging their experience in the United States Supreme Court and various federal court systems to help those in need of a solid defense and continuous advocacy.

High-Stakes Federal Charges Explained

Federal law spans a vast body of statutes and regulations. All told, it encompasses hundreds of different categories of punishable acts. Certain federal crimes may meet the definition of high-stakes offenses due to the amount of money involved or the alleged harm done to the public good, such as:

• Embezzlement crimes where offenders in positions of trust steal from their companies
• Fraud perpetuated by businesses against consumers or other business partners
• Securities or investment fraud, where investors allege that they were deliberately misled
• Bank fraud, obtaining funds from a financial institution through illegal means
• Health care fraud, when medical workers bill insurance companies for services not rendered
• Mortgage fraud, where prospective borrowers provide incorrect information to obtain a mortgage
• Tax fraud, where a citizen knowingly files their taxes with false information
• Government benefits fraud, when an applicant tries to secure government benefits by offering inaccurate information
• Drug crimes and drug trafficking, where offenders possess illegal substances and may intend to distribute them
• Sex crimes and Title IX allegations, when someone assaults another in a sexual nature

The fact that white collar crimes don’t necessarily involve violent acts doesn’t mean that prosecutors will look upon them any more favorably. At Stanton D. Levenson, P.A. Law Offices, we are lawyers who will do everything in our power to imbue your defense with the strength that comes from years of experience and intelligent representation. By establishing your good character and building robust, evidence-based arguments, we can help you sidestep outcomes like spending years in prison or paying massive fines.

Federal Sentencing Reductions

There has been a lot of scrutiny over the years about the previous way federal sentences were determined. Recently, there have been some changes and a new law was passed detailing how federal judges will now hand down sentences. This new alteration also applies to Pennsylvanians already serving their sentence. If you are currently serving a federal sentence or know someone who is in that situation, a federal sentence reduction may be attainable under this new law. Do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to learn more.

What To Do And Not To Do When Charged With A Federal Crime

Even if prosecutors portray the case against you as a foregone conclusion, it’s important to remember that you always have choices. After an arrest, be sure to avoid making common mistakes, such as attempting to destroy evidence, ignoring subpoenas, lying to federal agents and trying to handle the process alone.

To protect yourself following an arrest for a federal crime, be sure to promptly hire a trustworthy criminal defense attorney, collect important documents, write down relevant information and familiarize yourself with your case and the law.

How Does A Federal Crime Differ From A State Crime?

Federal crimes and state crimes differ primarily in:

• Jurisdiction: State crimes violate state laws and are prosecuted in state courts. They address crimes like assault, theft and DUI. On the other hand, federal crimes involve violations of federal law, offenses that cross state lines or those committed on federal property. Agencies like the FBI, DEA or IRS often investigate these cases.
• Severity: Federal crimes tend to carry harsher penalties than state crimes. While state crimes may result in fines, probation or state prison sentences, federal crimes lead to longer prison terms in federal facilities.
• Prosecution: State prosecutors handle state-based crimes, while U.S. attorneys, backed by extensive federal resources, prosecute federal crimes. Federal cases involve more complex investigations and extremely strict sentencing guidelines.

If you are unsure of the difference based on your unique circumstance, our attorneys can help provide clarity.

What Types Of Crimes Fall Under Federal Jurisdiction?

Crimes fall under federal jurisdiction when they, violate U.S. federal laws, cross the state or international borders, occur on federal property or involve federal agencies.

Common federal crimes include:

• White collar crimes: Fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion and insider trading
• Drug offenses: Large-scale drug trafficking and manufacturing
• Cybercrimes: Hacking, identity theft and wire fraud
• Violent crimes: Terrorism, human trafficking and kidnapping across state lines
• Firearms offenses: Illegal possession, trafficking or violations of federal gun laws

Because federal cases often involve agencies like the FBI or DEA, investigations can be lengthy and complex. That is why these cases require skilled legal representation.

What Should You Look For When Hiring A Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer In Pennsylvania?

Choosing the right federal criminal defense lawyer can make a huge difference in your case. Consider the following factors:

• Experience in federal court: Federal cases follow different procedures than state cases. A lawyer with extensive federal experience understands these complexities and how to navigate federal courts effectively.
• Proven track record: Look for a lawyer with a history of handling and winning federal cases. A demonstrated record of success in similar charges shows their ability to craft strong defense strategies.
• Resources and team support: Federal cases require deep legal knowledge and strategic planning. Having access to two experienced lawyers within a firm helps ensure comprehensive defense strategies and a better chance of success.

Our father-daughter team leverages our experience in the field to provide strategic defense.

Accepting Punishment Is Not The Only Option

The only way to know whether you’ll be able to move forward and put this incident behind you is to talk to experienced federal criminal defense attorneys who understand how federal laws work – and how to make those laws work for you. Contact us at Stanton D. Levenson, P.A. Law Offices, to discuss your case and potential defense strategies. Call 412-467-0954 or send a message online today. From our offices in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, we represent clients nationwide.