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Get Experienced Defense For State Or Federal Charges

State-level crimes are offenses that violate state law. Federal crimes, however, violate the law at the national level. Although a state crime can result in harsh penalties such as incarceration, a federal charge is even more severe. In the United States, someone can commit a federal offense in two ways. The first way is to commit a crime that is made illegal by federal legislation such as mail fraud, which is when fraud is perpetrated by using mail that crosses state lines or involves the U.S. Postal Service. The second way is to commit a crime on federal property or against a federal agency.

When you are charged with a federal offense, the stakes are high even if your offense was considered minor. That’s because federal offenses often result in harsher penalties than those you could face in state court. Be prepared to be investigated by the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the IRS or another federal agency.

What Makes State Charges Different From Federal Ones?

State and federal crimes share many similarities, but they differ in a few crucial ways. These include:

  • State crimes: Violate Florida law, investigated by local or state police forces, prosecuted by county district attorneys, sometimes have a grand jury, sometimes have mandatory minimum sentences.
  • Federal crimes: Break federal law, investigated by national agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration or the Federal Bureau of Investigations, prosecuted by U.S. attorneys, always have a grand jury, almost always have minimum sentencing requirements.

Federal authorities have near-infinite resources to investigate and prosecute criminal conduct. Federal courts also frequently impose mandatory minimum prison sentences of which you must serve at least 85%. This makes it especially critical to have experienced federal criminal defense lawyers who are admitted to practice in federal court and have a record of positive plea deals and verdicts.

How We Can Help You

The law office of Escobar, Michaels & Associates is proud to employ highly skilled attorneys in the Tampa, Florida, area. We practice in state and federal courts throughout the United States. Because we have extensive experience representing those facing both state and federal offenses and we understand the severity of both, we can help this process run smoothly for you and your family. Some of the charges we regularly handle include:

  • Driving under the influence (DUI)
  • Drug possession and manufacturing
  • Federal drug trafficking
  • Unlawful possession of a weapon
  • Federal gun and weapons crimes
  • White collar charges
  • Sexual assault
  • Child pornography and internet sex crimes

Whether you’re the target of an FBI investigation or have been charged with an alleged state crime, we will explain to you the legal exposure you’re now facing. If you’re thinking of hiring a lawyer to represent you in your federal case, you must look for one who is familiar with federal rules of evidence and federal criminal procedure and its unique court system. Your lawyer must also be familiar with the sentencing procedures and recent Supreme Court rulings that affect sentencing. Your lawyer should also be familiar with the U.S. Attorney’s Office that is handling your case.

Contact Us Today

If you or someone you love is facing federal offenses, contact our law office immediately. We’re conveniently located in Tampa, Florida, so we’re close to home. Call us at 813-513-0274 or send us an email today. Federal courts usually move much more quickly than most state courts. That is why we make ourselves available to speak with you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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