Getting in Trouble with the Federal Government: What You Need to Know

hire the best criminal defense law firm in west palm beach, floridaGetting arrested is scary. But getting arrested for a federal crime is even scarier.

When you get arrested for a regular crime, like by your local police, your case goes to a state court.

But federal crimes are different – they involve the United States government – and that can make the legal process, and your defense, more complicated.

The federal government has a lot more money and resources than local courts. They also have more investigators, better technology, and more experienced lawyers working to prove that you are guilty.

Think of it like this: if you’re fighting a regular court case, it might be like boxing against one person. But fighting a federal case is like boxing against three people at once – it’s much harder to defend yourself.

That’s why you need a lawyer who knows how to handle federal cases the right way.

At Pakett Law, we have years of experience representing clients who were arrested for federal offenses. This separates us from most other criminal defense law firms in West Palm Beach.


Remember, not all lawyers know how to work in federal courts. You need someone who understands how the court system works, how federal judges and juries think, and who knows how to fight against government lawyers.


What makes a crime “federal”?

Here are some examples that are easy to understand:

  • If you do something illegal that involves crossing from one state to another
  • If you commit a crime using the post office
  • If you do something illegal that involves government agencies like the DEA (drug enforcement) or FBI
  • If you commit a crime that hurts a federal worker or damages federal property

Here’s a simple example: stealing from your neighbor’s mailbox might seem like regular theft. But because mail is handled by the U.S. Postal Service (a federal agency), it becomes a federal crime. Mail theft involves the unauthorized taking or destruction of mail that belongs to others. This can include any mail, packages, or letters left in or near mailboxes for pickup or delivery. In Florida, the crime of mail theft is governed by federal law under the United States Code (Title 18, Section 1708) as well as state law.

Another example: selling drugs in your city is illegal and will get you in trouble with local police. But if you transport drugs from one state to another, now the federal government gets involved, and the punishment becomes much worse. As a federal offense, drug trafficking is illegal, and the law prohibits people from transporting an illicit drug across state lines – or distributing, selling, manufacturing or possessing the drugs.

Many people don’t realize their crime is a federal offense until they’re arrested. They might think they’re just dealing with local police, but then find out the FBI or another federal agency is involved. A normal crime increases its seriousness in nature if any of the involved, injured parties include federal agencies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the U.S. Postal Service, the U.S. Treasury or other federal agencies.

Federal crimes usually have bigger punishments than regular crimes.

If you’re charged with a federal crime, you might be feeling scared and overwhelmed. This is normal.

The government has powerful lawyers and lots of resources to try to prove you’re guilty. But remember: good federal defense lawyers know how to fight these cases. They understand how federal courts work and know what it takes to defend you against government lawyers.

Don’t try to handle a federal case by yourself, and don’t wait to get help. The sooner you get a lawyer who knows federal law, the better chance you have of protecting yourself. Many people have successfully fought federal charges with the right legal help.

Our firm has successfully represented and counseled many defendants accused of federal crimes, including:

  • Bank fraud
  • Bank robbery
  • Bid rigging and political grafting
  • Federal drug charges
  • Federal drug conspiracies
  • Governmental licensing
  • Growing marijuana illegally
  • Mail fraud
  • Medicaid/Medicare fraud
  • Offenses related to computers or online actions
  • Tax fraud
  • White-collar offenses
  • Wire fraud

best lawyer for federal crime charges in west palm beach floridaWhen it comes to having a strong defense for your federal crime accusation, you need a lot more than any criminal defense attorney. While there are plenty of good lawyers across Florida, most are not ready to handle federal courts or crimes, since cases for these are much rarer.

When you are facing a federal charge, you can count on our federal defense lawyer in West Palm Beach to offer the defense you need.

What should I look for in a federal defense attorney?

When choosing a defense lawyer for a federal crime, prioritize those with substantial federal case experience, as these are more complex than state-level cases.
Look for a proven track record of success in cases similar to yours and check their reputation through reviews and testimonials.

It’s important to select a lawyer who specializes in your specific type of federal case, whether it involves fraud, drug charges, or white-collar crimes. Ensure they have the resources to handle thorough investigations and expert witnesses, as federal cases often demand these.

Good communication is key – choose someone who is responsive, clear, and keeps you informed. Trust and comfort also matter since you’ll need to work closely with them.

Lastly, take advantage of free consultations to evaluate their experience, approach, and personality before making a decision.

What are the most common federal crimes committed in Florida?

Some of the most common federal crimes include drug trafficking, white-collar crimes, and firearms offenses.

Drug trafficking cases often involve the manufacture, distribution, or possession of controlled substances across state or international borders, making them a frequent focus of federal law enforcement.

White-collar crimes, such as fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering are also prevalent.

Firearms offenses, including illegal possession or trafficking of guns, often fall under federal jurisdiction when they cross state lines or involve prohibited individuals. These crimes are priorities for federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, and ATF due to their wide-reaching consequences.

How do federal defense lawyers charge their clients?

Federal defense lawyers typically charge clients using either hourly rates or flat fees. Hourly rates are billed based on the time spent on the case, while flat fees involve a set amount for the entire representation. In some cases, lawyers may request a retainer upfront, which is an advance payment applied to future costs. The exact structure depends on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience.

Are the possible consequences of a federal charge larger than other types of charges?

Being accused of a federal crime is serious, and the stakes are high due to harsher penalties and the extensive resources federal prosecutors have.

First, federal crimes are prosecuted by highly skilled attorneys who often have substantial evidence, so it’s critical to hire an experienced federal defense lawyer immediately.

Second, federal investigations are thorough and often lengthy, meaning you might be under scrutiny for months before charges are filed. Anything you say or do during this time could impact your case.

Third, federal sentencing guidelines are strict and can result in severe penalties, including long prison terms. Understanding your rights and seeking expert legal advice early can make a significant difference in the outcome.

What’s the success rate of a federal crime defense?

The success rate of defending federal crimes is generally low due to the high conviction rate in federal courts.


Federal prosecutors have extensive resources, thorough investigations, and strong evidence before filing charges, which often leads to convictions or plea agreements.


However, success depends on factors like the quality of legal representation, the strength of the evidence, and the specific circumstances of the case.

While outright acquittals are rare, skilled defense attorneys can negotiate reduced charges, lighter sentences, or alternative outcomes. Early legal intervention significantly improves the chances of a favorable result.

What happens if I’ve been arrested?

If you’ve been arrested for a federal crime, you’ll likely be taken into custody and brought before a federal magistrate judge for an initial appearance.

At this hearing, the charges will be read, and you’ll be informed of your rights, including the right to an attorney. The judge will also decide whether you’ll be released on bail or detained until trial.

Federal cases often involve thorough investigations, and prosecutors may already have significant evidence against you.

You’ll have the chance to enter a plea, and if the case proceeds, there may be pretrial motions, discovery, and plea negotiations. If it goes to trial, the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Throughout the process, it’s critical to have an experienced federal defense lawyer to protect your rights and build a strong defense.

How long might a federal crime trial take?

The duration of a federal crime trial varies significantly based on numerous factors. Complex cases involving multiple defendants, extensive evidence, or numerous witnesses can take months or even years. Simpler cases may be resolved within a few weeks.

Key factors influencing the timeline include:

  • Complexity of the charges: More serious or complex offenses generally require more time for investigation, discovery, and trial.
  • Number of defendants: Trials involving multiple defendants often take longer due to the need to address each individual’s defense.
  • Amount of evidence: Cases with substantial amounts of evidence, such as voluminous documents, recordings, or expert testimony, require more time for review and presentation.
  • Plea negotiations: If plea negotiations are successful, the trial can be avoided altogether.
  • Scheduling conflicts: Availability of judges, attorneys, witnesses, and courtrooms can impact the trial schedule.
  • Motions and pretrial hearings: Numerous pretrial motions may be filed by both the prosecution and defense, which can delay the trial.

Remember – this information provides a general overview. The specific circumstances of each case will significantly impact the variety of charges, the potential consequences, the length of the trial, and more.

Don’t Wait to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney in West Palm Beach

If you’ve been charged with a federal crime – or if you are under investigation for this crime – the best time to hire a criminal defense attorney is immediately.

The earlier you have professional legal representation, the better your chances of avoiding critical mistakes, protecting your rights, and achieving the best possible outcome for your case.

Remember – arrests are common in Florida, the legal consequences are serious, and having a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer is essential to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

If you were charged with a serious crime in West Palm Beach or anywhere in the state of Florida, please schedule a free consultation with The Pakett Law Group. You can call 561-318-0531 or email us here.


The Pakett Law Group, PA is committed to providing our clients with the highest quality representation. With over a decade of legal experience, West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyer Brian T. Pakett and his team of West Palm Beach criminal lawyers possess a comprehensive understanding of Florida criminal law – which can benefit you in your time of need.


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