In Ohio, like every other state the difference between a state and federal crime is whether you have broken a state of Federal law.   If you broke a federal law, then you have committed a Federal offense.

Common examples of federal crimes

  • Tax Crimes: Including tax evasion, fraud, and public corruption.
  • Violent crimes: Including kidnappings, child abduction, serial murders, serial rapes, and terrorism.
  • White Collar Crimes: Including money laundering, insurance fraud, conspiracy cases and financial institution fraud.
  • Major drug crimes: Including drug trafficking and involvement with certain types of drugs.
  • Major thefts: Including major artwork at a museum, gems, jewelry, and bank robbery.
  • Immigration crimes: Including immigration fraud, smuggling illegal aliens, and illegal re-entry.

Common examples of federal offenses in Ohio

  • Breaking a law against the IRS, Postal Service, Securities and Exchange Commission and the U.S. Treasury.
  • Accounting fraud
  • Antitrust crimes
  • Computer crimes
  • Corporate fraud
  • Terrorism

An Ohio federal offense attorney may represent you in court, attempt to negotiate a plea bargain, or represent you at trial.  As a defendant in a federal offense case, you have the right to have an attorney, you may choose upon the advice of your attorney to have a jury trial, and the right to produce evidence and not incriminate yourself.   An Ohio federal lawyer can help protect your rights under the law.

Committing a federal offense in Ohio is an extremely serious matter  and can have cataclysmic affects for you if you have been charged with a federal offense.  The punishment if you get convicted of a federal offense in Ohio could include prison incarceration, fines, the forfeiture of money and property, and returning any monies or property you stole in committing the federal offense. In addition you could be subjected to being released under strict supervision or kept on house arrest.

Also, if any type of firearm was used in the federal offense it could add five years to your sentence.  A prior criminal record, drug offenses, and other crimes could also greatly impact the severity of your punishment.

An experienced Ohio federal offense attorney can negotiate on your behalf with the federal prosecutors who rely on strict sentencing guidelines set down by the government.  If you have a knowledgeable Ohio federal offense lawyer by your side they can raise issues such as a clean criminal record, and other important facts of the case that could get you a lighter sentence.

Bottom line: In the event you’ve been charged with a federal offense, a federal offense attorney is well versed in your type of crime and will not only protect your rights, but be able to fashion a strong defense strategy that will ensure you are treated fairly and justly in the federal court system.  Put my mobile phone number into your phone:   (513) 260-2099. Hopefully you will never have to make that call. But, if the need arises, I can help you.

Scott A. Rubenstein, Cincinnati Attorney at Law