Ohio and every other state say the difference between a state and federal crime is whether you have broken a state or federal law. If you broke a federal law, then you have committed a Federal offense. An investigation for a federal crime is typically initiated by the federal government long before charges are filed.  Once the federal government has enough information to file a charge, the arraignment is held in which a formal reading is made to inform you of the federal charges against you.

Federal offenses in Ohio come would be:

  • 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, conspiracy, financial institution, accounting, computer,  and corporate 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.
  • Breaking a law against the Postal Service

 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 catastrophic affects for you if you’ve been charged.

When an individual is convicted for a federal crime, his or her punishment is determined by the United States Sentencing Guidelines. While federal laws generally have minimum and maximum punishments established for federal crimes, the USSG assigns points based on factors relevant to the act committed and the defendant, and the court uses the point system to determine where in the range the sentencing should fall. If convicted in Ohio, the punishment could include prison, fines, forfeiture of money and property and the return of money stolen.  Additionally, you may 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 these strict sentencing guidelines. 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.

The Bottom Line: If you are charged, I am well versed in your type of crime and will protect your rights and use a strong defense strategy to ensure you are treated fairly and justly in the federal court system.  Call me anytime, 513-260-2099