Houston Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Houston Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

How is a Federal Crime Different from a State Crime?

In the area of criminal law in the United States, the great majority of criminal prosecutions that occur are done so to enforce state laws. But just as we have state laws that are passed by state governments, we also have federal laws that are passed by the United States Congress. While the most common crimes (DWI, Assault, Murder, Rape, Robbery, etc.) are governed by state law, crimes like federal tax fraud, wire fraud, bank robbery, and drug trafficking are all governed by federal laws.

What’s the difference? What makes a crime a federal crime? To properly answer these questions, try to think of it like this; if any suspected criminal activity is alleged to cross state lines, affect the federal government in any way, or concern interstate commerce then that alleged activity is likely to be governed by federal law. If you have legal questions about a specific case, then it is important that you speak to an experienced Houston federal criminal lawyer as soon as possible.

What Are Some Examples of Federal Crimes in Houston?

Common examples of federal crimes that are charged in Houston include:

• Transporting illegal drugs into the United States
• Firearms trafficking
• Lying on your federal tax returns
• Making a plan with another to commit a federal crime
• Committing fraud against a business
• The trafficking of women or children
• Illegal Entry or Reentry
• Bank Fraud
• Wire Fraud

The different activities listed above can lead to various criminal charges. Specific federal criminal charges can be found below. This is not a complete list of federal offenses by any means:

• Federal drug trafficking (21 U.S.C. § 841)
• Wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343)
• Federal tax fraud (26 U.S.C. § 7201)
• Conspiracy (18 U.S.C. § 371)
• White-collar crime
• Human trafficking (21 U.S.C. Chap. 77)
• Immigration Crimes

Federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, ICE, and other agencies investigate and pursue suspected federal crime. A conviction for any of these charges can lead to significant time in federal prison along with hefty fines. These fines can easily be in the millions of dollars depending on the case.

Which Court Hears Houston Federal Criminal Cases?

Federal cases that arise in Houston are heard at the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division. This court is located at:

Bob Casey the United States Courthouse
515 Rusk Avenue
Houston, TX 77002

To find out where you or a loved one’s case might be heard, it is important to speak to an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer.

Experience Matters

While a lawyer may have state court criminal defense experience, nothing properly simulates what goes on in federal court. The right attorney for a federal criminal case is one who has the proper experience and resources to put into your case when defending against the power of the federal government.

The federal government has limitless resources when it comes to investigating and pursuing criminal cases. Your first step towards making this a fair fight is to have a seasoned federal criminal defense attorney on your side. At Greco Neyland, we lean on our past experience to help bring you future success.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you are facing the possibility of federal criminal charges in or around Houston, or have already been federally indicted, then it is important to listen to the advice of an experienced Houston federal criminal lawyer.

At Greco Neyland, we are proud to offer FREE consultations to anyone facing potential federal criminal charges. If you are looking for a candid evaluation of your federal criminal case, then our attorneys are available for you now.

Contact us anytime at (713) 972-1100. The advice from us is free, and any conversations will be protected by attorney-client privilege even if you decide to hire another attorney. Take the first step towards freedom by calling Greco Neyland today.