Federal Criminal Defense
Practice Areas
- Criminal Defense
- DUI / OWI Defense
- Drug Crimes
- Domestic Violence
- Juvenile Defense
- Expungement
Michigan Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
Accused of a Federal Crime? We Defend Your Future and Your Freedom
Facing federal criminal charges is a serious matter. Whether you’re under investigation or have already been indicted for crimes such as drug trafficking, money laundering, wire fraud, or conspiracy, your future is on the line. Federal cases are complex, the penalties are severe, and federal prosecutors are backed by powerful government agencies.
At The Moubarak Law Firm, we defend clients in federal court across Michigan. Our experienced legal team understands the unique challenges of federal cases and provides aggressive, strategic representation at every stage of the process.
📞 Call (313) 566-4802 now for a free, confidential consultation.
What Is a Federal Crime?
A federal crime is any offense that violates U.S. federal law rather than state law. These crimes typically involve activities that cross state lines, take place on federal property, or are investigated by federal agencies. Federal cases are handled in U.S. District Court and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys, who have substantial resources to pursue convictions.
Common examples include:
🔹 Drug trafficking across state or national borders
🔹 Money laundering through interstate or international transactions
🔹 Wire fraud involving internet-based financial crimes
🔹 Tax evasion investigated by the IRS
🔹 Firearm trafficking and weapons violations
How Do Federal Charges Differ From State Charges?
Federal charges are often more serious than state offenses and come with higher penalties, longer prison sentences, and stricter procedural rules. While state courts handle local crimes like simple assault or theft, federal courts deal with cases involving:
🔹 Multiple jurisdictions or large-scale operations
🔹 Federal property or agencies
🔹 High-dollar financial crimes or organized criminal activity
🔹 Involvement of federal investigative agencies such as the FBI, DEA, IRS, or ATF
Federal sentencing guidelines are also much stricter, and many charges include mandatory minimum prison sentences. This makes early legal intervention absolutely critical.
Agencies Involved in Federal Investigations
Several federal agencies may be involved depending on the nature of the charges:
🔹 FBI – Investigates wire fraud, cybercrimes, conspiracy, and organized crime
🔹 DEA – Handles large-scale drug trafficking and manufacturing cases
🔹 IRS – Investigates tax evasion, financial fraud, and money laundering
🔹 ATF – Focuses on illegal firearms trafficking and explosives offenses
🔹 Homeland Security – Investigates immigration-related crimes and human trafficking
These agencies often work together to build cases over several months or even years before filing formal charges.
Types of Federal Criminal Cases We Handle
Our firm defends clients facing a wide range of federal charges, including:
Drug Trafficking
Federal drug charges involve large-scale distribution, importation, or manufacturing of controlled substances. Penalties include mandatory minimum prison time and millions in fines. These cases often involve surveillance, wiretaps, and confidential informants.
White Collar Crimes
White collar charges include wire fraud, mail fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion, and insider trading. These non-violent but high-impact offenses often result in asset forfeiture, restitution orders, and long prison terms.
Weapons Offenses
Federal firearms charges often involve illegal possession, transportation, or sale of weapons across state lines. Convictions may carry prison terms of five years or more, especially if connected to other crimes.
Cybercrimes
Online crimes such as hacking, identity theft, and internet fraud often fall under federal jurisdiction. Digital evidence is heavily used, and prosecution is aggressive.
Tax Evasion and Financial Fraud
Failing to report income or intentionally filing false returns can trigger federal investigations. These cases are often prosecuted alongside money laundering or fraud charges.
Federal Sex Crimes
Offenses include child exploitation, human trafficking, or crossing state lines for illegal sexual activity. These charges carry harsh penalties and sex offender registration requirements.
Conspiracy Charges
You can be charged with conspiracy even if the intended crime was never carried out. Conspiracy laws allow federal prosecutors to target multiple individuals within an organization or network.
What to Expect in Federal Court
Federal criminal cases differ from state cases in process, resources, and consequences. If you’ve been indicted, it means a grand jury found probable cause and formal charges have been filed.
Federal Court Process:
Investigation – Conducted by agencies like the FBI or DEA
Indictment – Formal charges issued by a grand jury
Arraignment – You are informed of the charges and enter a plea
Pre-trial Hearings – Motions are filed and evidence is exchanged
Trial – Both sides present their case before a federal judge or jury
Sentencing – If convicted, the court uses federal guidelines to impose penalties
Federal Sentencing Guidelines and Penalties
Federal judges use structured sentencing guidelines based on the severity of the offense and the defendant’s criminal history. Many crimes include mandatory minimums, removing judicial discretion in certain cases.
Penalties can include:
🔹 Long-term federal prison sentences
🔹 Fines reaching into the hundreds of thousands or more
🔹 Seizure of assets and property
🔹 Probation or supervised release
🔹 Permanent federal criminal record
A conviction may also result in loss of voting rights, the inability to own firearms, and restrictions on employment, housing, and loans.
Building a Federal Defense Strategy
Effective federal defense requires skill, preparation, and a deep understanding of federal law. At The Moubarak Law Firm, we build customized strategies based on the facts of your case and the evidence presented.
Key Defense Strategies:
🔹 Challenging illegally obtained evidence
If evidence was obtained without a warrant or through unlawful search, we can file motions to have it suppressed.
🔹 Disputing government claims
We analyze weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and challenge witness credibility, inconsistent testimony, or flawed investigation tactics.
🔹 Negotiating plea deals
In some cases, accepting a reduced charge may result in significantly lower penalties.
🔹 Preparing for trial
If the case goes to court, we present a compelling defense, cross-examine witnesses, and fight to achieve an acquittal or reduced sentence.
What to Do If You’re Under Federal Investigation
If you suspect you are under investigation, it is vital to get legal help immediately. Federal agencies often conduct investigations for months before filing charges, and anything you say or do can impact the outcome.
Avoid speaking with investigators without your attorney present. Do not hand over documents or devices voluntarily. Early legal advice can help you avoid missteps and strengthen your defense from the very beginning.
Contact The Moubarak Law Firm Today
If you are under investigation or have been charged with a federal crime in Michigan, do not wait. The earlier you get a federal criminal defense attorney involved, the better your chances of protecting your rights and your future.
Call The Moubarak Law Firm today at (313) 566-4802 to schedule your free consultation. Our legal team will help you understand your options and start building a strong defense immediately.
📍 Serving Detroit, Dearborn, Wayne County, and all federal courts throughout Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Criminal Defense
Federal crimes involve violations of U.S. law, often crossing state lines, involving federal agencies, or affecting national interests. State crimes violate local or state laws. Federal cases are prosecuted in U.S. District Court and usually carry harsher penalties.
Yes. Under the “dual sovereignty” doctrine, you can be charged separately by both state and federal prosecutors for the same offense. This is rare but legal.
Federal cases often take several months or longer due to extended investigations, pre-trial motions, and evidence gathering. Financial crimes or large conspiracy cases may take over a year to resolve.
Not all, but many do. Drug trafficking, firearms offenses, and certain financial crimes often include mandatory minimum prison terms that judges must follow. An experienced lawyer can work to challenge those minimums or seek sentence reductions.
Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately. Do not speak to investigators, hand over documents, or make statements without legal representation. Early legal help can protect your rights and prevent serious legal mistakes.
Yes. Many federal cases can be challenged through suppressed evidence, legal errors, weak witness credibility, or favorable plea negotiations. A strong legal defense can reduce charges or lead to acquittal.
It depends on the nature of the charges, your criminal history, and whether you are considered a flight risk or danger to the community. Your attorney can request a bail hearing to argue for pre-trial release.