Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
Typically, a federal crime is any offense that violates a federal law enacted by Congress, even if the alleged conduct occurs entirely within one state. Federal charges commonly involve offenses investigated by agencies such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, or U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and may include crimes involving interstate commerce, federal property, financial crimes, drug trafficking, or other violations of federal statutes. Federal cases are often prosecuted aggressively and can carry severe penalties under the federal sentencing guidelines. Unlike many state offenses, federal criminal convictions generally cannot be expunged except in very limited circumstances authorized by law. Because federal courts operate under different rules and procedures than Utah state courts, it is critical to work with an experienced federal criminal defense attorney who understands how to protect your rights at every stage of the case.
A federal conviction means long prison sentences and a criminal record that follows you for the rest of your life. You do not want to face federal charges alone. You need an experienced defense lawyer to guide you every step of the way.
Have You Been Accused of a Federal Crime in Utah? Call (801) 459-8909 to Schedule a Free No-Obligation Consultation in Salt Lake City, Utah
We know what it takes to turn experience into results. Our attorneys understand how prosecutors think, how to challenge the evidence, and when to negotiate or take your case to trial. Every strategy is built around putting you in the strongest possible position.
But we don’t just know how to win—we have a track record that proves it. With more than 30 years of experience and thousands of clients represented, our results speak for themselves.
Proven Results. Relentless Defense.
A History of Successful Defenses
-
Not Guilty State v. A - Not Guilty on Attempted Rape, Forcible Sex Abuse, Kidnapping, Assault
-
Not Guilty State v. A - Not Guilty on Attempted Rape, Kidnapping & Assault
-
Dismissed State v. F - Aggravated Sexual Assault, Aggravated Kidnapping Dismissed
-
Dismissed State v. F - DV & Aggravated Assault Charges Dismissed
-
Dismissed State v. F - Protective Order Violation Charges Dismissed
-
Dismissed State v. F - Violation of Protective Order Dismissed
What are Federal Charges?
Some examples of federal crimes are as follows:
- Aircraft hijacking
- Kidnapping
- Bank robbery
- Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)
- Tax evasion
- Counterfeiting
- Wiretapping
- Theft from a museum
- Damaging or destroying public mailboxes
The difference between federal charges and state charges is whether you’ve broken a federal law or a state law. However, there are some areas where federal and state laws overlap. In many cases, the primary difference between federal and state charges is that federal charges typically have higher minimum sentence requirements.
The most common minimum sentences are often for drug related federal crimes where you could be facing a minimum of 5 years of prison time. Even if you plead guilty or make a plea deal, at the federal level you still face the mandatory minimum sentence.
To Get the Best Possible Outcome for Your Case, Contact the Wasatch Defense Lawyers
Why Choose Wasatch Defense Lawyers
Hire at Team You Can Count On
-
Largest Criminal Defense Team in the History of the State
-
100+ Years of Combined Criminal Defense Experience
-
Fewer than 1% of its clients have been sent to prison
-
Over 650 Trials Handled
our winning strategy
4 Steps to a Positive Outcome
Every case is different. At Wasatch Defense Lawyers, we thoroughly investigate the facts, examine the evidence, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Our attorneys evaluate every available option, from challenging improper procedures and suppressing evidence to negotiating reduced charges or preparing for trial. With decades of combined experience and hundreds of trials, we approach each case strategically and aggressively. Whether pursuing dismissal, reduced charges, or a favorable trial outcome, we build a defense focused on protecting your rights, freedom, and future.
-
1Laying the GroundworkWe prepare before the fight begins. Decades of experience, deep legal knowledge, and strong relationships with prosecutors and judges give us the foundation to build a smarter, more targeted defense.
-
2Discussing The DetailsEvery detail matters. We dig deep into your case, examining reports, records, evidence, and your side of the story to uncover the facts that can shape your defense.
-
3Building Your CaseWe challenge what the prosecution thinks it knows. We scrutinize the evidence, investigate police procedures, expose weaknesses, and develop a defense strategy built specifically for your case.
-
4Obtaining Positive ResultsWe pursue the outcome that puts you in the strongest position. Whether through aggressive negotiation or a meticulously prepared trial defense, we fight to reduce charges, protect your future, and achieve the best result possible.