Federal Charges
Federal Charges Defense in Brazoria, Ft. Bend, Galveston, Harris & Montgomery Counties
If you have a Houston area criminal case that has landed in the United States Federal Court system, the Law Office of Greg Tsioros can effectively handle your defense. Mr. Tsioros is particularly successful at defending all types of criminal matters due to his extensive previous experience as a prosecutor with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. Houston federal attorney Greg Tsioros knows how the government puts its cases together and can accurately anticipate each move the prosecution will make while protecting your Constitutional rights.
Not every Houston criminal defense lawyer is qualified to handle a federal defense. Unlike a state case, where an initial arrest usually precedes a more extensive investigation, a federal case is often very thoroughly investigated before charges are even brought against a defendant and the rules and regulations are different. Some of the most respected law enforcement agencies in the world investigate cases for the United States Government. If you are being investigated and/or charged by one of these agencies you need an experienced federal defense lawyer on your side to preserve your rights and fight your case.
Federal law enforcement agencies include the following:
- FBI
- Criminal Division of the IRS (CID)
- ATF
- United States Postal Service (Postal Inspector)
- DEA
- Department of Homeland Security
- United States Marshals Service
- United States Secret Service
- Office of Inspector General
Some investigations that result in federal charges start out as a state run investigation. State cases that most often turn into federal cases include weapons violations, drug, and computer crimes. Also, white collar crimes including health care fraud, mortgage fraud, tax fraud, securities and banking fraud, bankruptcy fraud, environment offenses, and conspiracy are typically handled by the federal system.
State Crimes vs. Federal Crimes
Most crimes committed are state level offenses, like robbery or assault. Texas handles criminal offenses that affect the safety of the public within its borders. If an illegal action disturbs that safety, it is handled at the level of state or county courts. The federal government does have the power to prosecute Texas citizens, but it only does so under specific circumstances.
Federal crimes usually involve offenses against the government or have certain characteristics. Misuse of government services or property is considered a crime against the federal government, so these offenses are handled in federal courts. Offenses that occur across state lines are also often considered federal crimes.
Sometimes, offenses usually handled at the state level can be upgraded to the federal courts. A person in possession of a large amount of drugs may be prosecuted at the state level, if they tried to transport those drugs across state lines, they may be prosecuted on federal charges. This is because interstate commerce is considered to be under the jurisdiction of the federal government.
However, it is possible to face both state and federal charges for the same offense. If the crime committed violates both state and federal laws, you could be tried in both courts.
Federal Charge Penalties
Conviction of a federal crime brings serious penalties that have lasting effects on a person’s life. Federal crimes typically result in longer prison sentences (compared to that of state sentences), higher fines, and parole or federal probation. Felony convictions can cause someone to lose their job, right to vote, right to own firearms, and other opportunities.
Federal Attorney Greg Tsioros
The Law Office of Greg Tsioros is ready to diligently challenge the federal government at each phase of a criminal prosecution. Mr. Tsioros is experienced at representing clients at trials, appeals, and federal Grand Juries. We have resources such as investigators, experts, and specialists to aid in our tireless preparation of all defenses. Greg Tsioros understands that a client’s liberty, reputation, and freedom are at stake and will take every measure possible to ensure that they are protected.
