Being charged or investigated for federal crimes requires excellent criminal defense representation.   The criminal defense lawyers at Padway & Padway Law Offices effectively defend against federal charges such as drug trafficking, bank robbery, wire and mail fraud, child pornography, money laundering, healthcare fraud, RICO crimes, and more.

Federal Court is drastically different than State Court.  The prosecutors, judges, and investigating agencies are oftentimes different.  Unlike State court, sentences handed out in federal court are governed by the United State Sentencing Guidelines.  These sentencing guidelines, now advisory and formerly mandatory, suggest a sentence to the court based on a variety of factors.  The guidelines can be complex, but the attorney’s at Padway & Padway Law Offices know how to use them to gain an advantage for our clients.  A closer look at some of the more common Federal charges below.

Drug Trafficking: The manufacture, distribute, or dispense or possess with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, a controlled substance.  Penalties for drug trafficking are steep and dependent on the quantity and substance including but not limited to marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.

Bank Robbery: The federal crime of bank robbery is defined under United States Code Title 18, Section 2113 as part of a statute that also includes other theft-related crimes.   Bank robbery Is described as taking, using force or intimidation, any money or property under the custody and control of a bank, credit union, or savings and loan institution. 

Wire Fraud: Wire fraud is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C., Section 1343.  The federal government is known for pursuing harsh penalties against people who engage in wire fraud.  Wire fraud refers to any type of fraud which is carried out via some electronic medium.  Wire fraud could be conducted via radio or television, as well as over the internet. 

Mail Fraud: Mail fraud is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C., Section 1341 and is commonly known as postal fraud.  Mail fraud is defined by federal law as a knowing or reckless misrepresentation of material fact and utilizing the mail system to deprive someone of money or property.

Child Pornography:  Sexual exploitation of children is covered under 18 U.S.C., Section 2251.  In basic terms, any person who attempts to induce, entice, or persuade a minor to engage in a sexual act for the purpose of making a video, picture or other images is guilty of sexual exploitation.  Under federal law, the penalties are severe.

Money Laundering: Money laundering is a crime covered under 18 U.S.C., Sections 1956 and 1957.  A general definition of money laundering is making money appear as if it came from a legitimate source when the product of unlawful conduct.  The federal government dedicates a substantial amount of resources to investigate any accusations of money laundering.

Healthcare Fraud: Healthcare fraud is covered under 18 U.S.C., Section 1347.  It is defined as an individual knowingly and willfully or, attempts to execute a scheme defrauding any health care benefit program by false pretenses or representations, or promises to obtain money or property controlled by an health care benefit program.

RICO Crimes: RICO is a federal statute short for the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations.  RICO gives federal prosecutors the authority to indict anyone who is part of the organization or who participates in a criminal enterprise with racketeering activities.  Racketeering is a federal crime under United State Code Title 18, Section 1961.  Put simply, RICO allows members of criminal enterprises to be charged with racketeering.