Federal Charges Require Federal-Level Defense.

Federal crimes carry some of the most severe penalties in the American criminal justice system. Below is an overview of common federal charges and the sentences they carry.

Federal Drug Crimes: Federal drug trafficking offenses carry mandatory minimum sentences that judges are required to impose upon conviction. For many Schedule I and Schedule II controlled substances: including heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl: the mandatory minimum sentence ranges from 5 to 40 years in federal prison depending on the type and quantity of the drug. For large quantities, such as one kilogram or more of heroin or five kilograms or more of cocaine, the mandatory minimum increases to 10 years to life in prison. If a death or serious bodily injury results from the use of the distributed substance, a 20-year mandatory minimum applies. There is no parole in the federal system, meaning defendants must serve at least 85% of their sentence.

Federal Firearms Offenses: Federal firearms charges frequently arise alongside drug and violent crime cases. Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), it is a federal crime for a convicted felon, a person under indictment for a felony, an unlawful drug user, or certain other prohibited persons to possess a firearm or ammunition. A conviction carries up to 10 years in federal prison. However, under the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA), defendants with three or more prior convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses face a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence. Additionally, 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) imposes mandatory consecutive sentences for using or carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime or crime of violence: starting at 5 years for possession and increasing to 7 years for brandishing and 10 years for discharge of the weapon.

White Collar Crimes: Federal fraud charges: including wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343), mail fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341), bank fraud, healthcare fraud, and tax evasion: carry significant prison terms determined largely by the federal sentencing guidelines. The guidelines calculate offense levels based on the amount of financial loss caused by the fraud. Wire and mail fraud convictions carry a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison, increasing to 30 years if the fraud affects a financial institution. Tax evasion under 26 U.S.C. § 7201 carries up to five years in prison per count. Restitution orders requiring defendants to repay victims are standard in federal fraud cases.

Federal Sex Crimes: Federal sex crime charges: including child exploitation, production or distribution of child sexual abuse material, internet crimes against children, and sex trafficking: carry some of the most severe penalties in federal law. Production of child sexual abuse material carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison. Sex trafficking of a minor carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years to life. Defendants convicted of federal sex offenses face mandatory sex offender registration and lifetime supervised release following their prison term. These cases demand immediate, discreet, and experienced defense representation.

Federal Sentencing: All federal sentences are calculated using the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which establish a recommended sentencing range based on the seriousness of the offense and the defendant's criminal history. While the guidelines are advisory rather than mandatory, federal judges give them significant weight when imposing sentences. The federal system does not have parole: once a sentence is imposed, the defendant must serve at least 85% of it. Good time credit is limited to a maximum of 54 days per year served. This makes the defense strategy at sentencing critically important, as the initial sentence largely determines the actual time served. Attorney Wilkerson and Attorney Barnum bring decades of proven results to every federal case.