Lansing Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

Federal charges are not simply state charges moved to a bigger courtroom. Federal criminal cases are governed by federal statutes, federal procedural rules, and federal sentencing laws and guidelines. Federal prosecutors and investigative agencies may devote substantial resources to complex investigations, and federal sentencing can involve statutory minimums and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. When federal agents show up, or a grand jury subpoena arrives, the decisions you make in the first hours can shape everything that follows.

At Clint W. Perryman PC, our criminal defense attorney handles federal criminal matters for clients in Lansing, East Lansing, and across Michigan. Call us at 810-498-2370 to discuss your situation with a Lansing federal crimes lawyer who will give you a straight, honest picture of where you stand.

Why Federal Court Operates Differently Than State Court

Federal criminal cases move through a separate court system, including the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, and are governed by federal statutes, federal rules of procedure, and federal sentencing laws. The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines provide an advisory framework for sentencing, while statutory minimum and maximum penalties may also apply.

Michigan state courts and federal courts are distinct systems with different rules, different prosecutors, and different consequences. In state court, sentencing is governed by Michigan law. In federal court, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines use offense levels and criminal history categories to calculate an advisory guideline range, which the judge must consider along with the statutory sentencing factors. Mandatory minimum sentences also apply to certain federal offenses, including some drug offenses and specific firearms offenses.

Federal cases are also built differently. The FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS Criminal Investigation, or another federal agency may conduct an investigation for months or even years before charges are filed. By the time a defendant is indicted, federal prosecutors have often already assembled substantial evidence. That asymmetry is why early, knowledgeable legal representation is not optional.

Common Federal Crimes Charged in the Lansing Area

Federal jurisdiction can arise when conduct violates federal criminal law, including offenses involving interstate or foreign commerce, federal programs or agencies, or other matters within federal jurisdiction under the U.S. Code and other federal statutes.

Federal charges arise across a wide range of conduct. Some of the most frequently prosecuted in Michigan include:

• Drug trafficking and distribution: Federal drug charges under 21 U.S.C. § 841 can carry substantial penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences for certain offenses involving specified quantities of controlled substances. Depending on the offense and applicable statutory provisions, penalties can include lengthy terms of imprisonment and, in some cases, a maximum of life imprisonment.
• Wire fraud: Under 18 U.S.C. § 1343, wire fraud covers any scheme to defraud using electronic communications, including email, phone, and online transactions. It is one of the most broadly applied white-collar crimes in federal prosecution.
• Firearms offenses: Federal gun charges include unlawful possession by a prohibited person under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). Penalties vary depending on the specific offense and the defendant’s circumstances. Certain firearms offenses carry mandatory minimum sentences, including some offenses involving firearms used or possessed in connection with drug trafficking crimes or crimes of violence. An enhanced minimum sentence may also apply to certain repeat offenders under federal law.
• Federal drug conspiracy: Under 21 U.S.C. § 846, a person who attempts or conspires to commit a federal drug offense can face the same penalties prescribed for the underlying offense. For a drug conspiracy under § 846, the government does not have to prove that the defendant personally completed the underlying offense or committed an overt act in furtherance of the conspiracy. The government generally must prove that the defendant knowingly joined the conspiracy with the required criminal intent.
• Money laundering and financial crimes: These often accompany drug or fraud charges and can trigger additional sentencing enhancements that stack on top of the underlying offense.

Federal charges for conduct involving interstate commerce, federal programs, or federally regulated industries can be added to what started as a purely local legal issue.

How Federal Criminal Cases Move from Investigation to Trial

A federal criminal case may involve an investigation, grand jury proceedings, and indictment, followed by arraignment, discovery, pretrial motions, and, if the case is not resolved, trial in federal district court. The length of the process varies substantially depending on the charges, evidence, and circumstances of the case.

Understanding the stages helps defendants make informed decisions at each one:

Grand jury investigation. Before charges are filed, a grand jury hears evidence presented by federal prosecutors. Targets of an investigation are not entitled to be present. If you receive a grand jury subpoena or learn you are under investigation, consulting a federal criminal defense lawyer promptly can help you understand your rights and obligations, including whether and how to respond to requests for information or testimony.

Indictment and arraignment. A grand jury indictment is the formal charging document in most federal felony cases. At arraignment, the defendant is advised of the charges and enters a plea. Release conditions and pretrial detention are addressed under federal law, with detention decisions depending on the circumstances of the individual case.

Discovery and pretrial motions. Federal discovery rules require the government to provide specified categories of information to the defense, and additional disclosure obligations may arise under constitutional and statutory rules. Defense counsel can review the government’s evidence and challenge its admissibility or sufficiency through appropriate pretrial motions. Motions to suppress evidence obtained in violation of your Fourth Amendment rights, or to dismiss counts on legal grounds, are evaluated here. These motions can reshape the case before trial begins.

Plea negotiations and trial. Many federal criminal cases resolve through plea agreements, but those agreements must be evaluated carefully. A plea agreement may contain provisions concerning sentencing recommendations, dismissal of charges, appeal waivers, and other matters that can affect the defendant’s rights and potential sentence. When trial is the right path, the defendant has the constitutional right to a jury drawn from the district.

Federal Sentencing: What the Guidelines Actually Mean for You

Under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, a defendant’s advisory guideline range is generally calculated using an offense level and a criminal history category. The court must consider the applicable guideline range along with the statutory sentencing factors and explain the sentence imposed as required by federal law.

The Guidelines are not a ceiling. They are the framework. Relevant conduct provisions can cause the guideline calculation to take into account certain conduct beyond the specific count of conviction, including qualifying acts of others involved in jointly undertaken criminal activity when the applicable requirements are satisfied. This matters enormously for drug cases, where drug quantity drives the offense level even if you were not personally involved in every transaction.

Factors that can work in a defendant’s favor at sentencing include:

• Acceptance of responsibility: a two-level reduction may apply when a defendant clearly demonstrates acceptance of responsibility, with a possible additional one-level reduction in qualifying cases when the government makes the required motion. A timely guilty plea can increase the likelihood of receiving the reduction, but a guilty plea is not itself the sole requirement.
• Substantial assistance: qualifying substantial assistance to the government may support a downward departure under U.S.S.G. § 5K1.1. When a defendant seeks a sentence below a statutory mandatory minimum based on substantial assistance, 18 U.S.C. § 3553(e) applies and requires a motion by the government.
• Role in the offense: a minor or minimal participant in a criminal scheme may qualify for a downward adjustment.
• Safety valve: certain defendants convicted of qualifying drug offenses may be eligible for relief from applicable mandatory minimum sentences under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(f), if they satisfy the statutory eligibility requirements.

The consequences of a federal conviction can include substantial terms of imprisonment. The federal system does not generally provide parole for federal offenses committed after November 1, 1987, although eligible federal inmates can receive good-conduct credit that can reduce the time they serve in custody.

Your Constitutional Rights in a Federal Case

The Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution apply in full to federal criminal prosecutions, protecting you from unreasonable searches, compelling self-incrimination, and guaranteeing the right to counsel and a fair trial.

Federal agents are experienced investigators, but evidence they gather can still be suppressed when it was obtained unlawfully. The right to remain silent is important from the moment federal agents make contact. Statements made during a voluntary interview with the FBI or another federal agency may be used as evidence, even when the person has not been arrested. You have no obligation to speak with investigators without counsel present.

Clint W. Perryman PC works to protect these rights at every stage, from the first contact with federal agents through trial and, where necessary, appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Criminal Defense in Michigan

What is the difference between a federal crime and a state crime in Michigan?

A federal crime is defined by federal law and prosecuted by the United States through the U.S. Attorney’s Office or, in some circumstances, another federal prosecuting authority in federal court. State crimes are prosecuted under Michigan law in Michigan state courts by appropriate state or local prosecutors. Some conduct can potentially violate both federal and state law, although separate federal and state prosecutions are subject to applicable constitutional and statutory rules.

Can federal charges be dismissed or reduced?

Yes. Charges can sometimes be dismissed through successful pretrial motions, including motions challenging unlawfully obtained evidence or other legal defects in the government’s case. Charges may also be reduced through plea negotiations. Whether either outcome is possible depends on the specific charges, evidence, procedural issues, and applicable law.

If I’m already under federal investigation, is it too late to hire a lawyer?

No, and early representation is often the most valuable. An attorney can communicate with prosecutors when appropriate, advise you about whether and how to respond to investigative requests, help protect your legal rights during the investigation, and advocate for your interests before charges are filed when circumstances permit. Waiting until indictment forfeits those opportunities.

Facing Federal Charges in Lansing? Talk to Clint W. Perryman PC.

Federal criminal charges can carry serious consequences, including substantial prison sentences, mandatory minimum penalties for certain offenses, and other long-term consequences of a federal conviction. The federal system generally does not provide parole for federal offenses committed after November 1, 1987.

Clint W. Perryman PC defends clients against federal criminal charges in Lansing, East Lansing, and throughout Michigan. Call us at 810-498-2370 to speak directly with our criminal defense attorney about your case. You can also reach our law firm online to schedule a consultation. You can’t afford not to.