Facing Federal Criminal Charges in Philadelphia? What You Need to Know

Being investigated or indicted for a federal offense is one of the most serious legal crises a person can face. Federal prosecutions involve vast government resources, specialized law enforcement agencies, and strict advisory sentencing guidelines.

Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer Mark D. Hauser, Esquire, has over 30 years of trial experience defending clients in both Pennsylvania state trial courts and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

How Federal Cases Differ from State Prosecutions

Federal criminal prosecutions are initiated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office following investigations by federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, IRS Criminal Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Key differences include:

• Grand Jury Indictments: Federal felony charges originate from grand jury indictments under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 6.
• Strict Detention Hearings: Federal magistrates conduct formal detention hearings under the Bail Reform Act (18 U.S.C. § 3142), where certain drug and weapon charges carry statutory presumptions against pretrial release.
• U.S. Sentencing Guidelines (USSG): Sentences are calculated using complex base offense levels, specific offense characteristics, and criminal history categories.

Common Federal Charges Handled

• Federal Drug Trafficking & Conspiracy (21 U.S.C. § 841, § 846): Involving mandatory minimum sentences of 5, 10, or 20 years.
• White-Collar & Financial Fraud (18 U.S.C. §§ 1341, 1343, 1344): Mail fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, and healthcare fraud.
• Federal Firearms Offenses (18 U.S.C. § 922(g), § 924(c)): Felon in possession of a firearm and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
• RICO & Hobbs Act Robbery: Federal racketeering and extortion allegations.

Challenging Federal Evidence

A robust federal defense examines Title III wiretap authorizations, search warrant affidavits, Fourth Amendment search validity, Brady disclosure compliance, and confidential informant credibility.