Last Updated on: 19th October 2023, 12:58 pm

Tulsa Federal Criminal Lawyers

If you have been charged with a federal crime in Tulsa, you need an experienced federal criminal defense attorney on your side. Federal crimes often carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, that can disrupt your life forever. A knowledgeable Tulsa federal criminal lawyer can help protect your rights, build the strongest possible defense, and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

In this article, we’ll provide an overview of federal crimes, how they differ from state crimes, and reasons to hire a federal criminal defense attorney in Tulsa. We’ll also discuss common federal charges in Tulsa, possible defenses, and what to expect if you are facing federal prosecution.

Overview of Federal Crimes

Federal crimes are offenses that violate U.S. federal laws, not state laws. Federal courts have jurisdiction over federal crimes. Some examples of federal crimes include:

• Drug crimes like drug trafficking or distribution
• White collar crimes like mail fraud, wire fraud, tax evasion
• Firearms offenses
• Child pornography
• Federal RICO violations
• Money laundering
• Cybercrimes
• Terrorism

One key difference between federal and state crimes is that federal crimes typically carry more severe punishments. Federal sentencing guidelines often call for lengthy mandatory minimum prison sentences. For example, a federal drug trafficking conviction can result in a mandatory minimum sentence of 5-10 years in prison. Even first-time offenders with no criminal history face rigid sentencing rules in federal court.

Another difference is that federal crimes are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, not local prosecutors. The federal system has vast resources at it’s disposal for investigating and prosecuting crimes. This makes mounting a vigorous legal defense critical.

Why Hire a Federal Criminal Lawyer in Tulsa

Here are some key reasons it’s essential to have an experienced Tulsa federal criminal defense attorney on your side if you are charged with a federal crime:

• The federal criminal justice system is complex and can be overwhelming to navigate without an attorney.
• Federal crimes often trigger complicated legal processes like grand jury proceedings and pretrial motions that require an attorney’s expertise.
• Seasoned federal defense lawyers understand federal sentencing guidelines and mandatory minimums and can argue for the lowest possible sentence.
• They can negotiate with federal prosecutors and may be able to get charges reduced or dismissed through plea bargaining.
• Tulsa federal lawyers are familiar with local federal judges, prosecutors, and court procedures.
• An experienced attorney can identify and exploit legal, procedural, or constitutional issues that could lead to getting evidence suppressed or charges dismissed.
• Federal public defenders are overburdened and may not be able to devote as much time and attention to developing a strong defense.

In short, skilled Tulsa federal criminal attorneys have the expertise to protect your rights, avoid pitfalls, and pursue every opportunity to achieve the most favorable outcome possible. With so much at stake, it’s critical to have an experienced lawyer fighting for you.

Common Federal Charges in Tulsa

Some of the most common federal charges prosecuted in Tulsa include:

Drug Crimes

Federal drug cases make up a significant portion of the federal criminal docket in the Northern District of Oklahoma, which includes Tulsa. Common federal drug charges include:

• Drug trafficking and distribution – trafficking substantial quantities of illegal drugs like meth, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, or marijuana. Even “courier” cases with first time offenders can trigger harsh federal mandatory minimums.
• Drug importation – importing illegal drugs from foreign countries
• Drug manufacturing – manufacturing substances like methamphetamine
• Drug conspiracy – when multiple people engage in a conspiracy to distribute illegal drugs

Because federal drug sentences are often so severe, having an experienced federal drug crimes lawyer argue for the mandatory minimum is essential.

White Collar Crimes

Some types of white collar crimes commonly charged as federal offenses in Tulsa include:

• Mail/Wire Fraud – using the mail system or electronic communications to execute fraudulent schemes to obtain money or property.
• Tax Evasion – willfully attempting to evade paying federal income taxes.
• Money Laundering – disguising the source of illegally obtained money.
• Bank Fraud – schemes to defraud federally insured financial institutions.

White collar federal crimes can be complex. Having a lawyer experienced with financial and fraud-related charges is key.

Firearms Offenses

Some examples of federal gun crimes seen in Tulsa include:

• Felon in possession of a firearm – It’s illegal under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) for a convicted felon to possess a gun or ammunition.
• Possession of a gun while trafficking drugs – Possessing a firearm in connection with drug trafficking can lead to enhanced federal penalties.

An experienced Tulsa federal criminal defense lawyer can challenge the underlying predicate felony offense or argue against the “in furtherance” element of the drug trafficking charge.

Sex Crimes

Federal prosecutors in Tulsa also pursue various sex crime charges like:

• Possession/distribution of child pornography – Receiving, distributing, or producing child pornography is a federal crime carrying severe penalties, even for first time offenders.
• Sex trafficking – Trafficking individuals across state lines for the purpose of forced prostitution or sexual exploitation.

Sex crime charges can permanently ruin someone’s reputation. Having a knowledgeable federal sex crimes lawyer argue for diversion programs or negotiated resolutions is key.

Possible Defenses in Federal Cases

Some potential defenses Tulsa federal criminal defense attorneys may be able to assert include:

• 4th Amendment violations – arguing evidence was obtained via an illegal search or seizure.
• Miranda rights violations – excluding self-incriminating statements obtained through improper interrogation.
• Entrapment – proving the defendant was induced by law enforcement to commit a crime they otherwise wouldn’t have.
• Duress – arguing the defendant acted under immediate threat of death or serious injury.
• Statute of limitations – prosecutors brought charges after the deadline for filing them expired.

Identifying potential constitutional or procedural violations that could lead to evidence suppression or dismissal of charges is a key benefit an experienced attorney brings.