Federal Cases

Federal Crimes We Defend in Philadelphia

Pagano Law handles a wide range of federal criminal matters in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The charges below represent some of the most common cases we take on, though this is not an exhaustive list.

• Federal drug trafficking charges — Large-scale distribution operations, interstate trafficking, and conspiracy charges tied to controlled substances. See our Philadelphia drug crime lawyer page for more on how we approach these cases.
• Federal gun charges and illegal firearms possession — Charges brought under federal statute often carry mandatory minimums that state charges do not. Our Philadelphia gun crime lawyer page covers this in more detail.
• Wire fraud and mail fraud — Any scheme to defraud that uses electronic communications or the U.S. mail can trigger federal prosecution.
• Federal conspiracy charges — You can be charged with conspiracy even if the underlying crime was never completed. These charges are aggressively pursued by U.S. Attorneys.
• Money laundering — Often layered on top of drug or fraud charges to increase exposure and complicate plea negotiations.
• Healthcare fraud and Medicare fraud — The federal government devotes significant resources to prosecuting billing fraud, kickback schemes, and false claims involving federal health programs.
• Federal robbery charges — Bank robbery and other offenses targeting federally insured institutions fall under federal jurisdiction. Visit our Philadelphia robbery lawyer page to learn more.
• Identity theft and computer crimes — Phishing schemes, unauthorized access to computer systems, and large-scale identity theft are prosecuted federally under statutes like the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
• Tax evasion and IRS offenses — Willful failure to pay taxes, fraudulent returns, and offshore account concealment are handled by the IRS criminal investigation division, which refers cases for federal prosecution.
• RICO and organized crime charges — The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act allows prosecutors to charge individuals based on a pattern of criminal conduct, even across different types of offenses.

Federal Investigating Agencies Who May Be Building a Case Against You

One of the most unsettling aspects of federal prosecution is how often clients do not realize they are under investigation until charges are filed or an arrest is made. Federal agencies take months or years to build cases before anyone is charged.

Here is a breakdown of who investigates what:

• FBI — Cybercrime, bank fraud, public corruption, terrorism, civil rights violations
• DEA — Drug trafficking and distribution networks
• ATF — Illegal firearms, explosives, arson, and organized trafficking of weapons
• IRS Criminal Investigation — Tax crimes, money laundering, and financial fraud tied to tax obligations
• ICE and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) — Immigration fraud, human trafficking, and money laundering with international dimensions

If federal agents have contacted you, executed a search warrant on your home or business, or served you with a grand jury subpoena, do not wait. You need a Philadelphia federal crime lawyer before you say anything to investigators. You can find contact information for the FBI Philadelphia field office here, but more importantly, call an attorney first.

How the Federal Criminal Process Works in Philadelphia

Federal cases move through a process that is quite different from that of state courts. Understanding these stages matters because early strategic decisions can determine the outcome.

Investigation

Before charges are filed, federal agents build a case through surveillance, informants, financial records, and grand jury proceedings. Subpoenas and search warrants are tools of this stage; therefore, you may be a target without knowing it.

Indictment

A grand jury reviews the government’s evidence and, if it finds probable cause, returns an indictment. At this point, you formally become a defendant.

Arraignment

You appear in federal court, are informed of the charges, and enter a plea.

Discovery

The government is required to disclose the evidence it intends to use against you. This includes Brady material, or evidence that favors the defense, as well as witness statements under the Jencks Act.

Pre-trial motions

This is where experienced defense attorneys do some of their most important work. Motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, challenge the indictment, or exclude testimony can dramatically change the trajectory of a case.

Plea Negotiations vs. Trial

More than 90% of federal criminal cases are resolved through a plea agreement. That does not mean accepting whatever the government offers. A skilled attorney can negotiate down charges, argue for sentencing reductions, or pursue dismissal when the evidence supports it. If the case goes to trial, preparation and courtroom experience become everything.

Sentencing

Federal sentencing is governed by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which establish recommended ranges based on the offense and the defendant’s criminal history. Mandatory minimums apply to many drug and firearms offenses. Effective representation at sentencing includes arguing for departures or variances that reduce the recommended range.

For a broader overview, the Department of Justice outlines the steps in the federal criminal process in detail.

The Difference Between Federal vs. State Charges 

If you have dealt with state charges before, do not assume federal court works the same way. Three differences stand out most for people trying to understand what they are facing.

Federal sentencing is significantly harsher. Mandatory minimums remove discretion from judges, and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines create a structured framework that often results in longer sentences than state equivalents. Federal prosecutors also have many more resources than state district attorneys, with dedicated investigative support and virtually unlimited time to build a case. And federal conviction rates are high, which means a defense strategy built from day one, not assembled after arraignment, is not optional. It is what determines outcomes.

State-level offenses, from a Philadelphia robbery lawyer to charges handled by a Philadelphia criminal defense attorney, operate under an entirely different set of rules and court structures.

Why Federal Defense Requires an Experienced Attorney

Not every criminal defense attorney is admitted to practice before federal courts, and EDPA admission alone does not equate to federal trial experience. Federal cases are governed by the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, not Pennsylvania’s rules, and evidentiary standards differ. Courtroom culture and judicial expectations differ, and the prosecutors on the other side are federal lifers who specialize in the very charges they bring.

Pagano Law has experience navigating the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. That means understanding local judicial practice, knowing how U.S. Attorneys in this district operate, and coming into every case with a strategy appropriate to the federal environment.