Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, FL
When the federal government receives a crime report, major investigative agencies such as the FBI, DEA, U.S. Secret Service, or ATF may get involved to determine whether a federal offense occurred and who is responsible. These agencies have vast resources and employ a range of investigative techniques—including wiretapping, surveillance, and digital monitoring—to identify suspects.
After completing an investigation, which may take months or even years, agents submit their findings to a U.S. Attorney, who decides whether to prosecute and will typically pursue the maximum penalties allowed by law.
If you are facing a federal investigation or have been accused of a federal offense, you need a defense attorney who will fight to protect your rights and future.
At Mark Solomon, our Ft. Lauderdale federal defense attorneys have extensive experience handling complex federal cases. We understand how intimidating it can feel to be under investigation by federal agents. That’s why we stand by your side every step of the way—providing guidance, clear information, and aggressive representation tailored to your case.
Our federal criminal defense team has successfully represented clients in a wide range of federal cases and has the knowledge, skill, and resources to challenge the accusations against you.
State vs. Federal Crimes
In the U.S., both state and federal governments have their own criminal laws.
- State crimes involve violations of state statutes and are prosecuted by local district attorneys in state courts.
- Federal crimes, on the other hand, involve violations of federal statutes—typically concerning offenses that cross state lines, occur on federal property, or target federal employees.
Some crimes overlap and may be prosecuted under either jurisdiction. For example, both Florida and federal law prohibit kidnapping, and depending on how the act occurred, it may be charged as a state or federal crime—or both.
How Federal Cases Differ from State Cases
While state and federal criminal processes share similarities, key differences exist in who investigates, prosecutes, and hears the case.
- State crimes are investigated by local law enforcement, prosecuted by a District Attorney, and heard in state court.
- Federal crimes are investigated by federal agencies, prosecuted by a U.S. Attorney, and heard in federal court.
Federal investigative agencies include:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
- U.S. Secret Service
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS)
When State and Federal Cases Overlap
Although state and federal prosecutors operate in separate jurisdictions, some offenses—such as drug trafficking—may violate both state and federal law. In such cases, both the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the State Prosecutor’s Office may pursue charges, complicating the legal process and defense strategy.
Our attorneys at Mark Solomon are experienced in both state and federal court systems and can provide strategic, coordinated representation if your case involves overlapping jurisdictions.
Examples of Federal Crimes
Federal crimes are violations of U.S. laws enacted by Congress. While there are many, some of the most common include:
- Arms Export Control Act violations
- Bank fraud and false statements to financial institutions
- Bribery and corruption
- Conspiracy
- Drug trafficking and distribution
- Health care fraud
- Money laundering
- Wire and mail fraud
- Immigration offenses
- Internet and computer crimes, including child pornography
- Mortgage and insurance fraud
- Obstruction of justice and perjury
- PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) fraud
If you’ve been accused of any of these offenses, contact Mark Solomon immediately. Our Miami and Ft. Lauderdale federal defense attorneys will thoroughly analyze your case and build the strongest possible defense.
Defending Against Federal Charges
Federal prosecutions are complex, and defending against them requires a detailed, strategic approach. At Mark Solomon, we examine every aspect of your case—from how evidence was gathered to how charges were filed—to develop an effective defense strategy.
Possible defense tactics include:
- Filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence
- Challenging the validity of search warrants
- Questioning witness credibility
- Arguing entrapment by federal agents
- Negotiating plea agreements
- Demonstrating lack of criminal intent or knowledge
- Presenting alternative explanations or alibis
If cooperation with the government could potentially reduce your sentence, we can help you evaluate that option carefully and strategically.
The Role of Intent in Federal Cases
Intent plays a critical role in many federal prosecutions. The government must often prove that you knowingly and willfully committed a criminal act. Proving intent can be difficult—especially in cases involving fraud, embezzlement, or white-collar crimes.
Our attorneys meticulously review the prosecution’s evidence to identify inconsistencies and weaknesses, which can undermine the government’s case and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Penalties for Federal Crimes
Penalties for federal convictions vary widely depending on the offense. They often include imprisonment, fines, or both.
Examples include:
- Health care fraud: Up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine
- Wire fraud: Up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine
- Bank fraud: Up to 30 years in prison and up to $1 million in fines
- Bribery: Up to 5 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines for individuals (or $2 million for businesses)
- Accounting violations: Up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $5 million for individuals, or $25 million for corporations
Cooperation and Sentence Reductions
In some cases, cooperating with the government can lead to a reduced sentence under Rule 35(b). This rule allows the U.S. Attorney’s Office to request a lower sentence if a defendant provides substantial assistance in investigating or prosecuting another person.
However, cooperation does not guarantee leniency—the U.S. Attorney decides whether to file a motion based on the usefulness of your information. Our attorneys can advise whether cooperation is a viable option for your situation.
Speak With Our Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys Today
At Mark Solomon, our Miami and Ft. Lauderdale federal defense lawyers are dedicated to protecting your rights, your reputation, and your future. We understand the high stakes of federal cases and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome.
Call 954-463-6755 today to schedule a confidential consultation and begin building your defense.
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Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers in Miami & Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Aggressive Defense for Federal Charges in South Florida
When the federal government receives a crime report, major agencies such as the FBI, DEA, U.S. Secret Service, or ATF may begin an investigation to determine whether a federal offense has occurred and who is responsible. These agencies have vast resources and use advanced techniques—such as wiretapping, surveillance, and online data tracking—to identify suspects.
After the investigation, which can last months or even years, agents forward their findings to a U.S. Attorney, who decides whether to prosecute and often seeks the maximum penalties allowed under federal law.
If you are being investigated or charged with a federal crime, you need a federal criminal defense lawyer in Florida who knows how to handle complex federal cases and protect your future.
At Mark Solomon, our Miami and Ft. Lauderdale federal defense attorneys have extensive experience defending clients in federal court. We know how intimidating it is to face federal agents, and we are here to stand by your side—offering trusted legal guidance, aggressive representation, and a clear understanding of your legal options.
Understanding Federal vs. State Crimes
In the United States, both state and federal governments have separate criminal laws and court systems.
- State crimes are violations of state law, investigated by local police, and prosecuted by a District Attorney in state court.
- Federal crimes are violations of federal law, investigated by federal agencies, and prosecuted by a U.S. Attorney in federal court.
Some offenses, such as drug trafficking or kidnapping, may be charged under both federal and state law, depending on the circumstances. This overlap can lead to complex legal challenges requiring an attorney who understands both jurisdictions.
How Federal Criminal Cases Work
The federal criminal process differs from state proceedings in several important ways. Federal investigators and prosecutors typically have more resources and face higher evidentiary standards, but federal penalties are often more severe.
Federal agencies involved in criminal investigations include:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
- U.S. Secret Service
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS)
Our Ft. Lauderdale federal crime attorneys are well-versed in dealing with these agencies and know how to challenge evidence and procedures obtained during a federal investigation.
When State and Federal Charges Overlap
Certain crimes—like drug trafficking, fraud, or money laundering—may violate both state and federal laws. In these situations, both the State Prosecutor’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office can pursue charges.
This dual prosecution can complicate your case, making it essential to have a criminal defense lawyer in South Florida who is experienced in both systems. At Mark Solomon, we provide strategic defense across state and federal jurisdictions to ensure your rights are fully protected.
Common Federal Crimes We Defend
Our Miami federal criminal defense attorneys represent clients accused of a wide range of offenses, including but not limited to:
- Bank and wire fraud
- Conspiracy and racketeering (RICO)
- Drug trafficking and distribution
- Health care fraud
- Money laundering
- Internet and cyber crimes (including child pornography)
- Immigration offenses
- Bribery, extortion, and corruption
- PPP loan and COVID-relief fraud
- Mortgage, tax, and insurance fraud
- Obstruction of justice and perjury
- Arms export and weapons violations
If you’ve been charged with any of these crimes, contact Mark Solomon, Federal Defense Attorneys in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, immediately to begin building your defense.
Defending Against Federal Charges
Federal prosecutions are complex and require an in-depth legal strategy. Our federal criminal lawyers in Florida analyze every element of your case, from the initial investigation to the prosecution’s evidence, to identify weaknesses and opportunities for dismissal or reduction.
Possible defense strategies include:
- Suppressing evidence obtained unlawfully
- Challenging the validity of search warrants
- Questioning witness credibility
- Demonstrating lack of criminal intent
- Arguing entrapment by federal agents
- Negotiating plea agreements for reduced penalties
Every case is unique, and we tailor our defense approach to your circumstances to achieve the best possible outcome.
The Importance of Intent in Federal Cases
Intent is a crucial factor in many federal crimes. Prosecutors must prove that you knowingly and willfully committed the offense. For white-collar crimes like fraud or embezzlement, proving intent can be difficult.
Our Miami federal defense attorneys scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence to expose inconsistencies and challenge their ability to prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt. Weakening the government’s case can lead to reduced or dismissed charges.
Federal Crime Penalties
Penalties for federal crimes vary depending on the offense, but they often include lengthy prison sentences and significant fines. Examples include:
- Health care fraud: Up to 10 years in prison and/or fines
- Wire fraud: Up to 20 years in prison and/or fines
- Bank fraud: Up to 30 years in prison and fines up to $1 million
- Bribery: Up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $250,000 for individuals or $2 million for businesses
- Accounting violations: Up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $5 million for individuals or $25 million for corporations
Our federal sentencing attorneys work to minimize penalties and explore all possible options for sentence reductions.
Can Cooperation Reduce Your Federal Sentence?
In some cases, defendants may reduce their sentence through substantial assistance under Rule 35(b) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. If you provide valuable information that helps the government investigate or prosecute another person, the U.S. Attorney may file a motion requesting a reduced sentence.
Our attorneys can guide you through this process, ensuring that your cooperation—if pursued—is handled strategically and safely.
Speak With a Federal Criminal Defense Attorney in Florida Today
Facing a federal investigation or indictment is serious—but you don’t have to face it alone. At Mark Solomon, our Miami and Ft. Lauderdale federal defense lawyers provide powerful advocacy and personalized legal representation for clients across South Florida.
We are committed to protecting your rights, your reputation, and your freedom.
Call us today or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced federal criminal defense attorney in Florida.