Federal Crimes

Houston Federal Crimes Attorney

Federal criminal charges can include offenses like drug trafficking, immigration violations, weapons charges, and human trafficking—some of the most serious crimes a person can face. Federal agencies have nearly unlimited resources and time to investigate these cases thoroughly. If you are under investigation or have been charged with a federal offense, it’s critical that you speak with a knowledgeable federal criminal defense attorney right away. The sooner you retain counsel, the stronger your defense will be. Contact Salinas Defense today at (832) 820-1888 or fill out our online contact form for a free, confidential consultation.

State vs. Federal Charges

A federal charge means you’ve allegedly violated the United States Code, specifically Title 18, which outlines over 100 different federal offenses. A crime may become a federal matter if:

It crossed state lines
It occurred on federal property
A federal official was involved
It involved customs or immigration violations
It violated the United States Code

These cases are prosecuted in federal court by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and typically investigated by agencies like the FBI, DEA, IRS, or ATF.

State-level crimes, by contrast, are handled by state prosecutors and local law enforcement. Crimes such as small-scale drug possession, DUI, and domestic violence typically fall under the Texas Penal Code and are tried in Texas state courts.

Federal penalties tend to be significantly more severe. Federal judges follow strict sentencing guidelines and often have less discretion than Texas judges. Depending on the charge, you could face decades or even life in prison, plus substantial fines.

Drug Trafficking

Drug cases are among the most commonly prosecuted federal crimes. The U.S. Sentencing Commission reported over 21,000 drug cases in 2016, nearly 90% of which were trafficking-related.

Federal law defines drug trafficking as knowingly distributing, manufacturing, or possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Even possessing a large quantity of certain drugs may qualify as trafficking.

Common substances in federal trafficking charges include:

Methamphetamine
Heroin
Cocaine
Marijuana

Penalties vary by drug type and quantity but can range from 5 years to life in prison and fines from $100,000 to $75 million.

Is Child Pornography a Federal Crime?

Yes. Child pornography often falls under federal jurisdiction when:

It crosses state or international borders (including digital transmission or mail)
It’s discovered during a federal sting operation (e.g., through file-sharing networks monitored by the FBI)

The federal government defines child pornography as visual media depicting anyone under 18 engaged in sexual conduct, including photos, videos, and digital art.

If convicted, penalties can include:

Up to 40 years in federal prison
Mandatory sex offender registration

Human Trafficking

The FBI identifies human trafficking as the third-largest global criminal enterprise. Victims are often coerced into sex work or forced labor, and traffickers face severe consequences.

If convicted of labor trafficking, you may face:

Up to 20 years in prison
Up to life imprisonment if the case involves aggravating factors like sexual abuse, kidnapping, or attempted murder

Sex trafficking, especially involving minors, carries heavier penalties:

Trafficking victims under 14: Up to life in prison
Trafficking minors aged 14–17: Up to 40 years in prison

Contact a Harris County Federal Crimes Attorney

If you’re facing federal charges, don’t risk your freedom or your future. The attorneys at Salinas Defense have decades of combined experience in handling high-stakes criminal cases across Harris County. We treat every case with commitment, discretion, and aggressive advocacy.

Call (832) 820-1888 today or complete our online contact form to schedule your free consultation with a proven federal criminal defense attorney.