Federal Charges

At Cripps & Silver we have decades of experience representing individuals accused of criminal behavior in the federal courts, including fraud, interstate drug crimes, child pornography, and white collar crimes such as RICO violations. Serious charges need serious representation and no case is too challenging for us. We believe that everyone charged with federal offenses deserves to have an attorney in their corner to fight for them. We stand by our clients, making sure their rights are protected every step of the way. We know that federal offenses are some of the most serious charges a person can face. We are passionate in our commitment to helping them through the criminal justice system with skill, compassion, and respect.

David Cripps and Gabi Silver are well-known in Detroit area courtrooms for their skill and expertise. Our team of federal defenders are ready to do the work for every one of our clients, never backing down or giving up. No matter whether you are facing a single count because of a single bad decision, or a complex series of charges resulting from an extensive federal investigation, we provide zealous representation to our clients from start to finish. We have a history of getting not-guilty verdicts from federal juries, as well as dismissals and other favorable outcomes for our clients.

Federal Charges Facing Michigan Residents

Any action that is against federal law can be charged as a federal crime. However, many behaviors are illegal at the state level and the federal level. Most of those cases get handled by the state court where the crime occurred. Federal crimes tend to cross state lines or impact the country as a whole. This includes:

• Conspiracy
• Drug trafficking
• Human trafficking
• Child pornography
• White collar crimes
• Fraud against government agencies (i.e. tax fraud, welfare fraud, mail fraud)

You may also be charged with a federal crime if the alleged illegal act happened on federal property, including international crossings like the Ambassador Bridge, national parks, or in a federal agency’s office.

Federal investigations are often much more complex and thorough than similar charges at the state level. The government agencies involved can devote more resources to tracking down leads and developing evidence. In some cases, an investigation can span years, or even decades, ultimately resulting in federal charges against dozens of alleged co-conspirators.

We won’t be intimidated by a federal prosecutor or investigating agency. We thoroughly investigate every client’s situation, looking for weaknesses in the government’s case, and developing defenses on their behalf. We listen to our clients, listening to their questions and concerns, and customize our defense to suit their priorities. We know many of our clients are facing criminal court for the first time. We help you explore all your options and their potential consequences, keeping you informed as the case progresses.

How the Federal Sentencing Guidelines Work

Federal charges often carry heavy penalties including fines, victim restitution costs, probation, or years in a federal prison far from your family. Anytime someone enters a guilty plea or a jury finds a defendant guilty of a federal crime, the judge will apply the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which include a variety of factors that can increase or decrease that person’s sentence, such as the:

• Offense level
• Defendant’s criminal history
• Circumstances of the crime
• Effects on any victims
• Vulnerability of any victims
• Offender’s role in the offense
• Use of a special skill or position of trust
• Involvement of minors
• Use of a firearm or body armor
• Obstruction of justice or flight during arrest

However, these Guidelines are not mandatory. A judge can adjust your sentence based on the circumstances of your case, and the arguments we present on your behalf.

As experienced Detroit federal defense attorneys, we know the systems and people involved in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, located downtown. We understand how the federal sentencing guidelines work, and in which cases you might receive leniency from a prosecutor or federal judge. We have a reputation for integrity with the federal prosecutors and court staff, which helps us advocate on our clients behalf. We help them tell their stories and receive a fair sentence if they are convicted of federal charges.

How a Detroit Federal Defense Attorney Can Help

If you are facing federal charges and want experienced, hard-working, compassionate advocates to fight on your behalf, contact Cripps & Silver now.