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Ohio Federal Criminal Lawyer

Fight for your rights with a skilled federal criminal attorney in Dayton, Ohio. With a long record of success, we know how to win!

We offer:

  • Free consultations
  • 24/7 availability

Call our office in Dayton today!

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50+ years
of combined experience
95%
of successful cases

Your Experienced Federal Lawyer in Ohio

The U.S. government has nearly unlimited power to investigate and prosecute federal crimes. While its jurisdiction is limited to certain types of offenses, it can impose harsh punishments for those that fall under its purview.

An Ohio federal criminal lawyer from Gounaris Abboud has the experience, resources, and courage to stand up to the federal government’s full might. We have handled all types of cases in the Southern District of Ohio and earned a 95% success rate in obtaining positive outcomes for our clients.

Federal Crimes Charges We Handle in Dayton, OH

Facing federal charges is a serious matter with potentially life-altering consequences. At Gounaris Abboud, our experienced federal criminal defense attorneys provide aggressive representation for individuals accused of a wide range of federal offenses in Dayton, Ohio, and surrounding areas. We understand the complexities of federal law and are dedicated to protecting your rights throughout the legal process. We also handle federal appeals after convictions.

Here are some of the federal crimes we handle:

conspiracy

Conspiracy

Federal conspiracy charges allege an agreement between two or more individuals to commit an illegal act. We meticulously examine the evidence to challenge the existence of a conspiracy and defend your rights.

drug-crimes

Drug Crimes

From possession to trafficking, federal drug offenses carry severe penalties. We have extensive experience defending clients against drug charges, exploring all legal avenues to minimize the impact on your life.

gun-violations

Gun Violations

Federal gun laws are strict and violations can result in significant prison time. We defend clients accused of illegal possession, trafficking, or use of firearms, ensuring your Second Amendment rights are protected.

internet-sex-crimes

Internet Sex Crimes

These charges often involve complex legal issues and require specialized knowledge. We provide discreet and effective representation for individuals accused of online child exploitation, pornography offenses, and other internet-related sex crimes.

federal-sentencing-guidelines

Federal Sentencing Guidelines

Federal sentencing guidelines can be complex and unforgiving. Our attorneys thoroughly analyze the guidelines applicable to your case and fight to achieve the most favorable outcome possible. Learn more about federal sentencing guidelines.

white-collar-crimes

White-Collar Crimes

The U.S. Code includes statutes covering the following white-collar crimes:

  • Insider trading and stock manipulation
  • Wire fraud and mail fraud
  • Bank fraud
  • Money laundering
  • Tax evasion

The government sometimes punishes financial crimes as harshly as violent crimes. We provide an aggressive defense, including finding expert witnesses to analyze the complex financial transactions involved in your case and providing expert testimony to support you.

forgery-

Forgery

U.S. laws prohibit forgery of documents that affect federal interests, such as payment cards, financial documents, and federal documents. The laws also prohibit counterfeiting U.S. currency.

When you need a “federal attorney near me” for your forgery or counterfeiting case, we challenge the government’s evidence and present your affirmative defenses.

embezzlement-

Embezzlement

Federal jurisdiction covers U.S. banks. It can prosecute you for financial crimes that manipulate or use the banking system. Moreover, embezzlers are often discovered because of suspicious activities that suggest money laundering or tax evasion. An Ohio federal criminal lawyer from our firm aggressively defends you against federal embezzlement and related charges.

prescription-drug-charges

Prescription Drug Charges

The DEA operates an extensive system for monitoring the dispensing of prescription drugs. Whether you are accused of trafficking, stealing, or diverting prescription drugs, Gounaris Abboud can fill your need for “federal criminal lawyers near me”.

student-defense

Student Defense

Students can run afoul of many federal criminal laws, including the following:

  • Possessing, transporting, or distributing controlled substances
  • Computer hacking
  • Soliciting or making child pornography

Our federal criminal firm fights for your student’s reputation and future.

Available 24/7 & Obligation-Free

Are You Facing Federal Criminal Charges in Ohio?

The Ohio criminal attorneys at Gounaris Abboud have extensive experience as Ohio federal criminal lawyers:

  • Our lawyers have handled hundreds of cases in federal court.
  • Nicholas Gounaris and Tony Abboud both appear weekly in federal court representing our clients.
  • We have a former federal investigator on our staff who assists in all aspects of case evaluation and case preparation.
  • Nicholas Gounaris served as President of the Federal Bar Association in Dayton.

Contact us in Dayton when you need to speak to a “federal defense attorney near me”.

What’s the Difference Between a Federal and State Crime?

Although an Ohio criminal defense attorney from our firm handles all types of cases, federal and state crimes differ significantly. State criminal laws usually involve crimes that occur inside the state of Ohio. Federal criminal statutes typically concern criminal activities that take place in more than one state and involve interstate commerce.

Not all crimes are federal crimes.

For example, while murder is a serious crime, it is usually solely a state crime.

A federal law enforcement agency will only get involved in a murder case if, say, the murder took place on federal property or involved a federal official.

Common federal crimes include serious drug offenses, white-collar crimes, and internet sex crimes.

To learn more about the differences between federal and state crimes, watch our brief whiteboard video below.

How Do Federal Investigations Work?

If a federal law enforcement agency becomes aware of possible criminal activity, it will start an investigation to verify whether someone committed federal crimes.

Once the agency identifies its suspect, it may arrest the suspect or wait until it can obtain more evidence against them.

Certain federal law enforcement agencies, listed below, are in charge of investigating federal crimes, like drug-related crimes.

Each agency will only get involved if it has the authority and expertise to investigate the case.

FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation)

The FBI is the principal agency responsible for investigating over 200 types of federal crimes, including white-collar crime and conspiracy.

ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives)

ATF is responsible for investigating illegal possession, use, and manufacture of firearms, and crimes involving arson, bombings, and trafficking of alcohol and tobacco.

DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration)

The DEA is responsible for enforcing federal drug crimes, like trafficking and drug manufacturing.

Challenges of Overcoming Criminal Charges in Ohio Federal Courts

Facing criminal charges can be challenging. The FBI and other federal law enforcement agencies have access to investigative resources such as forensic laboratories and criminal databases. They also have experts in all fields, from finance to computers. These investigators conduct thorough investigations.

The U.S. Department of Justice employs thousands of career prosecutors. They are experienced and skilled. When federal prosecutors bring charges, they usually have mountains of evidence to support the case.

Additional challenges you potentially face during a federal prosecution include:

  • Stiff federal sentencing guidelines with mandatory minimum sentences.
  • Unlimited budgets to pursue investigations and prosecutions.
  • Shifting political priorities that determine which crimes are investigated.

An Ohio federal criminal lawyer from our firm blunts these challenges using the American judicial system’s protections, including access to the prosecution’s evidence, the right to present your witnesses, and the right to an acquittal unless the prosecution proves its case.

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Charged with a Federal Crime?

Contact Gounaris Abboud to discuss your charges with an experienced federal lawyer in Dayton.

Available 24/7 & Obligation-Free

When Should I Hire an Ohio Federal Criminal Attorney?

The earlier you search for “lawyers that handle federal cases near me”, the more options you have for handling your case. Specifically, consider contacting a federal criminal defense lawyer in Ohio at the following stages:

If You Have Been Charged with a Federal Crime

After federal prosecutors file charges, your odds of resolving your case without an Ohio federal criminal attorney fall significantly. A lawyer provides many services, including:

  • Fighting for pretrial release
  • Preparing your legal strategy
  • Negotiating for a dismissal or reduction in your charges
  • Presenting your case at trial
  • Pushing for a just sentence

Without this assistance, you risk being convicted without ever telling your side of the story.

If You Have Not Yet Been Charged

You will sometimes receive notice about an investigation into your activities. If investigators or prosecutors send you a target letter, question you, or search your property, consider contacting a criminal defense attorney in Ohio to provide the following help:

  • Advise you of your rights
  • Defend you during interrogation
  • Present exculpatory evidence

Hiring a lawyer early might end the investigation without charges being filed.

What Should I Ask a Federal Criminal Lawyer?

When choosing a federal criminal defense attorney for your case, consider asking the following questions:

  • What experience do you have defending against federal charges?
  • How much do you charge?
  • What should I expect in my case?
  • Can I find federal cases you handled on PACER?

Asking a lawyer these questions can help you decide whether they are the right fit for you.

Under Federal Investigation? Get Help Now.

Call Gounaris Abboud, LPA today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our federal criminal attorney!
Available 24/7 & Obligation-Free

How Can Our Ohio Criminal Defense Attorney Help You Fight Federal Prosecution?

Our attorneys help you by providing the following services:

1.

Defend Your Rights

We will review the investigation and prosecution to ensure your Constitutional rights were respected by law enforcement officers.

2.

Prepare Your Defense

Our defense attorneys and investigators will analyze the evidence against you and identify the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case to prepare your defense.

3.

Advocate Aggressively for You

We will try to negotiate a favorable plea bargain with prosecutors, but we are also prepared to stand up to the government in court if no deal can be reached.

Why Our Firm Excels in Federal Criminal Litigation

Some of the benefits of hiring our firm to defend you in federal court include the following:

Federal Court Experience

Federal Court Experience

Our attorneys have extensive courtroom experience in the Southern District of Ohio, and our staff includes a former federal investigator.
Compassionate Representation

Compassionate Representation

We provide non-judgmental advice and counseling regardless of the federal crimes you are accused of committing.
Personalized Legal Strategy

Personalized Legal Strategy

Our attorneys tailor your defense to the evidence against you and the fact that your case was brought in federal court.
Hear What<span class="subtitle">Our Clients Are Saying</span>

Hear WhatOur Clients Are Saying

5
Attorney Nick Gounaris handled my case and he did a wonderful job. I am very pleased with this law firm. I have never been in the situation I found myself in ever before and it was scary and confusing, but Nick and his staff were wonderful with answering my many questions and they were very sympathetic and understanding, always quick to respond when I would call. I am happy with the outcome of my case. If you find yourself in a situation that needs legal help, these are the guys to call!
Melinda Q.
5
They did absolutely everything possible to help reduce the sentence and charges faced. The fees for their services were worth every cent and superior to any public defendant representation. They both put their hearts into their work and care like nobody else I have ever encountered in the legal system.
Melinda Q.
5
I found Gounaris and Abboud through good online reviews. Mr. Abboud handled my cases very professionally for two years. He truly takes his cases to heart and cares about his clients. He keeps you informed and has all the answers to all your questions. You really feel safe with Mr. Abboud as your lawyer. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing professional family law representation.
Patty M.

Contact Our Dayton Federal Criminal Lawyer Today!

Contact us when you face prosecution and need a “federal criminal attorney near me” in the Southern District of Ohio.
Available 24/7 & Obligation-Free

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if law enforcement is contacting me?

If law enforcement officers are contacting you about your involvement in the commission of a crime, you should immediately contact a lawyer. You do not want to talk to the authorities without having talked to a lawyer first.

When contacting you, law enforcement officers are trying to obtain as much information as they can to use against you. As a result, you could make incriminating statements without knowing it.

Do I have rights during an investigation?

During an investigation, you have rights under the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments to the United States Constitution.

Fourth Amendment

Under the Fourth Amendment, you have the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. Although there are exceptions to this rule, law enforcement generally cannot search you or seize your property without first obtaining a warrant.

Fifth Amendment

Under the Fifth Amendment, you have the right to remain silent after an arrest. You also have the right to an attorney when law enforcement questions you.

Sixth Amendment

Finally, the Sixth Amendment gives you the right to an attorney during all stages of prosecution.

You have the Sixth Amendment right to counsel from the time the government begins adversarial criminal proceedings, through a preliminary hearing, indictment, or arraignment, and throughout the remainder of your case.

Do I really need an attorney?

If you face federal criminal charges, you need an attorney. Federal criminal charges are extremely serious. A conviction can change the rest of your life. Hiring a criminal defense attorney gives you the best shot at keeping your future within your control.

Can I avoid a conviction?

Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to argue some defenses to avoid a federal criminal conviction.

Illegal Search and Seizure

In some cases, your criminal defense attorney may be able to argue that law enforcement officers violated your Fourth Amendment rights. If law enforcement obtained evidence as the result of an illegal search or seizure, that evidence may be excluded in court.

Government’s Burden of Proof

In criminal cases, the burden of proof is on the prosecution to show that all the elements of the crime are present beyond a reasonable doubt. If the government lacks evidence on any element of the crime and cannot meet its burden of proof, you might avoid your conviction.

What can I expect once my charges have been filed?

Once your charges have been filed, criminal cases follow a standard process.

Initial Court Appearance

The first step in the criminal justice process is your initial court appearance. During your initial court appearance, the judge will advise you of your rights against self-incrimination and to have an attorney present. The judge will advise you of the charges against you and set bail.

Bail Hearing

At the bail hearing, your federal criminal defense lawyer will attempt to present evidence that you meet the criteria for bail and should be released for the duration of your trial. The judge makes the final determination as to whether to grant you the opportunity to post bail and gain release.

Arraignment

During your arraignment hearing, the court formally advises you of the charges against you and asks you to enter a plea to the charges.

An arraignment hearing must occur within a reasonable time after your arrest. Criminal defendants make pleas of either not guilty, guilty or no contest.

Pretrial Motions

Before trial, your criminal defense attorney can file a number of motions, including those to suppress evidence.

If successful, these motions can exclude some or all of the government’s evidence and lead to a reduction or dismissal of your charges.

Plea Bargain

Before trial, you may also enter into a plea bargain with the prosecution.

When entering into a plea bargain, you plead guilty to the charged offense in exchange for the government recommending a lesser penalty or reducing your charges.

Trial

If your case goes to trial, your defense attorney will present evidence refuting the government’s arguments.

The government has the burden of proving that you committed each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

Sentencing Hearing

If you agree to a plea bargain or are found guilty at trial, the final step in the criminal justice process is a sentencing hearing.

At the sentencing hearing, the judge sentences you to your punishment.

Sentencing hearings can take place right after a trial or guilty plea, or sometime later.

Potential issues in federal criminal cases.

In federal criminal cases, you may face many underlying issues that can influence the outcome of your case. Hiring a federal criminal defense lawyer provides you with the best opportunity to overcome any of these issues.

Illegally Obtained Evidence

Under the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, evidence that law enforcement illegally seizes is not admissible in court. While there are limitations and exceptions to this rule, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who can raise this issue if it applies to your case.

Multiple Related and Unrelated Charges

Additionally, it is important to understand that you could face charges for other crimes that are both related and unrelated to the main crime you’re charged with. For example, defendants in federal criminal cases often face additional charges such as mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering in addition to the principal crime.

An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand these charges and defend against them.

Confidential Informant Testimony

Confidential informants provide privileged information to law enforcement. In federal criminal cases, they often include co-conspirators who agree to testify against the defendant. If your case involves the testimony of a confidential informant, you’ll need a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney to overcome their statements.

Conspiracy Allegations

It is important to understand that you do not have to commit a substantive crime for a guilty verdict in a federal criminal case. You can be found guilty of conspiracy if you were a party to an agreement to commit a crime and another party committed an overt act toward the completion of the crime. Like substantive crimes, conspiracy carries severe punishments, including prison time and fines.

Attempt Allegations

Similar to conspiracy, you could also face charges that you attempted to commit a substantive crime. Attempt charges can carry the same penalties as the crime you were attempting to commit.

Sentencing Guidelines

In federal criminal cases, prosecutors and judges often rely on the Federal Sentencing Guidelines when determining your potential sentence. However, it is possible to obtain a sentence that is less than that recommended by the Guidelines. If charged with a federal crime in Ohio, hiring the federal criminal defense attorneys at Gounaris Abboud, LPA, gives you your best chance at lowering your potential sentence.

Penalties you may face for a federal crime.

When charged with a federal crime, you can face many penalties. The type of penalty you might face depends on the severity of the offense you committed, in addition to other factors.

Probation

When a court sentences you to probation, you are put under supervision for a period of time. Depending on your case, you may be sentenced to probation after serving jail time or receive probation instead of a jail sentence.

However, you are subject to a number of conditions while on probation.

These conditions can include:

  • Counseling
  • Community service
  • Meeting with your probation officer
  • Restrictions on using drugs and alcohol

A criminal defense attorney can help you find out if probation might be available in your case.

Fines

You may also face fines in federal criminal cases. The amount of a potential fine depends on the nature of your criminal charge. However, fines in federal criminal cases are usually much higher than those in state criminal cases.

Federal Imprisonment

In serious federal criminal cases, your punishment includes jail time in federal prison. Depending on the severity of your charges, your potential jail sentence can range from a few years to decades.

If your charges carry a potential federal prison sentence, you’ll want a skilled federal criminal defense lawyer on your side.

Restitution

In some federal criminal cases, your punishment might include restitution. Restitution requires convicted criminal defendants to provide financial compensation to the victim for the losses they suffered as a result of the crime.

Restitution is different than a fine because its purpose is to repay the victim for their loss rather than to punish the defendant.

What is a target letter?

A target letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office informs you of an investigation into your activities. It means investigators have evidence that you committed a crime. This is a clear sign that investigators plan to file charges.

If I did not commit a crime, should I tell my side of the story if I am contacted by a federal agent?

If you are contacted by a law enforcement agent, you should tread carefully. They may be gathering evidence against you. Contact from an FBI agent or other investigator is a good reason to search for a federal lawyer near me.

What are “departures” and “variances” in federal sentencing law?

The federal guidelines recommend sentences upon conviction. A variance differs from the recommendation based on statutory factors, like the use of a firearm. A departure differs from the recommendation without any support in the guidelines or laws.