Pittsburgh Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Federal Criminal Defense Attorney in Pittsburgh, PA

By the time federal prosecutors seek an indictment or a suspect’s arrest, they have likely amassed considerable evidence to support their case. The federal criminal justice system has vast resources at its disposal. Federal sentencing guidelines often lead to lengthy prison sentences. If you are facing federal criminal charges, you can rely on a Pittsburgh federal criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights and seek a favorable case outcome that protects your freedom.

Criminal Defense Dedicated to Safeguarding Your Rights and Future

If you are facing federal charges, you need representation from a firm that isn’t afraid to fight for your rights and interests in federal court. At Ryan R. Smith Law Offices, we defend individuals accused of offenses such as fraud, conspiracy, firearms violations, and large-scale drug trafficking.

Our lead attorney is an active member of the National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers and stays current on evolving federal procedures and defense strategies. With your freedom and reputation at stake, you can rely on our legal team to challenge the government’s case and pursue the strongest possible outcome in federal court.

Understanding Federal Crimes in Pittsburgh

According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission (USSC), 1,204 federal offenders were sentenced in Pennsylvania in 2023. The leading categories of federal cases were drug trafficking (37%), often involving methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, or cocaine, followed by firearms offenses (25%) and fraud, theft, or embezzlement (12%). These figures highlight the serious nature of federal prosecutions and the severe penalties that follow.

In September 2023, local police arrested a man carrying a loaded gun, fentanyl pills, crack cocaine, and cash. A search of his backpack uncovered additional cocaine, fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, scales, and ammunition.

Already a convicted felon, he admitted to possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition. On July 28, 2025, he was sentenced in federal court to six years in prison.

Common Federal Crimes

The federal courts in Pennsylvania handle cases that involve violations of U.S. law or crimes that cross state lines. The cases are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys working for the Justice Department. Some common federal crimes include:

• Drug trafficking – Large-scale distribution or conspiracy involving substances such as fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, or cocaine.
• Firearms offenses – Illegal possession of firearms by felons, use of weapons in furtherance of a crime, or trafficking in firearms.
• Fraud and financial crimes – Wire fraud, mail fraud, tax fraud, embezzlement, and healthcare fraud are prosecuted under federal statutes.
• Cybercrime – Hacking, identity theft, and internet-based schemes that cross state or national borders.
• Conspiracy – Agreements between two or more people to commit a federal crime, even if the act is not completed.

Federal prosecutors generally have access to more resources and investigators than state prosecutors. Federal cases are carefully built by prosecutors, often after lengthy investigations, and defending against them requires a strategic and proactive approach from experienced defense attorneys.

Why You Should Hire a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Federal criminal courts operate differently from state courts. Without the help of a Pittsburgh federal criminal defense attorney, you risk an outcome to your case that could jeopardize your future and your freedom. A federal criminal defense lawyer understands federal criminal defense laws and how to help clients navigate complex cases with favorable outcomes.

An attorney can independently investigate the incident that led to your arrest. After scrutinizing the evidence, they can explore which legal strategy can work to systematically weaken the prosecution’s case. Federal criminal defense cases are incredibly complex, but the right legal approach can lead to favorable outcomes like reduced or dropped criminal charges.

FAQs

Q: How Are Federal Courts Different Than State Courts?

A: Federal courts handle cases involving violations of federal laws, not state laws. These offenses include drug trafficking across state lines, firearms offenses that occur on federal property, and any crime that crosses state lines. The sentences are often harsher in federal court than in state court. Criminal charges and indictments often result from investigations by agencies like the FBI or DEA.

Q: Can Federal Charges Be Dropped?

A: Charges in federal court can be dropped for many of the same reasons they are dismissed in state court, such as insufficient evidence, violations of constitutional rights, or improper procedures in the investigation. Dropped charges do not happen automatically and usually require action on the part of the defense attorney. Whether the prosecution supports dropping charges is another key factor in whether the case is dropped.

Q: Can an Attorney Have My Charges Reduced?

A: Your attorney can take steps to have your charges reduced, but that decision ultimately rests with the Justice Department. Reduced charges may be called for when there is insufficient evidence to support the current charges. Reduced charges can greatly reduce the penalties a defendant is facing, and a plea bargain based on the reduced offense can potentially offer favorable terms for resolving a case.

Q: Do Federal Prosecutors Offer Plea Bargains?

A: Yes, plea bargains are common in federal courts and may involve reduced charges or lighter sentences in exchange for a guilty plea. However, prosecutors do not offer deals unless it serves the government’s interests, and judges must approve any agreement before it becomes binding. Any steps that weaken the prosecution’s case can improve the chances that a defendant is offered a favorable plea bargain offer.

Contact a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Federal charges carry some of the most serious consequences in the legal system, often involving lengthy prison sentences, steep fines, and long-term effects on a person’s future. Allegations such as drug trafficking, wire fraud, firearm offenses, or other federal crimes require an aggressive and knowledgeable defense.

At Ryan R. Smith Law Offices, we understand the high stakes and work to protect clients through every stage of the process. Acting quickly can make a critical difference in the outcome of your case. Contact our federal criminal defense lawyer today to begin building the defense you need against these charges.