Houston Federal Crimes Lawyer

While certain federal crimes are outlined in the U.S. Constitution, it is possible to be tried in federal and state courts for the same offense. Some crimes that seem like state cases at the outset can also end up in federal court.

For example, the following cases might fall under federal jurisdiction:

• A robbery or white collar crime that took place in one state, but involved assets or companies from multiple states, thus falling under the “interstate commerce” clause
• A particularly egregious offense that is punishable by both state and federal law, such as drug trafficking, where prosecutors choose to bring charges in the superior court
• A case tried separately in both state and federal courts based on “dual sovereignty”

Other cases that are tried in federal court involve federal matters, such as immigration, counterfeiting currency, or federal tax evasion. Crimes that took place on federal land or involved crossing a state boundary will also be tried in federal court.

These cases can involve long investigations by federal agencies and more in-depth evidence than crimes tried on the state level. Whether the charges involve theft, financial offenses, firearm violations, or another violent or nonviolent crime, it is important to work with an attorney who can not only build a strong defense based of the nuances of your particular matter, but also truly cares about protecting your rights and future. 

Can Federal Crimes Be Expunged in Texas?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. Under Texas law, expungement is a state-level procedure that applies solely to state offenses. By their federal nature, federal crimes fall under the jurisdiction of the United States government. They are not subject to expungement under state law. However, individuals with federal convictions still need options to mitigate the impact of their past offenses.