Federal Defense

Most criminal charges in Florida are based on alleged violations of state or local laws. Federal offenses are far more serious matters that involve violations of federal laws or offenses in which the alleged offender or the criminal conduct crossed state lines.

While both the state and federal government may pursue charges when a criminal act violates both state and federal law, one government agency will usually defer to the other for prosecuting the case but one can also pursue charges if the other’s prosecution fails. Federal offenses generally carry much stiffer penalties than state charges, and prosecutors in federal cases also typically have far greater resources than their state counterparts.

If you are facing federal charges or you believe you could be under investigation for a federal offense, it is in your best interest to immediately retain legal counsel before saying anything to authorities. The Hoffman Firm defends clients all over Miami-Dade County in United States District Courts.

Miami criminal defense attorney Evan A. Hoffman is a former prosecutor who represents people in such communities as Miami, North Miami, South Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Aventura, Key Biscayne, Hialeah, Opa Locka, and many more. Call (305) 249-0090 to take advantage of a free, confidential consultation that will let out lawyer provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case.

• What is the difference between federal courts and state courts in Florida?
• Which kinds of cases are handled in federal courts?
• Where can I learn more about Miami-Dade County federal courts?

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State courts and federal courts have several differences in how each government handles criminal cases. Alleged violations of federal law must be tried in federal courts, but most other violations can be tried in state courts.

The prosecutors in state cases are generally lawyers who have been elected to their positions by voters, holding titles such as state’s attorneys or district attorneys. The judges in state courts—circuit court judges—are elected by voters and serve for six-year terms.

Prosecutors in federal cases are United States Attorneys who are either appointed to four-year terms by the President of the United States or appointed on an interim basis by the United States Attorney General. Federal judges are also appointed by the President of the United States, but they are essentially appointed for life.

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The types of crimes that may be prosecuted in federal courts include alleged offenses in which the criminal conduct crossed state lines, the alleged offender crossed state lines in committing the alleged offense, or alleged offenses that took place on federal property or involved federal agencies. Specific federal crimes are established in Title 18 of the United States Code.

Some of the most common categories of federal crimes include:

• Drug Offenses;
• White Collar;
• Computer Crimes;
• Weapons Offenses; and
• Sex Crimes.

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United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida — The jurisdiction for the Southern District of Florida includes Miami-Dade and eight other counties. It has seven courthouses in four divisions. On this website, you can learn more about the District Court, its schedule, and recent press releases. The two Miami-area locations include:

Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. U.S. Courthouse
400 North Miami Avenue
Miami, FL 33128
(305) 523-5160

C. Clyde Atkins U.S Courthouse
301 North Miami Avenue
Miami, FL 33128
(305) 523-5100

United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit — The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit has appellate jurisdiction over the federal judicial districts in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. On this website, you can learn more about the court, its judges, and some of its recent opinions. The Court of Appeals is based in Atlanta, but it has a satellite office in Miami at the following location:

James Lawrence King Federal Justice Building
99 N.E. Fourth Street
Miami, FL 33132
(305) 579-4430

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Do you suspect that you might be under investigation for or are you already facing federal criminal charges? The Hoffman Firm fights to get charges reduced or dismissed for clients in North Miami, South Miami, Miami Beach, and many other communities in the greater Miami-Dade County area.

Evan A. Hoffman is a criminal defense attorney in Miami who has experience on both sides of the aisle as a former Assistant State Attorney. Let him review your case and explore your legal options by calling (305) 249-0090 or completing an online contact form right now.

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