The Likelihood of Conviction: What Is the Success Rate of Federal Charges?

The federal system in the United States is complex. For those facing federal charges, going through the legal process can be daunting, so understanding the likelihood of conviction is crucial.

While the success rate of federal charges can vary depending on various factors, it's generally high compared to state-level prosecutions. However, these cases don't usually go to trial. Below is what the latest reports say.

What Are Federal Offenses?

Federal offenses encompass those crimes that violate federal laws and can include the following:

• Drug offenses: This category lists offenses related to the possession, distribution, manufacturing, and trafficking of controlled substances, such as:

  • Heroin

  • Marijuana

  • Cocaine

  • LSD 

• Immigration offenses: These offenses involve violations of immigration laws, such as:

  • Illegal entry into the United States

  • Unauthorized employment in the United States

  • Reentry into the United States after deportation

  • Falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen

• Property offenses: This category encompasses crimes that result in property damage or loss. Some examples include:

  • Theft

  • Robbery

  • Burglary

  • Fraud

  • Arson

• Sex offenses: These offenses are related to illegal sexual acts, such as:

  • Child sexual abuse

  • Sexual assault

  • Rape

  • Statutory rape

Other federal offenses can include white-collar crimes, terrorism, and national security violations. These are some examples:

• Tax evasion

• Wire fraud

• Money laundering

• Bank fraud

• Computer hacking

• Mass injuries, deaths, and destruction

• Espionage

Depending on their severity, classification, and other factors, these cases can be handled by any of the following federal courts:

• Federal district courts with the assistance of magistrate judges

• Federal courts of appeals

• Supreme Court

When Can a Person Face Federal Charges?

A person can face federal charges when they commit a crime that violates federal law. This can occur in various situations, including:

• Crimes that cross state lines: If a crime involves activities that take place in more than one state, it may fall under federal jurisdiction.

• Crimes on federal property: Crimes committed on federal land, such as national parks or military bases, are typically federal offenses.

• Crimes involving federal agencies: If a crime involves a federal agency or official, such as when a person defrauds the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), it may be considered a federal offense.

How Many Defendants Go to Jury Trial for Federal Crimes?

While it may seem like a significant number of defendants go to trial for federal crimes, the reality is that most federal cases are resolved through plea bargains.

According to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, only a small percentage of federal criminal cases proceed to trial. Below is more information:

• In 2023, approximately 85% of federal criminal cases were resolved through guilty pleas. This means that only 15% of cases went to trial.

• Of the cases that went to trial, the conviction rate was approximately 80%. This suggests that 80% of defendants who were tried were found guilty.

How Many Federal Criminal Cases Result in Conviction?

The conviction rate for federal criminal cases is generally high. As mentioned, it was estimated at approximately 80% last year. In other words, most defendants who were charged with federal crimes were either convicted at trial or pleaded guilty.

However, it's important to note that this can vary depending on several factors, including the following:

• The specific charges or type of crime: For example, the conviction rate for drug-related crimes is generally higher than that for property offenses.

• The strength of the evidence: Cases where the prosecution presents strong evidence are more likely to result in a conviction than weak ones.

• The skills of the criminal defense attorney: A skilled criminal defense attorney can protect a defendant's rights and increase their chances of a favorable outcome, whether the case is tried at an appeal or district court.

Why Are Trials Considered "Rare" in the Federal Criminal Justice System?

There are several reasons why trials are considered "rare" in the federal criminal justice system, including the following:

• Plea bargaining: More often than not, a federal criminal case is resolved through a plea bargain. Defendants agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge or a reduced sentence in exchange for avoiding a trial.

• Complexity: Federal cases can be complex and time-consuming to prosecute. Therefore, it can be more efficient for both the criminal prosecution and the defense to resolve cases without going to trial.

• Cost: Trials can be expensive, and the government may prefer to avoid the costs associated with judicial proceedings by resolving cases through plea bargains.

• Overburdened courts: Federal courts are often overburdened with cases, and resolving most of them out of trial can alleviate this burden.

• Trial penalty: Criminal offenses carry more serious consequences than civil cases. Convicted defendants may face harsher sentences than those pleading guilty. Therefore, the defense usually tries to find a way to reduce charges without going to court.

The federal sentencing guidelines provide a framework for determining sentences in criminal cases, which makes it easier for defendants to assess the potential consequences of going to trial and make informed decisions about whether to plead guilty.

By working with a federal crime lawyer in Texas with experience in the federal court system, defendants charged with federal crimes can also navigate their legal options to reduce or avoid trial and conviction.

Is It Possible to Get Federal Criminal Charges Dropped or Reduced?

In some cases, it's possible to get federal criminal charges dropped or reduced. This can happen when the following factors come into play:

• Weak evidence: If the prosecution doesn't have sufficient evidence to prove the defendant's guilt, they may choose to drop the charges.

• Negotiations: The criminal defense attorney may be able to negotiate with the prosecution to reduce the charges or potential sentences.

• Legal technicalities: There may be legal technicalities, such as procedural errors and defects in the indictment or information, that can lead to the charges being dropped or reduced.

• Criminal appeals: A convicted person can challenge their sentence in a higher court to determine if any errors were made during the trial that might have affected the outcome.

Final Thoughts: Should People Facing Federal Charges Seek Help from a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

From plea bargains to criminal appeals, there are many options to get federal charges dropped or reduced. If you're facing them, don't hesitate to contact Sparks Law Firm. We can advise on what happens when a case goes federal.

Our experienced criminal defense attorneys have a proven track record of successfully defending clients accused of federal crimes.

We understand the complexities of the federal criminal justice system and are committed to providing you with the highest quality representation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!