Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Kentucky

Facing federal charges in Kentucky can feel like everything is stacked against you from the start. The rules are different, the stakes are higher, and the government brings serious resources to the table.

You need our federal criminal defense Kentucky lawyer who knows how to push back, protect your rights, and guide you through every step with clarity and care. At Mashni Law, PLLC, we take these kinds of criminal defense cases personally. If you are under investigation or already charged, reach out today and let us talk through what comes next.

What Makes a Crime a Federal Offense?

Not every criminal charge is handled by the federal government. A case usually becomes a federal offense when it involves crossing state lines, violating laws passed by Congress, targeting federal property, or involving a federal agency or officer. You might also face federal charges if the alleged conduct impacts interstate commerce or includes offenses like large-scale drug distribution, weapons trafficking, wire fraud, or healthcare fraud.

Federal crimes are investigated by agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE), or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

These cases are prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office. The process is very different from what you would see in state court. Federal agencies often spend months building their case before making an arrest. If you are being investigated or have already been charged, you need to understand what you are up against. Your Kentucky federal crimes lawyer with Mashni Law, PLLC is here to walk you through it and build a plan that protects your future.

Understanding the Federal Criminal Process

The federal court system moves at a different pace than state courts and often involves more pressure from the start. Federal prosecutors rely on grand juries, extensive investigations, and support from agencies like the FBI and the DEA. If you are charged or under investigation, here is what you can expect as your case makes its way through federal court.

Investigations and Indictments

In many cases, the federal process begins before you even know it. Investigations can last weeks or even months as federal agents gather information through surveillance, subpoenas, and witness interviews. You may not be arrested until prosecutors believe they have enough to present your case to a federal grand jury.

If the grand jury decides there is enough evidence, they will issue an indictment. This formal charge sets the case in motion. From there, your federal criminal defense attorney in Kentucky begins building a defense that challenges every part of the government’s case and protects your rights at every stage.

Arraignment, Discovery, and Plea Negotiations

After the indictment, the next step is your arraignment. This is where the charges are read aloud, and you enter your plea. Most people plead not guilty, so their attorney has time to review the case and begin negotiations. The government then provides discovery, which includes the evidence they plan to use at trial.

This is also when plea discussions may begin. In some cases, a plea deal might make sense. In others, it will not. Mashni Law, PLLC is here to walk you through those choices and help you weigh every outcome. This stage often determines how much leverage you have if the case eventually goes to trial.

Trial, Sentencing, and Appeals

If your case proceeds to trial, both sides will present their evidence before a judge or jury. You have the right to testify or remain silent, and the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If a conviction happens, the next step is sentencing, which follows federal sentencing guidelines and may include mandatory minimums depending on the charge.

Some charges, like a 924(c) charge in federal court involving firearms during a drug trafficking or violent crime, may come with stacked sentences that can lead to decades in prison.

We will work to avoid those outcomes and fight for the lowest sentence possible. If mistakes were made during the trial or sentencing, you may also have grounds to appeal. We will be with you throughout that process and give you a clear path forward.

How Judges Determine Punishment in Federal Cases

Sentencing in federal court is not always straightforward. Some punishments are locked in by law, while others leave more room for argument based on your background and the details of your case. If you are wondering how judges determine punishment, here is a quick look at the two main systems used in federal court:

Statutory sentencing – These are fixed punishments set by Congress for certain crimes. Some carry mandatory minimums, which means the judge cannot go below a specific sentence even if the facts support leniency.
United States sentencing guidelines – These guidelines recommend a sentencing range based on factors like the severity of the offense and your criminal history. Judges are not required to follow the guidelines exactly, but they often influence the outcome.
Advisory guidelines – In 2005, the Supreme Court ruled that the sentencing guidelines are no longer mandatory in U.S. v. Booker. Judges may now depart from the suggested range if they give a valid reason supported by the record.
Sentencing hearings – After a guilty plea or conviction, the court holds a hearing to determine the appropriate sentence. Both the defense and the prosecution can present evidence, statements, and arguments at this stage.
Additional considerations – Judges may weigh cooperation, family circumstances, military service, or other mitigating factors. These details help provide a fuller picture of who you are beyond the charges themselves.

The United States sentencing guidelines still carry weight in every federal sentencing hearing, but they are not the only thing the court looks at. If you are facing a serious charge, it is important to understand how these rules work and what options might exist. With careful planning and strong advocacy, Mashni Law, PLLC will help you work toward the most reasonable outcome possible.

Common Federal Charges We Defend

Facing federal charges can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. We want you to know you are not alone. If you are under investigation or already indicted, our federal crimes attorney will take the time to explain what you are up against and build a plan that puts you in the strongest position possible. Some of the most common federal charges we handle include:

Drug trafficking and related offenses – These charges typically involve transporting, distributing, or manufacturing controlled substances across state lines in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841. Penalties can be severe, especially when large quantities or prior convictions are involved.
White-collar crimes – This includes fraud, embezzlement, and other non-violent offenses prosecuted under statutes like 18 U.S.C. § 1343 for wire fraud and 18 U.S.C. § 1344 for bank fraud. These cases often involve lengthy investigations and complex financial evidence.
Immigration crimes – Charges such as unlawful reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326 or document fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1546 can result in prison time and removal proceedings. Many of these cases are tied to criminal allegations or prior deportations.
Internet and computer crimes – Offenses like identity theft, hacking, and online fraud are prosecuted under laws like 18 U.S.C. § 1030, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. These charges often involve digital evidence and federal cybercrime units.
Gun and weapons charges – Federal firearms violations under 18 U.S.C. § 922 and 18 U.S.C. § 924 include unlawful possession, trafficking, and use of firearms in connection with other crimes. Convictions can carry long mandatory minimum sentences.
Human trafficking – These charges typically fall under 18 U.S.C. § 1591 and involve allegations of transporting individuals for forced labor or exploitation. The government takes these cases seriously and often seeks significant prison time.
RICO offenses – Under 18 U.S.C. § 1962, Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) charges involve ongoing criminal enterprises or conspiracies. These are broad, aggressive cases with high stakes and often multiple defendants.
Firearm possession during a drug crime – Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), possessing a gun while committing or attempting to commit a drug trafficking crime adds mandatory prison time. These sentences must run consecutively and can quickly escalate your total exposure.

Every case is different, but federal charges tend to move quickly and come with serious consequences. Whether the issue involves complex financial records, interstate drug operations, or firearm allegations tied to drug offenses, we will walk through every detail with you and make sure your side is heard. You deserve someone in your corner who knows how these cases work and who will keep your future at the center of everything we do.

Defenses That May Apply in Federal Criminal Cases

When you are facing a federal charge, it is easy to feel like the odds are stacked against you. But no matter what the government says, they still have to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. As your federal criminal defense lawyer, we will step in early, examine the evidence, and build a defense strategy that fits your circumstances and goals.

Illegal Search, Entrapment, or Insufficient Evidence

There are strict rules federal agents must follow when they investigate a case. If they searched your property without a valid warrant or coerced you into saying something that should not be used against you, we will challenge it. These are issues we look for in every case because they can lead to evidence being thrown out.

To convict you, prosecutors must prove every part of the charge. That means showing what happened, who was involved, and why it meets the legal definition of a federal crime. If there is a gap in their case, we will use it to defend you and push for a better outcome.

Mistaken Identity or False Accusations

In federal cases, charges sometimes come down based on assumptions, incomplete investigations, or unreliable witnesses. If someone wrongly identifies you or ties your name to an offense without solid proof, that can open the door to a mistaken identity defense.

This can happen in larger conspiracy cases where people are charged by association or when a name is similar to someone actually involved. Your federal criminal defense lawyer with Mashni Law, PLLC will look closely at the evidence used to connect you to the crime.

We will challenge vague witness statements, review surveillance footage, and question how investigators linked you to the case in the first place. When the government gets it wrong, we will make sure the court hears the full story. You should never carry the weight of a federal accusation if the evidence does not actually point to you.

Lack of Criminal Intent

In a lot of federal cases, the government has to prove more than just what happened. They have to show that you meant to break the law. If they cannot do that, it can make a big difference in how your case is handled.

Maybe you were caught up in something without realizing the full picture. That happens more often than you might think, especially in complicated cases like fraud or conspiracy.

Your federal criminal defense lawyer will take a close look at how the government is trying to show intent and whether that actually matches the facts. If the evidence does not support what they are claiming, we will push back and make sure your side is heard. Without intent, there may not be a case at all.

Negotiated Resolutions and Plea Agreements

Not every case goes to trial, and that is not always a bad thing. In many situations, negotiating a plea can reduce your exposure and help you avoid the harshest penalties. If the evidence is strong or a mandatory minimum applies, we will talk through what options exist and whether a resolution makes sense.

You will always be the one making the decisions, but we will make sure you have the facts to choose wisely. If a plea deal is not in your best interest, we are prepared to take your case to court and fight for you there. You should never feel alone in this process, and with our team, you never will.

Get Proven Defense From a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer in Kentucky

A federal conviction can turn your entire life upside down, but you do not have to face this process alone. Your federal criminal lawyer in Kentucky with Mashni Law, PLLC will be there for you at every hearing, every filing, and every negotiation. Call our office or fill out our secure contact form today to schedule your free case evaluation and take the first step toward protecting your future.