Thomas C Gallagher · Minneapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer

Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers in the Federal District Court of Minnesota

Federal court is a daunting place to be for people accused of crimes.  The power of the federal government is awesome, and its laws are harsh and cruel.

Federal criminal lawyers practice in a court where the jury trial "right" under the U.S. Constitution no longer exists as a right freely available, except in name.  In practice, federal criminal attorneys must advise the People they represent that under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, a "trial tax" has been made explicit and institutionalized as part of the federal criminal law.  A person defending against federal charges daring to use their "right" to trial, can expect a more severe prison sentence under the Guidelines if they do not win the trial.

Federal attorneys must be skilled with not only the United States Sentencing Guidelines; but also a plethora of "mandatory minimum" sentencing statutes which ignore the common law principle that "the punishment should fit the crime."  Federal court lawyers identify key facts to help their People avoid "mandatory minimums" and minimize the dangers in the federal sentencing guidelines.  Prison sentences in federal court tend to be severe, cruel and unusual.

This makes it important to work hard and creatively to defend the People Gallagher represents from the government's cruel power.  Federal criminal defense is serious business - with serious consequences in the balance - not only for the accused but the family and dependents of the accused.  Educating the accused person, and their supporters helps.  It is essential they understand the federal court process and what is stake.  Thomas C Gallagher works hard to do this effectively.

Traditionally, criminal law was primarily within the jurisdictions of the States - and State Courts.  In recent years - in a malevolent trend we call "the federalization of criminal law" - the federal government has continuously expanded its power, including the exercise of its ultimate domestic power - criminal prosecution and the taking of life and liberty.  Yet in terms of numbers - in Minnesota, the vast majority of "crimes" prosecuted remain in State Court.

If cases prosecuted in Minnesota district federal court are compared to those prosecuted in state court:

1.  Federal court criminal cases tend to be more serious felony crimes, if not in the prohibited conduct; then, in terms of consequences.

2.  Some federal cases are of the less serious variety, due to jurisdictional issues - such as Native-American Indian Reservations or federal lands.

In addition, certain types of criminal charges are more likely to be filed in federal court:

• "White Collar crimes," such as alleged violations of vague federal statutes and administrative rules, and larger embezzlement, fraud, and theft cases.

• Certain drug crimes, especially larger, alleged drug crime conspiracy cases, drug trafficking, drug importation and distribution.  Among federal drug charges, smaller drug cases are rare in federal court, though many People with minor roles in alleged conspiracies get dragged into federal court, as well as small drug possession cases from federal jurisdictions.

• Certain sex crimes, especially larger child porn charges, computer sex crimes, and internet sex-with-minor charges.

• Bank robbery.

Federal Criminal Lawyer Thomas Gallagher, of GALLAGHER CRIMINAL DEFENSE SERVICES, has represented People accused of federal court charges for over twenty-three (23) years.  Federal criminal attorneys can make a difference, and provide needed help to People targeted by the government.  Gallagher strives to work hard, and be the best criminal attorney he can be.  Gallagher is an experienced criminal defense attorney, who has worked on high profile federal criminal cases. 

If you are a target of a federal criminal investigation, or have been charged with a federal crime, give Thomas Gallagher a call to make an appointment for an office case evaluation at his law office next to the federal court house in downtown Mpls.  612-333-1500.