Federal Crimes in Scranton

Federal Criminal Defense Attorney in Scranton

Board-Certified Defense at the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

Federal charges are a different category of legal jeopardy. The prosecutors come from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the resources behind them are federal, and any conviction that follows is shaped by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which judges must calculate and consider and which typically produce sentences far exceeding what a Pennsylvania state court would impose for comparable conduct. When those charges land in Scranton, they’re heard at the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. That’s the court where we practice.

Attorney Bernie Brown has more than 15 years of criminal defense experience in both state and federal courts throughout Pennsylvania. His approach to every federal case begins with independent investigation from the earliest possible stage. This can be the moment a federal indictment is issued or when a client first learns they’re under investigation by the FBI, DEA, or ATF.

If you’re facing federal charges or believe you’re under federal investigation, contact our firm now at (570) 676-1553. The earlier we’re involved, the more options we can help you evaluate.

Why Scranton Clients Choose Bernard J. Brown, Attorney at Law for Federal Defense

Bernie Brown isn’t simply a criminal defense attorney who handles the occasional federal matter. He holds board certification as a criminal litigation specialist and carries a capital defense certification under the Federal Criminal Justice Act, qualifying him to handle death penalty cases in both Pennsylvania state courts and federal courts. That level of certification is rare, and it reflects the depth of preparation he brings to every case, including those that never approach capital territory.

His trial record includes 40 jury trials taken to verdict, among them 12 acquittals. The firm’s overall success rate exceeds 90 percent across thousands of cases in state and federal courts. Those numbers reflect a practice built around preparation, not settlement pressure.

Several additional facts distinguish our practice for those evaluating federal criminal defense lawyers in Scranton:

Multi-generational Pennsylvania roots: The firm was founded by Bernie Brown’s grandfather, establishing a legacy of criminal defense in this state that spans generations.
Professional standing: Bernie Brown is a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, keeping our practice current with evolving federal and state defense standards.
Accessible from anywhere: We offer virtual consultations so that geography or scheduling doesn’t stand between you and qualified legal counsel.

Contact Us Before the Government’s Case Goes Any Further

Federal investigations often run for months before charges are filed. A grand jury may already be hearing evidence. The earlier a defense attorney is involved, the more options remain on the table. We offer confidential consultations, including virtual meetings, for individuals facing federal charges in Scranton and throughout the counties served by the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

Attorney Bernie Brown can review your situation directly. Call Bernard J. Brown, Attorney at Law at (570) 676-1553 to schedule your consultation.

Federal Charges We Defend

Federal prosecutors pursue a wide range of offenses, and the specific charge shapes the defense strategy. Our firm defends clients against the following categories of federal charges in the Middle District of Pennsylvania:

Federal drug offenses: Distribution, trafficking, and conspiracy charges investigated by the DEA
White collar crimes: Bank fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, health care fraud, money laundering, embezzlement, and tax evasion
Federal firearms charges: Cases brought by the ATF under federal statutes
Computer crimes and identity theft: Federal charges involving cybercrime, identity fraud, and counterfeiting
RICO and conspiracy: Federal racketeering and organized criminal enterprise charges
Federal sex offenses: Sexual exploitation of children and child pornography charges prosecuted in federal court
Bribery, extortion and obstruction: Federal charges involving corruption or interference with government proceedings

How Federal Cases Differ from Pennsylvania State Court

Defendants who have navigated Pennsylvania’s state courts are often surprised by how differently federal cases proceed. These distinctions matter for anyone under investigation or already charged in the Middle District.

The Prosecution Is Federal

Federal cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, not a county district attorney. Federal prosecutors work alongside agencies with substantial investigative resources and typically build their cases over a long period before charges are ever filed.

Grand Juries Come Before Charges

Unlike state court practice, federal defendants are typically charged through a grand jury indictment or a criminal information, not a preliminary hearing. Grand juries can issue subpoenas and compel testimony, often long before a target knows they’re under scrutiny.

Sentencing Is Guided by Federal Guidelines

The Federal Sentencing Guidelines, established under the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984, provide a framework that federal judges must calculate and consider when imposing sentence. While advisory, the Guidelines are the starting point for every federal sentence and typically produce outcomes that far exceed what a Pennsylvania state court would impose for comparable conduct. Understanding how the Guidelines apply to specific charges is a critical part of any federal defense strategy.

Pretrial Detention Is More Common

Bail in federal court is governed by the Bail Reform Act of 1984. Judges have broader authority to order pretrial detention than their state counterparts, and the standards for release are more demanding. That makes early legal intervention particularly important.

Local Jurisdiction for Lackawanna County and Surrounding Areas

Federal cases arising in Lackawanna County, Wayne County, and surrounding counties fall under the Scranton division of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, located at the William J. Nealon Federal Building. It’s the court our firm knows and practices in regularly.

Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer Meet Bernard J. Brown

a seasoned criminal defense attorney carrying on a legacy of excellence. With 15 years of courtroom experience—including high-stakes federal and state cases—and unique certifications to handle Capital Death Penalty cases in Pennsylvania and under the Federal Criminal Justice Act, Bernard is prepared to fight vigorously on your behalf.

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Why Choose Us?

Legal Advocacy You Can Rely On

Trusted Family Legacy of Criminal Defense
Available Any Time You Need Us
40 Jury Trials to Verdict; 12 Acquittals
Certified Litigation Specialist

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