Trusted Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers in Eugene, Oregon

Federal criminal charges are one of the most overwhelming and high-stakes legal challenges a person can endure. Unlike state prosecutions, where sentencing can often be more flexible, federal cases are handled by the United States government—an entity with unlimited resources, dedicated federal prosecutors, and the power to impose severe mandatory sentences.

A charge that might result in probation or a short sentence in state court could lead to years in federal prison due to strict sentencing guidelines and mandatory minimums. If you or a loved one is under investigation or has been indicted in federal court, it is critical to act immediately and secure a skilled federal defense attorney who knows how to navigate the complexities of the federal system.

At the Law Office of Mike Arnold, we specialize in high-stakes criminal defense, representing clients in some of Oregon’s most complex and high-profile cases. Our firm’s founder, Mike Arnold, is a seasoned trial attorney and former prosecutor who understands how federal cases are built—and, more importantly, how to dismantle them in court. Our Eugene criminal defense legal team has extensive experience handling jury trials, multi-defendant cases, expert witnesses, forensic evidence, and intricate federal procedures.

If you are under federal investigation or have already been indicted, the decisions you make right now will impact your future. Do not wait—contact the Law Office of Mike Arnold today for a free intake call or a paid consultation to discuss your case. When your freedom is at stake, you need experienced, relentless, and results-driven defense attorneys who will fight for you every step of the way.

What is the Difference Between State and Federal Criminal Cases in Oregon?

Oregon criminal cases can be prosecuted at either the state or federal level, depending on the nature of the crime, the agencies involved, and whether the offense violates state law, federal law, or both. Understanding the difference between state and federal criminal charges is critical because federal cases typically carry harsher penalties, longer sentences, and more aggressive prosecution.

Types of Crimes Prosecuted in Federal Court

Unlike state cases, which district attorneys in county courts prosecute, federal cases are handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys in United States District Court and often involve extensive investigations by federal agencies, such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, IRS, Secret Service, or Homeland Security.

Typical offenses that fall under federal jurisdiction include:

• White-Collar Crimes – Federal fraud investigations often target wire, mail, securities, tax, bank, healthcare, PPP loan, and identity theft. These cases typically involve financial institutions, government programs, or interstate transactions, subjecting them to federal prosecution.
• Drug Trafficking and Distribution – While drug possession and small-scale sales are often prosecuted at the state level, cases involving large quantities, distribution across state lines, or involvement with drug cartels or organized crime fall under federal drug laws. The DEA often leads these investigations, and mandatory minimum sentencing applies to many federal drug crimes.
• Firearms and Weapons Charges – Federal firearms charges can include illegal possession of a firearm by a felon, interstate gun trafficking, possession of an unregistered firearm, or use of a firearm in connection with a federal drug or violent crime. These cases are aggressively prosecuted under laws enforced by the ATF.
• Cybercrimes and Internet Offenses – Crimes involving the Internet, computers, or digital transactions often fall under federal jurisdiction, particularly child pornography offenses, hacking, online fraud, and identity theft. The FBI and the Department of Justice’s Cybercrime Division frequently handle these cases.
• RICO and Conspiracy Charges – Racketeering (RICO) and conspiracy cases involve organized crime, gang-related activities, drug cartels, and large-scale fraud schemes. These cases often involve multiple defendants and can result in lengthy federal prison sentences.
• Federal Sex Crimes – Cases involving child exploitation, sex trafficking, online solicitation of minors, and offenses crossing state or international borders are prosecuted under federal law, often with severe sentencing guidelines.
• Immigration Crimes – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) handle cases related to illegal entry, visa fraud, human smuggling, and reentry after deportation. Convictions can lead to deportation, removal proceedings, and federal prison time.
• Federal Appeals and Post-Conviction Relief – Those convicted of federal crimes may have the opportunity to appeal their case or seek post-conviction relief in federal appellate courts. Still, the process is highly complex and requires an experienced appellate attorney.

Federal cases move fast, and the government has often spent months—or even years—investigating before an arrest is made. We develop aggressive, trial-ready defense strategies designed to challenge federal prosecutors, expose weaknesses in the government’s case, and fight for the best possible outcome.

How Federal Charges Impact Our Clients

A federal indictment can put your freedom, reputation, career, and future at risk, making it critical to take immediate action. The consequences extend beyond the courtroom, affecting your personal and financial stability in ways that can last a lifetime.

Federal charges carry higher stakes than state charges, as they often involve:

• Harsher Sentencing – Many federal crimes carry mandatory minimum sentences, meaning a conviction could result in decades in prison with limited parole options.
• Extensive Investigations – Federal cases are often built over months or years, meaning the government may already have significant evidence before making an arrest.
• More Aggressive Prosecution – Federal prosecutors have more resources, expert witnesses, and law enforcement agencies assisting their cases, making it critical to have a defense team that matches their preparation and strategy.
• Collateral Consequences – A federal conviction can lead to loss of professional licenses, asset forfeiture, financial penalties, deportation (for non-citizens), and restrictions on future employment or housing opportunities.

Our firm is dedicated to helping clients navigate the complexities of federal charges, build a strong defense, and fight for the best possible outcome.

How Our Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help

At the Law Office of Mike Arnold, we understand the unique challenges of defending against federal charges and the high-stakes consequences of a federal conviction. Our trial-tested defense attorneys develop aggressive legal strategies tailored to challenging federal prosecutors and dismantling the government’s case.

We focus on:

• Pre-Indictment Defense – If you are under federal investigation but have not yet been charged, we can intervene early to negotiate with prosecutors and potentially prevent formal charges.
• Strategic Trial Defense – We have extensive experience cross-examining federal agents, challenging forensic evidence, and exposing weaknesses in federal cases.
• Negotiated Resolutions & Sentencing Advocacy – If a trial is not in your best interest, we work to reduce charges, secure favorable plea agreements, and advocate for the lowest possible sentence.
• Federal Appeals & Post-Conviction Relief – If you have already been convicted, we can explore appellate options to challenge wrongful convictions or excessive sentencing.

If you are under investigation or facing federal charges, you cannot afford to wait. Federal prosecutors have limitless resources; their goal is to convict you, not give you the benefit of the doubt. You need an experienced, aggressive defense team that understands federal law and knows how to fight back.

Call the Law Office of Mike Arnold today at 541-359-4585 to schedule a free intake call or a paid attorney consultation and start building a powerful defense strategy. Your future is on the line—don’t leave it to chance.

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IIf You Have Been Charged with a Federal Crime in Oregon…

Remain Silent: Talk to No One

Immediately tell your loved one they will talk to no one about anything that has happened, including you and their significant other. Assume that all telephone calls from the jail are recorded, because they are. Recordings of those phone calls will be the Federal Government’s Exhibit 1 at trial. Tell your loved one to tell any investigators that they want to speak to an Oregon federal court defense attorney and to say nothing else to law enforcement. No exceptions.

The Federal Government’s Burden of Proof: Can They Prove Their Case?

Under our federal constitution, an accused person is innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond all reasonable doubts. The question for the jury is not whether or not you committed the alleged federal crime. The question is whether or not the United States government has proven beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime as alleged.

Mike Arnold and his team will research the legal issues unique to your federal case and can challenge the U.S. government’s evidence through motions to suppress and motions to exclude evidence. In addition to challenging the legal sufficiency of the evidence, we can challenge the factual sufficiency of the evidence by aggressively investigating your case and having an investigator speak to witnesses for the state and you. If there was a suggestive photo identification or other eyewitness problems, we challenge that evidence with a nationally known identification expert.

Mike Arnold’s Unique Approach to Defending Federal Crime Cases

Mike is known for utilizing his unique strategy and trial skills from other practice areas to defend your case. He is not a “business as usual” lawyer. Your case is not “one size fits all” for us. Because Mike has a broad range of criminal and civil jury trial litigation experience, he and his team have many experiences and relationships with trial experts you do not usually see in a federal criminal case. We will analyze your case’s unique fact issues and brainstorm WITH YOU what expert witnesses will assist the federal jury on a disputed fact. That might distinguish between a simple swearing contest between witnesses and reasonable doubt.

Understanding Federal Crimes and Sentencing Factors in Oregon

U.S. Attorneys, the federal prosecutors, have a mighty sentencing hammer to hold over your head. Get to know the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Learn them. Don’t be ignorant of what motivates most of your case’s players. This is your life. Take control by learning and participating. You need an Oregon federal criminal defense attorney familiar with the federal criminal sentencing guidelines. While preparing your case for trial, we will also explore mitigation issues to present to the lifetime appointed federal judge and prosecutor. This includes having an investigator researching mitigating factors and employing other experts to assist at sentencing, such as drug and alcohol treatment specialists, psychological evaluators, etc. For instance, if it’s a defense exporting (ITAR/EAR) case, you must analyze the complicated implications of leadership roles and national security.

Choosing an Oregon Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

When your life as you know it is in jeopardy due to a the proverbial “federal case,” it is essential to invest in an Oregon federal defense lawyer who will give your case the attention that it and you deserve. You need to make an informed decision about the merits and hazards of a jury trial versus the advantages of plea negotiations.

If you or someone you know in Eugene or throughout western or southern Oregon needs the assistance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer, call attorney Mike Arnold today at 541-797-0110 to schedule a consultation or fill out the form on the contact page.

Crucial Questions to Ask an Oregon Federal Crimes Defense Attorney Before Partnering with Their Law Firm

Ask the following questions when interviewing potential federal defense lawyers:

• Have you ever tried a case to a federal jury?
• Do you have experience in a federal release hearing?
• Do you have experience with the U.S. Attorney prosecuting my case?
• What are some results for your clients in federal court?
• What sort of experts do you employ in a case like mine?
• If I’m eligible for a court-appointed attorney, will the government pay for investigator fees after retaining you?
• What can you offer that a federal public defender cannot?
• Do you have any recent jury trial experience?
• What sentencing issues come up in a case like mine?
• What are the legal and suppression issues that often come up?
• What is a “truthful debrief” and do I have to participate?
• What is a proffer, and is it mandatory? Do I have to name names?
• What makes a person eligible for Sheridan’s federal prison?