Many criminal acts committed in Illinois violate both state and federal laws. These offenses often involve activities occurring on federal property or criminal conduct spanning multiple states.
In recent efforts to combat rising violence, U.S. Attorney General William Barr deployed hundreds of federal officers to Chicago, focusing specifically on reducing gang violence and lowering homicide rates. These new federal resources complement ongoing initiatives targeting violent crime in the city.
Violent Crimes
Federal Crimes Chicago are categorized primarily as misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors typically carry maximum prison sentences of up to one year, while felonies can lead to sentences exceeding 100 years.
Our office works closely with federal and state law enforcement—including the FBI, ATF, IRS-CI, Illinois State Police (ISP), Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, Chicago Police Department (CPD), Illinois State Crime Laboratory, and Rockford Police Department—to investigate and prosecute violent crimes. This includes active participation in Project Safe Neighborhoods, a national initiative linking local leaders with federal enforcement agencies and community prevention programs aimed at significantly reducing firearm-related crimes.
Additionally, our office leads the Chicago Firearms Trafficking Strike Force, a Department of Justice multi-jurisdictional team focused on identifying patterns, leaders, and suspects involved in violent gun crimes. Investigations are enhanced by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), which facilitates quick linkage of firearms used in shooting incidents and identification of suspects.
Drug Trafficking
A federal drug trafficking conviction can have life-altering consequences, including jeopardizing your career, educational prospects, and family relationships.
Experienced Chicago drug defense attorney Darryl Goldberg represents clients in federal courts nationwide. He is committed to aggressively defending your rights by seeking to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence or dismiss charges when possible, recognizing the harsh legal and collateral consequences a conviction entails.
For example, a recent federal indictment charged a Chicago street gang leader and seven others with heroin and fentanyl trafficking on the city’s West Side. The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney John R. Lausch of the Northern District of Illinois; FBI Special Agent in Charge James M. Gibbons; and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Gary Hartwig, who provided substantial investigative support.
Money Laundering
Money laundering—in which illegally obtained funds are disguised as legitimate—is a serious crime in Illinois with severe penalties upon conviction. A skilled criminal defense lawyer can thoroughly scrutinize your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, aiming to reduce or dismiss charges.
Defense strategies may include arguing that you were unaware the funds involved were derived from illicit sources. Prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you knowingly engaged in financial transactions designed to conceal illegal activity.
Furthermore, your attorney might assert defenses such as duress, demonstrating that you were coerced or threatened by a third party into participating in the alleged money laundering.
Racketeering
Under federal law, racketeering involves a pattern of criminal activity—multiple related offenses committed over time. It is a grave offense potentially punishable by life imprisonment. Those charged with racketeering should promptly retain experienced Chicago federal criminal defense counsel.
Federal investigations have recently targeted several Chicago aldermen, with multiple convictions secured. One notable case involves current Alderman Ed Burke, who faces bribery, extortion, and other felony charges. He is alleged to have sought to extort business from the owners of fast food franchises by leveraging his city council position and political connections to benefit his private law firm. Extortion alone carries up to 20 years in prison.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
State crimes are prosecuted under Illinois laws and typically involve offenses committed within the state borders. Federal crimes are violations of federal statutes, often involving cross-state activity, federal property, or matters that concern the federal government.
Project Safe Neighborhoods fosters collaboration between local law enforcement, federal agencies, and community groups, combining enforcement with prevention and treatment programs to reduce firearm-related crime effectively.
Defenses may include proving lack of knowledge about the illicit source of funds, demonstrating coercion or duress, or challenging the prosecution’s evidence to show you did not intentionally conceal illegal activities.
Racketeering convictions carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences up to life imprisonment, depending on the nature and extent of the crimes involved.
Federal prosecutions are complex and carry harsher penalties compared to state cases. An experienced federal criminal defense attorney understands federal laws and procedures, ensuring your rights are protected and mounting the most effective defense possible.
