Fairfax Federal Crimes Defense Lawyers
Attorneys for Federal Criminal Charges in Fairfax, Virginia
Why Clients Choose Us to Help With Criminal Cases:
- Our attorneys have 50+ years of combined experience.
- We have helped hundreds of clients resolve criminal cases successfully.
- We have received more than 375 5-star reviews from clients.
- We have earned numerous awards, including being named one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association.
I chose Mr Robinson to represent me after going through his reviews and I am glad I did.
He is thorough, knowledgeable, empathetic and capable. I wouldn’t have asked for a better lawyer, he got my case dropped.
While all types of criminal charges should be taken seriously, federal charges require special attention and representation from an attorney who has experience handling these types of cases. Federal crimes are prosecuted in federal courts, which operate using different laws, procedures, and sentencing guidelines than state courts. At Robinson Law, PLLC, we can provide dedicated representation who have been charged with federal offenses in Fairfax and other parts of Northern Virginia. We can help address the complex issues that may arise in federal cases while working to protect our clients' rights and futures.
Our attorneys have extensive experience defending clients against all types of criminal charges at both the state and federal levels. With our understanding of the procedures followed in federal courts, we can make sure our clients understand the best defense strategies to use. We have received many awards for our effective representation of our clients, including being named among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association. We have also been honored with over 350 5-star reviews by former clients who have been satisfied with the dedication we have provided to their cases.
How Federal Charges Differ from State Criminal Charges
Offenses that are considered federal crimes will often be investigated by national agencies, such as the FBI, DEA, or ATF, and they are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys. These cases often involve violations of federal law or crimes that cross state lines. Key differences between federal and state charges include:
- Jurisdiction: Federal courts handle crimes involving federal property, agencies, or interstate activities.
- Sentencing: Federal sentencing guidelines are often more rigid, with harsher penalties than those imposed by state courts.
- Prosecution Resources: Federal officials typically have more resources when investigating and prosecuting a case, making it critical to mount a strong defense.
Award-Winning Legal Team









Representation in Federal Courts in Virginia
For people in Fairfax who have been charged with federal crimes, cases may be handled at the Alexandria courthouse for the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Virginia, located at:
- 401 Courthouse Square, Alexandria, VA 22314
Our team provides representation in federal criminal cases from our Fairfax law office, located at:
- 10486 Armstrong St., Fairfax, VA 22030
You're in a Bad Spot — We Know How to Help You. We've Done it Before — We'll Do it for You. Call Robinson.
Available 24/7
Free Consultations
Licensed Since 2006
Michael A. Robinson
President / CEO
Michael A. Robinson founded Robinson Law, PLLC with the mission of providing affordable legal services to those in need. With his experience as a former prosecutor, Michael brings a deep understanding of the legal battle from both perspectives and is prepared to advocate for you.
- Elite Lawyer
- Super Lawyers
- Top Lawyer, Northern Virginia Magazine
- Client's Choice, AVVO
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers and Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association
- Leaders in Criminal Defense, Time Magazine
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Crimes
A crime may be charged at the federal level if it violates federal laws, occurs on federal property, or involves activities that cross state lines or international borders. Examples include drug trafficking in which drugs were allegedly transported into or out of Virginia or fraud schemes that allegedly affected people in multiple states.
State charges involve violations of Virginia law. They are prosecuted in state courts by local or county prosecutors. On the other hand, federal charges involve violations of federal statutes, crimes committed on federal property, or offenses affecting interstate commerce. They are prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice, and cases are handled in the U.S. District Courts. Federal cases often carry stricter sentencing guidelines, and prosecutors will have more extensive investigative resources.
U.S. Sentencing Guidelines are used to determine the appropriate penalties that may apply after a conviction in federal court. These guidelines consider the nature of the offense, the defendant's criminal history, and other factors, and they often lead to more severe penalties than those that would apply in state-level cases.
If you learn that you are being investigated by a federal agency, you should not speak to any government officials without first consulting with an attorney. Federal investigators are highly skilled, and they have extensive resources that they may use to uncover potential evidence and use it against you. Any statements you make could potentially be incriminating. Contact Robinson Law, PLLC immediately to discuss your case with us and learn how we can help you protect your rights and defend against potential criminal charges.
Yes, federal charges can sometimes be reduced or dismissed depending on the evidence, procedural violations, or successful negotiations with prosecutors. Our experienced attorneys can identify weaknesses in the government's case, and we can help determine whether negotiations may be beneficial or whether it may be better to defend against a conviction during a trial.
Federal judges use the United States Sentencing Guidelines to determine appropriate sentences following a conviction. These guidelines were created by the United States Congress, and they require judges to consider several factors, including the nature of the offense, the defendant's criminal history, and whether an offense involved any aggravating or mitigating circumstances. Although judges are not strictly bound by the guidelines, they will often implement harsh penalties based on the guidelines' recommendations.
Our attorneys work to present evidence that supports sentencing reductions and deviations from the guidelines when warranted. We can take steps to demonstrate that the guideline sentences are excessive or inappropriate while highlighting reasons why defendants should be eligible for reduced sentences.
A federal indictment is a formal charge issued by a grand jury that states that there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a prosecution for a federal crime. Indictments will typically be issued after an investigation, and they may take place after months of surveillance, document reviews, or witness interviews. If you are indicted, you will receive notice and be required to appear in federal court. Our attorneys can review the indictment, explain the charges, and begin building a defense immediately.
The timeline for a federal case can vary depending on its complexity and whether a trial will be necessary. Some cases may resolve in months, while others can take years. Early legal intervention by our experienced lawyers can help you make sure you take the best steps to achieve positive results in your case.
Billing and Fee Structures
We work to ensure that people who are facing federal criminal charges can receive legal representation at affordable prices. We can discuss our rates and payment options in your free consultation.
What Our Clients Say About Our Services
"Amazing! Awesome! Attorney! Mr. Robinson was honest, upfront, respectful, and answered all of my questions. He handled my case with professionalism and was very detailed oriented. The final result...DISMISSED!!! You are in good hands with Mr. Robinson! Again, thank you soooo much Mr. Robinson for everything! God bless you!"
"I had the best experience possible during this stressful time. He was extremely professional, knowledgeable, caring, empathetic, you name it; always available for any question at any time. He will go above and beyond for you, and I can't say enough for everything he did for me. So I definitely recommend Michael."
"I am so appreciative of Michael Robinson for his services! He was very professional and compassionate. I could always get ahold of him and he responded quickly. This case had been going on for a very long time and because of his hard work it was finally dimissed!! Thank you so much for you services!!!"
"Like many people reading these reviews, I found myself in need of legal representation. For those of you looking, I have two suggestions. I hired Mr. Robinson and was very impressed with his mastery of the Fairfax legal process. The kind of familiarity you only get after years of experience. I was amazed with his legal prowess. When you are in court you want most dominant legal mind in the room standing next to you. My two suggestions... Hire Mr. Robinson, and then listen to him."
The Importance of Representation From an Attorney With Experience in Federal Criminal Defense
Because of the procedural rules, evidentiary standards, and sentencing guidelines involved in federal cases, it is crucial to secure legal representation from an attorney who has the necessary experience. To successfully defend against federal charges, a lawyer must have in-depth knowledge of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, federal evidentiary standards, and the United States Sentencing Guidelines. Because federal courts may have different rules for pretrial procedures, motions, and rules of discovery, an attorney must be comfortable navigating this system, and they must have experience managing complex investigations, negotiating with federal prosecutors, and trying cases before federal judges and juries.
At Robinson Law, PLLC, our legal team has decades of experience in federal criminal defense. Our attorneys have defended clients in a wide range of federal cases, and we understand how to build strategic defenses that are based on the facts of a matter and the specific charges a client is facing. With our recognition from national legal organizations and hundreds of positive reviews from past clients, we are known for our dedication, professionalism, and legal representation that helps our clients achieve results.
Federal Crimes Handled by Robinson Law, PLLC
Our attorneys represent clients who have been accused of a wide range of federal offenses, including:
Federal Drug Offenses
When drug crimes involve allegations that a person has engaged in the trafficking of controlled substances across state or national borders or has participated in large-scale drug manufacturing and drug distribution operations, they may be prosecuted at the federal level. Federal drug charges may include:
- Drug trafficking or conspiracy to traffic controlled substances
- Importing or exporting illegal drugs
- Possession of large amounts of controlled substances with the intent to distribute them to others
- Manufacturing controlled substances, such as operating meth labs, large-scale marijuana growing operations, or other types of drug processing and preparation for distribution
- Prescription drug fraud involving "pill mills" or obtaining illicit prescriptions through federal healthcare programs
Federal drug offenses will typically carry mandatory minimum sentences. The federal sentencing guidelines used in these cases can result in years or decades behind bars following a conviction. Our lawyers will carefully examine how evidence was obtained, and we will explore whether constitutional violations occurred during searches, surveillance, or wiretaps.
Federal Fraud and White Collar Crimes
Allegations of fraud or other financial crimes may result in federal prosecution when an offense allegedly involved communications across state lines or impacted national financial institutions or federal agencies. In these cases, defendants may face penalties such as large fines and lengthy prison sentences, as well as the forfeiture of their assets and the requirement to pay restitution. We defend clients against federal white collar crime allegations involving offenses such as:
- Wire fraud
- Mail fraud
- Bank fraud
- Mortgage fraud
- Healthcare fraud, including Medicare and Medicaid fraud
- Securities fraud and insider trading
- Tax evasion or other tax-related offenses
- Identity theft
- Social Security fraud
- Government contract or procurement fraud
These cases often involve thousands of pages of financial records and complex regulatory issues. Our attorneys have experience working with forensic accountants, industry experts, and investigators to analyze and challenge the government's evidence. We will work to protect the rights of people who have been charged with white collar offenses and help them defend against convictions or minimize the penalties that may apply in these cases.
Federal Child Pornography Charges
Offenses involving the possession, distribution, or production of child pornography or child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) are aggressively prosecuted at the federal level, particularly when online activity crosses state lines or involves servers in multiple countries. These charges can result in long prison sentences and other penalties, including mandatory registration as a sex offender.
Our lawyers provide discreet, thorough representation for clients who have been charged with federal child pornography crimes. We can address allegations that a person has downloaded illegal content from websites, shared files on peer-to-peer services or through other online portals, or was otherwise involved in the creation or distribution of CSAM. We can also help clients respond to claims that they possessed, shared, traded, or sold physical materials such as photographs, films, or videotapes depicting child sexual abuse materials.
We can provide guidance on how device searches and digital forensic analysis may affect a case. We will examine search warrants and review the handling of digital evidence, addressing possible violations of our clients' constitutional rights and working to develop comprehensive defense strategies. We may be able to show that a person was not aware of child pornography because it had been downloaded by someone else who was using their computer or because a device had been infected by computer viruses or malware. If necessary, we can take steps to help a person avoid an excessive sentence following a conviction for a CSAM offense.
Federal Weapons Offenses
Weapons-related crimes may be prosecuted in federal courts when they involve interstate firearms commerce, the use of weapons during other federal crimes, or the possession of certain types of prohibited weapons. Federal weapons charges may include:
- Felon in possession of a firearm
- Possession of a firearm while committing a drug trafficking crime
- Illegal trafficking or distribution of firearms
- Possession of a firearm on federal property
Those who are convicted of federal gun crimes may face lengthy sentences, particularly when weapons were allegedly used during violent crimes or drug-related crimes. Our attorneys will challenge the basis for these allegations and identify mitigating factors that may help our clients reduce their potential penalties.
DUI on Federal Property
Driving under the influence on land controlled by the U.S. government, such as military installations, national parks, or federal office complexes, can result in federal DUI charges. Federal employees may also face employment-related consequences following a DUI arrest. Our lawyers understand the legal differences between state and federal DUI laws, and we can help clients take steps to resolve these charges while minimizing the impact on their professional and personal lives.
Contact Our Fairfax, VA Federal Charges Defense Attorneys
Federal criminal charges are among the most serious legal issues that you may ever face. Because of the serious penalties that may apply and the complex procedures followed in federal courts, you need a lawyer who understands the best strategies to help you succeed. At Robinson Law, PLLC, we have the knowledge and skills needed to help you navigate the federal justice system. Contact our Fairfax federal crimes lawyers at 703-844-3746 to arrange a free consultation. Time is critical in federal cases, so reach out to us right away to make sure you can defend against these charges while protecting your rights.

Criminal Defense






