Federal Crimes Attorney in Syracuse, NY

A federal crimes attorney defends you when the U.S. Attorney’s Office investigates or charges you under federal law. Cambareri & Brenneck, PLLC is a Syracuse, NY criminal defense firm founded by former Onondaga County prosecutors. We defend federal cases in the Northern District of New York, from target letter to sentencing. Call 315-424-8326 for a free consultation.

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Syracuse Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys for Investigations and Charges

Federal cases are built for months before anyone is arrested. The sooner a federal crime attorney steps in, the more options you keep.

A federal crime is a violation of a law passed by Congress, usually in Title 18 or Title 21 of the U.S. Code. In Syracuse, federal cases are brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York and heard at the federal courthouse at 100 South Clinton Street. Agents from the FBI, DEA, ATF, IRS, Homeland Security Investigations or the Postal Inspection Service usually build the case, often with local police on a joint task force.

Federal court is different from Syracuse City Court or Onondaga County Court:

The investigation comes first. Agents may spend months gathering bank records, phone data, recorded calls and cooperating witnesses before they act.
Sentencing follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and many drug, gun and identity theft charges carry mandatory minimum prison terms set by Congress.
There is no parole. People sentenced to federal prison generally serve at least about 85% of the sentence.
Most cases end in a plea. That makes the early work (what you say, what the government can prove, and how the guideline range is calculated) decide the outcome.

Our team includes Melissa K. Swartz, who is admitted in the Northern and Western Districts of New York and the Second Circuit and serves as the NDNY CJA Panel representative. Steve Cambareri handles white-collar cases such as tax fraud. Joe Centra spent about three years in the Onondaga County DA’s Economic Fraud & Financial Crime Bureau and also worked narcotics cases. Every one of our attorneys began as a prosecutor. We know how an investigation is built, and where it breaks down.

Federal agents contacted you? Take these steps now

Don’t talk to agents without a lawyer.

Be polite, take their business card, and say you will have your attorney call them. Lying to a federal agent is a separate crime, even if you were never charged with anything else. (Read: why speaking to police without a lawyer is risky.)

Don’t consent to a search.

If agents have a warrant, don’t resist. Ask for a copy, and don’t answer questions while they search.

Don’t delete anything.

Erasing texts, emails or files after you learn of an investigation can be charged as obstruction.

Don’t contact possible witnesses or co-workers about the case.

Those calls may be recorded, and some witnesses are already cooperating.

Call a federal crimes attorney before you respond to any letter or subpoena.

Call 315-424-8326.

What is a federal target letter, and what should I do?

A target letter is a notice from the U.S. Attorney’s Office that a grand jury is investigating you and that prosecutors have substantial evidence linking you to a crime. It often invites you or your lawyer to talk with them. Do not call the prosecutor yourself. A target letter can be a chance for your lawyer to learn what the government has, to present facts before an indictment and, in some cases, to negotiate a charge or a plea before you are arrested.

What makes a case federal instead of state?

The same conduct can be a state crime, a federal crime, or both. A case usually goes federal when:

it crosses state or national lines, or uses the mail, the internet, phones or banks (interstate commerce);
it involves a federal agency, federal money (Medicare, Medicaid, SBA or PPP loans), a federally insured bank, or federal property;
a federal task force made the arrest, or the drug amount or gun history meets federal priorities.

State and federal prosecutors can each charge the same conduct, because they are different “sovereigns”. If you face both a state case and a federal case, your lawyer must plan both together. A plea in one can affect the other.

Can I get a court-appointed lawyer in federal court?

Yes, if you can’t afford one. Under the Criminal Justice Act, the court appoints either the Federal Public Defender or a private lawyer from the CJA panel. If you can afford a lawyer, you may hire one of your choice. Either way, call us for a free consultation to learn your options.

How Our Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers Challenge the Government's Case

The government must prove every element of every count beyond a reasonable doubt. We test the case from the first warrant to the last guideline point:

The warrants. Search warrants, wiretaps, phone-location warrants and device searches must rest on probable cause and stay within their limits. If they don’t, we move to suppress.

The cooperating witnesses. Many federal cases depend on people who are trying to reduce their own sentences. We dig into their deals, their prior statements and their reasons to lie.

The discovery. We demand everything the government must share: Rule 16 discovery, Brady and Giglio material, and witness statements under the Jencks Act.

Intent and knowledge. Fraud, conspiracy and many drug and gun charges require proof of what you knew and intended. Being near a scheme is not joining it.

The drug quantity or loss amount. In federal court, the number drives the sentence. We challenge how the government counted drug weight, “relevant conduct” and dollar losses.

Venue and the statute of limitations. Most federal crimes must be charged within five years, and in the right district.

The Speedy Trial Act. An indictment generally must be filed within 30 days of arrest, and trial must start within 70 days, subject to exclusions. Missed deadlines can lead to dismissal.

Sentencing errors. We check every guideline enhancement in the presentence report and object in writing before the judge relies on it.

Federal Sentencing Guidelines, Mandatory Minimums and Penalties

A federal sentence starts with the statute, which sets the minimum (if any) and the maximum. Inside that range, the judge calculates a range under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, based on the offense, the drug amount or loss, a weapon, your role and your criminal history. Since United States v. Booker (2005), the guidelines are advisory, but judges must still calculate them and explain any sentence outside them. A mandatory minimum binds the judge unless an exception applies, such as the safety valve or a government motion for cooperation.

Federal Charges Penalty Chart

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Charge	Statute	Mandatory minimum	Maximum prison	Notes
Simple drug possession (first offense)	21 U.S.C. §844	None	1 year	Misdemeanor; minimum $1,000 fine
Drug distribution / possession with intent (any amount)	21 U.S.C. §841(b)(1)(C)	None (20 years if death or serious injury results)	20 years	Up to $1M fine
Drug distribution, 5-year tier	21 U.S.C. §841(b)(1)(B)	5 years (10 with a qualifying prior)	40 years	Quantity table in ADD A
Drug distribution, 10-year tier	21 U.S.C. §841(b)(1)(A)	10 years (15 with a qualifying prior)	Life	Quantity table in ADD A
Drug conspiracy or attempt	21 U.S.C. §846	Same as the underlying offense	Same as the underlying offense	Can be charged for the whole conspiracy's amount you could foresee
Gun used or carried in a drug or violent crime	18 U.S.C. §924(c)	5 years (7 if brandished, 10 if fired)	Life	Must run consecutive to the other sentence
Felon (or other prohibited person) in possession of a firearm	18 U.S.C. §922(g), §924(a)(8)	None (15 years under the Armed Career Criminal Act)	15 years	–
Wire fraud / mail fraud	18 U.S.C. §§1343, 1341	None	20 years (30 if a bank is affected)	Restitution is usually mandatory
Bank fraud	18 U.S.C. §1344	None	30 years	Up to $1M fine
Health care fraud	18 U.S.C. §1347	None	10 years	Higher if injury or death results
Aggravated identity theft / Money laundering	18 U.S.C. §1028A	2 years	2 years	Must run consecutive
Money laundering	18 U.S.C. §1956	None	20 years	Fine up to $500,000 or twice the amount
Tax evasion	26 U.S.C. §7201	None	5 years	Plus taxes, interest and penalties

“Qualifying prior” means a prior serious drug felony or serious violent felony as defined by the First Step Act of 2018. Most federal felony sentences add a term of supervised release after prison. Courts may also order restitution, forfeiture of property and a special assessment. Sources: U.S. Code (uscode.house.gov), U.S. Sentencing Commission Guidelines Manual. This table is general information, not legal advice about your case.

How we work to lower a federal sentence

Guideline objections: loss amount, drug weight, role, weapon and “sophisticated means” enhancements.
The safety valve: for some drug defendants with little or no criminal history, the judge can sentence below the mandatory minimum.
Acceptance of responsibility: a timely plea can reduce the offense level.
Variance arguments: your history, family, health, work and the real harm in the case, under 18 U.S.C. §3553(a).
Cooperation: where it fits and you choose it, a government motion can allow a sentence below the guidelines or a minimum. We explain the risks honestly before you decide.

Federal Charges We Defend in Syracuse and Central New York

These are the federal charges most often brought in the Northern District of New York. Each card names the main statute, so you can match it to your paperwork.

Wire fraud and mail fraud (18 U.S.C. §§1343, 1341)

The government’s most-used fraud charges. They cover any “scheme to defraud” that uses an email, text, phone call, bank transfer or the mail. A wire fraud lawyer looks first at intent: honest business mistakes, disputed contracts and bad investments are not crimes. Loss amount drives the guideline range, so we challenge how the government calculated it.

Bank, loan and health care fraud (18 U.S.C. §§1344, 1347, 1014)

Charges tied to banks, mortgages, SBA and PPP loans, Medicare and Medicaid. These cases often come from audits, data analysis or a whistleblower and can carry long maximum sentences. For state-level theft and embezzlement charges, see our theft and larceny defense page.

Money laundering and tax charges (18 U.S.C. §§1956–1957; 26 U.S.C. §§7201–7206)

Money laundering is often added to drug and fraud cases, which raises the guideline range. Tax cases include evasion, filing false returns and failing to pay over payroll taxes. Early advice matters, because IRS civil audits can turn criminal.

Identity theft and computer crimes (18 U.S.C. §§1028, 1028A, 1030)

Aggravated identity theft adds a mandatory two years in prison on top of the other sentence. Computer intrusion and hacking cases turn on “authorization” and digital forensics. We review the device searches and the logs.

Federal firearms charges (18 U.S.C. §§922, 924)

The most common is possession by a prohibited person, such as someone with a felony conviction. Others include lying on the ATF purchase form, straw purchases, possessing a gun with a removed serial number, and machine guns. Using or carrying a gun during a drug or violent crime adds a mandatory consecutive sentence. For New York weapons charges, see our weapons attorney page.

Federal sex offense and internet charges

Federal prosecutors bring device-based and online-enticement cases, often after an FBI or Homeland Security investigation. These cases are handled with strict confidentiality and the presumption of innocence. See our internet sex crime defense page for device-based charges, and our sex crimes defense page for state charges.

Supervised release and federal probation violations

A new arrest, a failed drug test or a missed meeting with U.S. Probation can lead to a revocation hearing and more prison time. We defend these hearings and argue for alternatives.

Got a target letter or a visit from agents?

Don’t respond until you’ve talked to a lawyer. Bring the letter, subpoena or agent’s card to a free consultation.

Federal Drug Crimes Attorney for Trafficking and Conspiracy Cases

Most federal drug cases in Central New York are charged under the Controlled Substances Act, usually as possession with intent to distribute (21 U.S.C. §841) or conspiracy (21 U.S.C. §846). The drug type and quantity decide whether a mandatory minimum applies. That is why a federal drug crimes attorney focuses on the quantity from day one.

Drug quantities that trigger mandatory minimums

Federal Drug Quantity Thresholds

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Drug (mixture weight unless noted)	5-year minimum	10-year minimum
Heroin	100 grams	1 kilogram
Cocaine (powder)	500 grams	5 kilograms
Cocaine base ("crack")	28 grams	280 grams
Fentanyl	40 grams	400 grams
Fentanyl analogue	10 grams	100 grams
Methamphetamine (pure / mixture)	5 g / 50 g	50 g / 500 g
Marijuana	100 kilograms or 100 plants	1,000 kilograms or 1,000 plants

What makes a drug case go federal?

Most drug arrests in Syracuse stay in state court. A case is more likely to go federal when a DEA, FBI or HSI task force is involved, when drugs crossed state lines or came through the mail, when the amount is large, when a gun was found, or when someone died from an overdose. For drug arrests charged under New York law, see our page on state drug charges in Syracuse.

Federal drug conspiracy charges (21 U.S.C. §846)

A conspiracy needs only an agreement to distribute drugs. No drugs need to be found on you. The government often relies on wiretaps, text messages and cooperating co-defendants, and it may try to hold you responsible for the whole group’s drug amount. A federal drug conspiracy lawyer fights to limit your sentence to the amount you actually agreed to and could reasonably foresee.

Can you beat a federal drug case?

Yes, some are won, and many more are reduced. The strongest defenses usually attack the wiretap or search warrant, the reliability of informants, the proof of an agreement, and the drug weight. Even when a plea makes sense, the safety valve, a lower drug quantity or a mitigating-role adjustment can take years off a sentence. No lawyer can promise a result.

Note: “drug distribution resulting in death” cases (21 U.S.C. §841(b)(1)(C)) carry a 20-year mandatory minimum and require proof that the drug was the “but-for” cause of death.

How a Federal Case Moves Through Syracuse Federal Court (NDNY)

Onondaga, Cayuga and Oswego counties are all in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York. Syracuse cases are usually heard at the James M. Hanley Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, 100 South Clinton Street, Syracuse, NY 13261. Here is the usual path.

Investigation.

Agents gather records, run surveillance or use informants. You may get a target letter, a grand jury subpoena, or a visit from agents. Some people are never contacted until arrest.

Arrest or self-surrender.

You may be arrested on a criminal complaint or an indictment. If you have a lawyer, it is often possible to arrange a voluntary surrender instead of an arrest at home or work.

Initial appearance.

You see a U.S. magistrate judge, usually the same day or the next court day [VERIFY Fed. R. Crim. P. 5]. You learn the charges and your rights.

Detention hearing.

The judge decides whether you are released, and on what conditions, under the Bail Reform Act. In some drug and gun cases, the law presumes detention unless your lawyer rebuts it. This hearing can decide whether you wait for trial at home or in jail.

Indictment and arraignment.

A federal felony must be charged by a grand jury indictment unless you waive it. At arraignment you plead not guilty, and the judge sets a schedule.

Discovery and motions.

We review the government’s evidence and file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.

Plea negotiations or trial.

If the case goes to trial, a jury of 12 must agree unanimously. If a plea is better for you, we negotiate the charge, the stipulated facts and the guideline calculations before you sign.

Presentence report and sentencing.

U.S. Probation writes a presentence report. We object to errors and file a sentencing memorandum with letters, records and mitigation. A U.S. district judge then imposes the sentence [VERIFY Fed. R. Crim. P. 32].

Appeal.

A notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit is due within 14 days of judgment. See our criminal appeals page.

Collateral Consequences of a Federal Conviction

A permanent federal record.

New York’s sealing laws, including the Clean Slate Act, do not seal federal convictions. Federal law has almost no expungement.

Gun rights.

A federal felony conviction bars you from owning firearms.

Immigration.

Drug, fraud and many other federal convictions can lead to deportation or block a green card or citizenship. Talk to us before any plea.

Professional licenses and government work.

Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, accountants, brokers and contractors can face exclusion from Medicare and Medicaid, debarment or license action.

Money.

Restitution, forfeiture of property and fines can follow you long after prison.

Future cases.

A federal drug or violent felony can raise mandatory minimums in any later federal case.

College students.

Students at Syracuse University, SUNY Oswego, Le Moyne, OCC and SUNY ESF can face campus discipline as well. See university discipline and Title IX.

Federal Results From Our Attorneys

U.S. v. Berte

60 months

Sentence against a federal guideline range of 151–188 months.

Melissa K. Swartz

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome

MEET THE TEAM

Meet Your Syracuse Federal Crimes Attorneys

Cambareri & Brenneck was founded by, and is made up of, former Onondaga County prosecutors. In federal court, that means lawyers who know how investigators and prosecutors build a case, how cooperating witnesses are used, and how a sentence is argued.

Scott A. Brenneck

Partner, Attorney

Former ADA, Felony Trial Unit)

Steve Cambareri

Partner

Former ADA; white-collar, narcotics and DWI defense

Melissa K. Swartz

Attorney

Admitted NDNY, WDNY and the Second Circuit; NDNY CJA Panel representative

Joe Centra, Esq.

Attorney

Former ADA, Economic Fraud & Financial Crime and Narcotics bureaus

Hon. John V. Centra (Ret.)

Special Counsel

Retired Appellate Division justice; appeals

Scott A. Brenneck

Partner, Attorney

Former ADA, Felony Trial Unit)

Steve Cambareri

Partner

Former ADA; white-collar, narcotics and DWI defense

Melissa K. Swartz

Attorney

Admitted NDNY, WDNY and the Second Circuit; NDNY CJA Panel representative

Joe Centra, Esq.

Attorney

Former ADA, Economic Fraud & Financial Crime and Narcotics bureaus

Hon. John V. Centra (Ret.)

Special Counsel

Retired Appellate Division justice; appeals

WHY CHOOSE US

Why Hire Former Prosecutors as Your Federal Defense Lawyer

Admitted in Federal Court

Melissa K. Swartz is admitted in the Northern and Western Districts of New York and the Second Circuit, and serves as the NDNY CJA Panel representative.

We Fight the Guideline Math

In federal court, a few points on the guidelines can mean years. We challenge loss, drug weight and every enhancement in the presentence report.

We Start Before the Indictment

Target letters, subpoenas and agent visits are the best time to act. We can talk to prosecutors for you before charges are filed.

Free, Confidential Consultation

Call 315-424-8326 or send a message. Bring any letter, subpoena, warrant or court paper you received.

AREAS WE SERVE

Federal Criminal Lawyer for Syracuse & the Northern District of New York

Syracuse, NY

Downtown office at 300 South State Street, a short walk from the federal courthouse at 100 South Clinton Street.

Onondaga County towns

Clay, Salina, Cicero, DeWitt, Manlius, Camillus, Onondaga and Baldwinsville. Federal cases from these towns are heard in Syracuse.

Auburn (Cayuga County)

Cayuga County is in the Northern District of New York.

Oswego (Oswego County)

Oswego County is in the Northern District of New York.

FAQS

Federal Crimes FAQs

What does a federal crimes attorney do?

A federal crimes attorney defends people who are investigated or charged under federal law. That includes responding to target letters and subpoenas, arguing at detention hearings, reviewing the government’s evidence, filing motions, negotiating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, trying cases before a jury and fighting the guideline calculations at sentencing. The work often starts before any charge is filed.

What is the difference between a federal crime and a state crime in New York?

A state crime breaks New York law and is prosecuted by a district attorney in a city, town or county court. A federal crime breaks a law passed by Congress and is prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in federal district court. Federal cases use different rules, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and, for many charges, mandatory minimum sentences.

What should I do if I get a federal target letter?

Don’t call the prosecutor or the agent yourself, and don’t destroy any records. A target letter means a grand jury is investigating you and prosecutors believe they have substantial evidence. Call a federal criminal defense attorney right away. Your lawyer can learn what the government has and, in some cases, present facts or negotiate before an indictment.

What makes a drug case go federal?

Usually the size and reach of the case. Drug cases tend to go federal when a DEA, FBI or task force investigation is involved, drugs crossed state lines or came through the mail, the quantity is large, a gun was involved, or an overdose death is linked to the sale. Federal drug charges often carry mandatory minimum sentences based on drug quantity.

Can you beat a federal drug case?

Some federal drug cases are won, and many are reduced. A federal drug crimes attorney may challenge the search or wiretap, the informants, the proof of an agreement and the drug weight. Even with a plea, the safety valve or a lower quantity can avoid a mandatory minimum. No lawyer can promise a result, but early defense work matters.

How does federal sentencing work?

The judge first calculates a range under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines using the offense, any drug amount or loss, your role and your criminal history. The guidelines are advisory, so the judge may go above or below them, but not below a mandatory minimum unless an exception applies. There is no parole, and supervised release usually follows prison.

Can I get bail in a federal case in Syracuse?

Often, yes. A magistrate judge holds a detention hearing under the Bail Reform Act and can release you on conditions like travel limits, supervision or a bond. In some drug and gun cases, the law presumes you should be detained, and your lawyer must present evidence to overcome that. Preparing for this hearing early can keep you home.

How much does a federal criminal defense attorney cost?

It depends on the charge, the amount of evidence and whether the case goes to trial. Federal cases often involve large volumes of records and recordings, so they usually cost more than state cases. Ask for a written fee agreement. If you can’t afford a lawyer, the court can appoint one. Cambareri & Brenneck offers a free consultation: 315-424-8326

Where is federal court in Syracuse?

Federal criminal cases from Syracuse and Onondaga County are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York at the James M. Hanley Federal Building, 100 South Clinton Street, Syracuse. Cases from Cayuga and Oswego counties, including Auburn and Oswego, are also in the Northern District.

Is there parole in the federal system?

No. Parole was abolished for federal crimes committed after November 1, 1987. People in federal prison can earn up to 54 days of good-conduct credit per year, so most serve about 85% of their sentence. Some can earn extra credits under the First Step Act. A term of supervised release usually follows.

Reviewed by Melissa K. Swartz, former Onondaga County Assistant District Attorney, admitted in the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Western Districts of New York and the Second Circuit. Last updated October 2026.

Free Confidential Consultation Federal Crimes Attorney

Under federal investigation or charged in federal court? Tell us briefly what happened and whether you’ve received a letter, subpoena or court date. A member of our team will get back to you quickly. You can also call 315-424-8326.

Phone Number

315-424-8326

info@yourcriminaldefense.com

Locations

300 South State Street 1st Floor, Syracuse, NY 13202

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