Federal theft or property crime charges can be overwhelming, with severe penalties that can impact your future. Federal law classifies theft-related crimes as felonies when they involve government property, federal institutions, or cross-state activity. These offenses fall under federal jurisdiction, meaning they are prosecuted aggressively and often carry mandatory minimum sentences. If you are under investigation or facing charges, securing strong legal representation is crucial to protect your rights.

What Qualifies as a Federal Theft or Property Crime?

Federal theft and property crimes cover a wide range of offenses, including:

• Bank Robbery – Theft or attempted theft from a federally insured bank.
• Post Office Theft – Stealing mail, packages, or assets from U.S. Postal Service facilities.
• Robbery of Federal Buildings – Armed or unarmed theft from courthouses, government offices, or other federal structures.
• Theft of Government Property – Illegally taking or damaging property owned by federal agencies or the military.
• Cyber Crimes – Hacking, wire fraud, identity theft, and internet-based financial crimes, especially those targeting federal networks or financial institutions.

Charges related to these offenses are prosecuted under various federal statutes, including 18 U.S.C. § 641, which criminalizes the theft or unauthorized use of government-owned property. The penalties for conviction can include substantial fines, years of imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record.

Federal Prosecution and Investigation Tactics

The federal government devotes significant resources to investigating and prosecuting theft and property crimes. Agencies such as the FBI, Secret Service, Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security use forensic evidence, surveillance footage, and digital records to build their cases. In many instances, investigations are conducted for months or even years before charges are filed.

Some common investigation tactics include:

• Digital Forensics – Examining computers, phones, and online transactions for evidence.
• Surveillance Footage & Wiretaps – Monitoring physical locations and communications.
• Financial Record Analysis – Tracking banking transactions and wire transfers.
• Witness Testimonies & Informants – Gathering statements from individuals involved in or connected to the case.

Given the level of detail and effort put into these cases, individuals facing federal charges must act quickly to build a strong legal defense.

Defense Strategies for Federal Theft & Property Crimes

Successfully defending against federal theft or property crime charges requires a strategic legal approach. Some potential defense strategies include:

• Challenging Evidence Collection Methods – Ensuring law enforcement followed legal procedures when gathering evidence, including search and seizure protections under the Fourth Amendment.
• Lack of Intent – Proving that the accused did not knowingly or intentionally commit the crime.
• Mistaken Identity – Demonstrating that the prosecution has the wrong suspect due to unreliable witness identification or circumstantial evidence.
• Unlawful Interrogation Tactics – Exposing coercion or violations of due process rights during questioning.
• Negotiating Reduced Charges – In some cases, plea negotiations or alternative sentencing options may be pursued to minimize penalties.



At The Law Offices of Thomas J. McHugh, PLLC, we are committed to protecting the rights of individuals facing federal charges. Our firm works diligently to challenge government tactics, scrutinize evidence, and fight for the best possible outcome. If you or a loved one is dealing with federal theft or property crime allegations, contact us today to discuss your defense options.