Certain charges, particularly federal drug trafficking and crimes involving firearms (like 924(c)), carry mandatory minimums (e.g., 5, 10, or 20 years) that a judge cannot go below unless specific narrow exceptions apply.

Federal courts prosecute violations of U.S. statutes (like interstate fraud, drug trafficking, or immigration crimes). Judges are appointed for life, the procedural rules are stricter, and the sentencing guidelines are far more severe than in state court. You need an attorney specifically admitted to federal practice.