In short, the possible penalties for a federal conviction will depend on the facts of your specific case. However, very heavy penalties are possible under federal sentencing guidelines, and federal judges have the discretion to increase those penalties even more under certain circumstances. Depending on the charge in question, the penalties for a federal conviction could range from a few months in federal prison to life in federal prison. Certain offenses — abduction, for example — can lead to an increased sentence, while in other cases, there may be factors that result in a reduced sentence. Again, to secure the best possible outcome in your case, it is crucial that you immediately obtain legal counsel. There is no time to waste in building a strong defense.