Federal criminal defense

Before charges: investigations and grand juries

If you have received a target letter, a grand jury subpoena, or a visit from the FBI, DEA, ATF, HSI, or IRS, you are already part of a federal investigation. What you say now can be used later. We can speak with the prosecutor on your behalf, respond to subpoenas, and in some cases resolve matters before an indictment is returned.

Charges we defend

• Murder and firearm-related killings18 U.S.C. §§ 1111, 924(j)
• Drug distribution and conspiracy21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846
• Firearm possession and use18 U.S.C. §§ 922, 924
• Wire and mail fraud18 U.S.C. §§ 1341, 1343
• PPP and pandemic loan fraud18 U.S.C. §§ 1014, 1343, 1344
• Health care fraud18 U.S.C. § 1347
• Bank fraud and identity theft18 U.S.C. §§ 1344, 1028A
• Money laundering18 U.S.C. § 1956
• Child pornography and online enticement18 U.S.C. §§ 2252, 2252A, 2422
• Sex trafficking18 U.S.C. § 1591

How we approach a federal case

Federal discovery is often thousands of pages of reports, recordings, and financial records. We review all of it. We challenge searches and wiretaps, test the government's witnesses, and calculate the Sentencing Guidelines early so you know what is at stake when you make decisions about trial or a plea.

Questions

Will I be held in custody before trial?

Under the Bail Reform Act, most people are released on conditions. For some drug and firearm charges, the law presumes detention, and the defense must present evidence to overcome it. We prepare for that hearing from the first day.

Should I talk to the agents if I did nothing wrong?

Not without a lawyer. Lying to a federal agent is a separate crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1001, even when the underlying conduct is not. Let your lawyer handle the conversation.

Are federal sentences mandatory?

Some charges carry mandatory minimums. The Guidelines themselves are advisory, and judges must consider the full picture of the person before them. Sentencing work starts long before the sentencing date.