Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

A federal criminal defense attorney is a key ally if you find yourself involved in a federal investigation, whether as a witness, a person of interest, or the accused. The tides can quickly turn on a person once he or she begins talking with federal investigators. A federal criminal investigation can be extremely intimidating. Targets may make avoidable mistakes that aid the federal investigation against them. If you are being investigated for a federal crime, do not delay in seeking legal counsel. Even if you have not yet been charged, there is much an experienced federal attorney can do to help you now.

What is a federal crime?

A “federal crime” is any conduct that violates U.S. federal laws, as opposed to state laws.

Federal laws vary by:

• Who investigates: Individuals charged with federal crimes face investigation by the FBI, CIA, IRS, ATF, Secret Service, DEA, or other federal agency.
• Who prosecutes: The United States Attorney’s Office typically prosecutes the crime, rather than a state or district attorney. Sometimes a prosecutor from the U.S. Department of Justice or an agency like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency oversees the case.
• Where trials take place: Federal crimes are tried by one of the 3,294 federal judges in one of the nation’s 94 federal district courts, 13 circuit courts, or the U.S. Supreme Court. Jeff King most commonly defends clients in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, which includes: Amarillo, Abilene, Dallas, Ft. Worth, Lubbock, San Angelo, and Wichita Falls.
• How justice is served: Compared to state crimes, federal offenses tend to carry more severe penalties and prison sentences, and proceed slower. Sometimes individuals are prosecuted for the crime by both state and federal authorities.

Examples of federal crimes may include:

• Identity Theft
• Racketeering
• Airplane hijacking
• Armed robbery
• Arson
• Assaulting an officer
• Bank robbery
• Blackmail
• Child Pornography
• Computer Crimes
• Copyright matters
• Counterfeiting
• Credit/Debit card fraud
• Hate crimes
• Health Care Fraud
• Illegal Firearm Possession
• Immigration Offenses
• Murder/manslaughter
• Narcotics Violations
• Obstruction of Justice
• Prostitution
• Terrorism
• Torture

What happens in a federal investigation?

A federal investigation begins after someone reports a crime. An individual may become “a person of interest” after being mentioned by a criminal cooperating with law enforcement or falling on the radar of federal intelligence agency data capture. Federal law enforcement agents working toward a federal indictment may wiretap phones, perform physical surveillance, set up wired conversations, review financial documents, execute search warrants, conduct witness interviews, and monitor online activity.

Sometimes agents furtively investigate a person for years before bringing federal criminal charges. You may not know you are under investigation until you receive a target letter from a federal prosecutor, a federal law enforcement agent requests a meeting, federal agents show up at your home or work asking questions, associates tell you they have been contacted, or you receive a grand jury subpoena requesting documents or testimony.

If you are under investigation, it is imperative that you contact an experienced federal criminal defense attorney. Federal lawyers will protect your rights and make sure you do not accidentally incriminate yourself.

Dallas, TX Federal Attorney Jeff King frequently helps clients answer crucial questions such as:

• Am I a witness or a target?
• Should I agree to meet with federal prosecutors?
• What does my Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination mean?
• Do I have to cooperate with a federal investigation at this point?

What to do when faced with “criminal charges” 

If you are charged with a federal crime, you will need a special type of lawyer who is licensed to practice in the federal court where the case is pending – or who can obtain permission to practice there on a one-time basis. The federal criminal justice system is a completely different animal than the state system, so you should consider that in your selection of an attorney as well.

Jeff King is a criminal defense lawyer you can trust and depend upon to represent your case. He has over 14 years of trial experience (on both sides of the aisle). As a retired Major in the U.S. Marines, his dedication and toughness is second-to-none. He carries special credentials, with licensure in the U.S. District Courts of the Northern, Eastern, Western, and Southern Districts of Texas, and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. In addition, Jeff King has been called upon to represent clients in federal court outside of Texas. Call now for a free case review.

Additional “federal criminal defense” resources:

1. US Dept of Justice – Northern District of Texas, https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndtx
2. US Dept of Justice – Federal Courts, https://www.justice.gov/usao/justice-101/federal-courts
3. Clarifacts – Federal Crimes List, http://www.clarifacts.com/resources/federal-crimes-list/