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.

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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.

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.

“Competent and Compassionate”

I found Jeff to be a competent and compassionate advocate. As a client, he was the “voice” that I needed him to be to achieve a good result. He allowed me to communicate my needs to him and then diligently went to work to attain them. I would recommend him without hesitation.

- ReneeFraud client

“I was given a fair and positive outcome.”

With the type circumstance I had, it was not a hard case nor one that required a court visit or in front of a Judge but it did take some research and many hours of information gathering. I was given to the point, fair and accurate information by Jeffery King and he stuck with me through the whole ordeal. This was not only vital but very personable and I appreciated that to the fullest. I felt comfortable and positive through the entire situation and was given a fair and positive outcome. I thank Jeff King and his other staff that were involved for all they did.

- StevenGovernment contractor

“Prepared, Aggressive & Passionate about the Defense”

As the father of a recent active duty Air Force client of Mr. King’s, and being intimately involved day to day with the case, I can say without hesitation nor mental reservation, Jeff King is a consummate professional. Jeff was not only prepared, aggressive, and passionate about the defense, he also made the time to explain in detail every facet of the trial as it progressed. Having an attorney of Jeff’s caliber in our corner bestowed a feeling of confidence to our family, which was a critical factor in our ability to manage the stressfulness inherent to such serious allegations. Jeff prepared the entire family for every scenario, good and bad, and for that we are forever grateful. Upon receipt of the not guilty verdict and celebrating the obvious joy we felt that this “created adventure” had now come to an end, also came the realization that not only had he won this case, and with it our son’s continued freedom and innocence, but we had made a friend of the highest regard. Our family cannot thank Mr. King enough for his excellent representation on behalf of our son, but also for the lofty amount of integrity and humility demonstrated during the most trying time of our lives. Much respect and Semper Fi.

- BrentMilitary Client’s Father

“Jeff is the best!”

I thought my life was over when I was accused of a horrible crime at a general court-martial. From the moment I met Jeff, he instilled confidence in my case and showed a real enthusiasm for what he does. Be warned: Jeff will put you to work! He prepares for battle and expects you to contribute. He is confident in court and I enjoyed watching the jury respond to him. In the end, I was found NOT GUILTY to all charges! I am so grateful that I hired Jeff to defend me.

- Military Law Client

“Jeff sets the standard.”

Jeff was amazing! He handled my case through the end of the Article 32 hearing, and set the basis for my acquittal. If it had been any other IO than the one it was, I am certain it would have been dismissed right then, as all the objections he made in the Article 32 were later upheld by the Military Judge, and they been upheld at the Article 32 hearing, it would have been dismissed on the spot. His knowledge, and preparation made all the difference in my case, and his relentless pursuit of the truth showed through. He will always be my first recommendation to anyone who needs legal help.

- SPC C, US Army

Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Jeff King

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.