Aggressively Defending Against Federal Charges in Texas
Federal criminal charges bring serious consequences. The federal government has vast resources to investigate, prosecute, and convict individuals accused of breaking federal laws. Unlike state charges, federal cases move swiftly, and prosecutors aggressively pursue convictions with the full force of agencies like the FBI, DEA, and IRS. Without strong legal representation from a Frisco federal criminal defense attorney, a conviction could mean years in federal prison, steep fines, and lasting damage to your future.
Whalen Law Offices understands the fear and uncertainty that come with federal charges. If you or a loved one is under investigation or has been indicted, time is not on your side. The experienced defense attorneys at our firm will fight to protect your rights, challenge the prosecution’s case, and work toward the best possible outcome. Whether you’re accused of a white-collar crime, a drug offense, or another federal violation, our legal team is ready to stand by your side.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
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Our Federal Defense Experience
Federal cases require an in-depth understanding of federal laws, court procedures, and sentencing guidelines. Our firm has years of experience defending clients in federal court, with a track record of successful case results. We have represented individuals in federal district courts across Texas, including the Northern, Eastern, Southern, and Western Districts. Whether in Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Austin, Houston, or beyond, we stand ready to defend against federal prosecution.
We have successfully handled cases involving complex financial crimes, high-stakes drug charges, and large-scale conspiracy allegations. Every case is different, but our approach remains the same—thorough preparation, aggressive defense, and an unwavering commitment to our clients.
Federal Crimes We Defend
Federal prosecutors aggressively pursue convictions in a wide range of criminal cases. These offenses often carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences, steep fines, and lifelong consequences. Whalen Law Offices defends individuals accused of federal crimes across Texas, including in Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Austin, Houston, and other areas.
White Collar Crimes
White-collar offenses involve allegations of financial misconduct, often prosecuted under complex federal statutes. These cases frequently include charges such as:
- Fraud: Wire fraud, mail fraud, securities fraud, healthcare fraud, and mortgage fraud
- Embezzlement: Misappropriation of funds from businesses or government entities
- Insider Trading: Buying or selling securities based on non-public information
- Money Laundering: Moving illegally obtained funds through financial institutions to conceal their source
Federal agencies like the SEC, FBI, and IRS investigate these crimes extensively, making it essential to build a strong defense early.
Drug Offenses
Federal drug crimes carry some of the most severe penalties, especially when large quantities, firearms, or alleged conspiracies are involved. These charges often include:
Drug Trafficking: Transporting controlled substances across state or national borders
Drug Distribution: Selling or distributing illegal drugs
Conspiracy: Allegations of involvement in drug-related operations, even without direct possession
Manufacturing: Producing methamphetamine, fentanyl, or other controlled substances
The DEA and federal prosecutors aggressively pursue these cases, often seeking mandatory minimum sentences.
Violent Crimes
Some violent offenses fall under federal jurisdiction, especially when firearms, organized crime, or interstate activity are involved. These include:
Weapons Charges: Illegal firearm possession, trafficking, or use of a firearm in a crime
Robbery: Bank robbery, armed robbery, and carjacking with federal implications
Kidnapping: Cases involving multiple states or victims under federal protection
Homicide: Murder charges that involve federal law, such as killing a federal officer
Federal violent crime convictions often lead to life sentences or capital punishment, requiring a highly strategic defense.
Cybercrime and Internet Offenses
Technology-related offenses fall under federal law when they involve multiple states, government systems, or national security concerns. These cases include:
- Identity Theft: Stealing personal information for financial gain
- Computer Hacking: Unauthorized access to systems or networks
- Wire Fraud: Using electronic communications to commit fraud
- Child Exploitation Crimes: Online solicitation, possession, or distribution of illegal materials
The FBI, Homeland Security, and the Department of Justice aggressively investigate and prosecute cybercrimes.
Tax Crimes
The IRS and federal prosecutors take tax-related offenses seriously, with many resulting in felony charges. Common federal tax crimes include:
- Tax Evasion: Deliberately avoiding payment of owed taxes
- False Returns: Filing fraudulent tax documents
- Failure to File: Not filing required tax returns
- Employment Tax Fraud: Failing to pay payroll taxes or falsifying records
A strong defense can involve challenging the prosecution’s evidence, proving lack of intent, or negotiating for reduced penalties.
RICO and Organized Crime Charges
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act allows federal prosecutors to charge individuals involved in alleged criminal enterprises. These cases often include:
- Drug Cartels: Large-scale trafficking operations
- Fraud Rings: Multi-state financial scams
- Extortion and Bribery: Organized efforts to gain money or power through illegal means
A conviction under RICO laws can lead to decades in federal prison.
Public Corruption
Government officials, contractors, and business executives may face federal charges for corruption-related offenses, including:
- Bribery: Offering or accepting money for political or business influence
- Embezzlement: Misuse of public funds
- Fraudulent Contracts: Deceptive business dealings involving government funds
Federal agencies thoroughly investigate public corruption cases, making an aggressive defense strategy essential.
Immigration Crimes
Federal immigration laws impose severe penalties for certain offenses, including:
- Illegal Reentry: Returning to the U.S. after deportation
- Visa Fraud: Using fraudulent documents to enter or remain in the country
- Human Smuggling: Transporting individuals across borders unlawfully
Immigration-related convictions can result in deportation, long prison sentences, and a permanent ban from reentering the U.S.
Federal charges can change the course of your life. Whalen Law Offices builds strategic, aggressive defenses against these serious accusations.
The Federal Criminal Process
Federal cases move quickly, often leaving defendants feeling like they have no control over the situation. Our firm prepares clients for every stage of the process, ensuring they know what to expect.
Investigation Stage
Federal agencies conduct lengthy investigations before bringing charges. Wiretaps, surveillance, and informants may be used to gather evidence. Early intervention from a defense attorney can sometimes prevent an indictment altogether.
Grand Jury Proceedings
Unlike state cases, federal prosecutors present evidence to a grand jury, which decides whether to issue an indictment. Defendants rarely have the opportunity to defend themselves at this stage, making proactive legal representation critical.
Indictment
If a grand jury issues an indictment, formal charges are filed. At this point, a federal arrest warrant may be issued.
Arraignment
Defendants appear before a judge to hear the charges and enter a plea. This stage often determines bail conditions and other pre-trial matters.
Pre-Trial Motions
Defense attorneys challenge evidence, seek to suppress unlawfully obtained materials, and file motions that could weaken the prosecution’s case.
Trial
Federal trials involve strict rules of evidence, skilled prosecutors, and federal judges who expect well-prepared legal arguments. A strong defense requires a strategic approach tailored to the specific charges.
Sentencing
If convicted, federal sentencing guidelines influence the penalties. Judges often impose lengthy prison terms, but effective legal advocacy can reduce sentences or secure alternatives to incarceration.
Appeals
Defendants have the right to appeal a conviction, but strict deadlines apply. Filing a timely and persuasive appeal requires an attorney who understands federal appellate procedures.
Why Federal Cases Differ from State Cases
Federal criminal cases differ significantly from state cases in several ways:
- Prosecution Resources and Conviction Rates: The federal government devotes extensive resources to investigations, making these cases more challenging to defend. Federal prosecutors have high conviction rates, making experienced legal representation essential.
- Federal Sentencing Guidelines: Federal judges rely on structured sentencing guidelines, which can lead to harsher penalties than state courts impose.
- Mandatory Minimum Sentences: Many federal crimes carry mandatory prison terms, leaving judges with little discretion. Strong legal defense strategies can help avoid these severe penalties.
- Differences in Evidence Rules and Procedures: Federal courts operate under different evidentiary rules than state courts. Understanding these nuances is essential for building a strong defense.
Our Defense Strategy
Federal prosecutors build their cases using extensive investigations, surveillance, and cooperation from federal agencies. Defending against these charges requires a strategic, proactive approach. Whalen Law Offices fights aggressively at every stage to weaken the prosecution’s case and protect your rights.
Early Intervention During Investigation Phase
Federal investigations often last months or even years before charges are filed. Law enforcement agencies conduct surveillance, interview witnesses, and gather financial records, phone records, or digital communications. Many people learn they are under investigation when federal agents attempt to question them, serve subpoenas, or execute search warrants.
An attorney from our firm can intervene during this phase to prevent charges from being filed or influence the direction of the case. Contacting federal prosecutors early may allow for negotiations that lead to reduced charges or even a case dismissal. Speaking to investigators without legal representation puts you at risk—federal agents are trained to elicit statements that can later be used against you.
Thorough Case Analysis and Evidence Review
Federal cases often rely on thousands of pages of documents, wiretap recordings, forensic reports, and witness testimony. Our legal team conducts a meticulous review of every piece of evidence, looking for inconsistencies, procedural violations, and constitutional rights violations.
- Illegal Searches and Seizures: If law enforcement obtained evidence without a proper warrant or violated Fourth Amendment protections, that evidence may be inadmissible in court.
- Unreliable Witness Testimony: Many federal cases rely on informants or cooperating witnesses who have incentives to testify in exchange for lighter sentences. Their credibility must be thoroughly examined.
- Weak or Circumstantial Evidence: Federal prosecutors often rely on financial records, digital communications, or indirect evidence to link defendants to alleged crimes. Identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case can help negotiate better outcomes.
Strategic Negotiations with Federal Prosecutors
Federal prosecutors have significant discretion in how they handle cases. Negotiating with them requires skill, credibility, and an in-depth understanding of federal sentencing laws. Our firm aggressively seeks alternatives to harsh penalties, including:
- Pre-trial diversion programs for eligible first-time offenders
- Reduced charges that eliminate mandatory minimum sentences
- Plea agreements that limit sentencing exposure in exchange for specific terms
While every case is different, our goal is always to achieve the best possible outcome through negotiation or trial.
Motion Practice to Exclude Evidence
Filing pre-trial motions can weaken the prosecution’s case by challenging illegally obtained or unreliable evidence. Our firm frequently files motions to:
- Suppress unlawfully obtained evidence (such as statements made without Miranda warnings or evidence seized without a warrant)
- Exclude unreliable testimony from biased or incentivized witnesses
- Challenge forensic evidence that may not meet scientific standards
Strong pre-trial motions can result in reduced charges, dismissals, or a stronger position heading into trial.
Trial Preparation and Execution
Some federal cases cannot be resolved through negotiation and must go to trial. A well-prepared defense requires:
- Jury selection strategies to ensure a fair and impartial panel
- Cross-examination of prosecution witnesses to expose inconsistencies and bias
- Presentation of defense evidence that contradicts the government’s claims
- Compelling arguments that challenge the prosecution’s case beyond a reasonable doubt
Federal prosecutors must prove guilt with strong evidence. A carefully crafted trial strategy can lead to acquittals or hung juries.
Sentencing Advocacy
Even after a conviction, strong legal advocacy can affect sentencing. Federal judges follow strict sentencing guidelines, but downward departures and mitigating arguments can reduce prison time. Our firm fights for:
- Alternative sentencing options such as probation or home confinement
- Reduced prison terms by highlighting mitigating factors
- Post-conviction relief such as sentence modifications or appeals
Federal sentencing is harsh, but an experienced attorney can argue for leniency and reduced penalties.
Why Choose Us to Defend Against Federal Charges?
Whalen Law Offices provides aggressive, strategic representation for individuals facing federal charges in Texas. Our firm includes board-certified attorneys who have earned numerous awards for their professionalism and client service. We are committed to protecting our clients’ rights, reputations, and futures. Our hands-on approach ensures that every case receives the attention and dedication it deserves.
Federal Crimes FAQ
How long do federal cases take to resolve?
Federal cases can take months or even years, depending on the complexity and whether a trial is necessary. Some cases are resolved quickly through plea negotiations, while others go through lengthy litigation.
Will I have to serve a mandatory minimum sentence if convicted?
Some federal crimes carry mandatory minimum sentences, but an experienced defense attorney can fight for alternatives such as plea agreements, sentencing reductions, or dismissals.
Can federal charges be dropped before trial?
Yes, but only under specific circumstances. Prosecutors may drop charges if the evidence is weak, constitutional violations occur, or defense attorneys successfully negotiate a dismissal.
Should I speak to federal agents if I’m under investigation?
No. Speaking to federal agents without legal counsel can harm your defense. Even innocent statements can be used against you. Contact an attorney before answering any questions.
What should I do if I’ve been indicted?
Call a federal defense lawyer immediately. An indictment means prosecutors believe they have enough evidence to convict. Early legal intervention is essential.
Contact an Experienced Federal Defense Lawyer in Texas Now
Federal charges threaten your freedom, reputation, and future. Whalen Law Offices fights to protect clients from harsh federal prosecution, providing aggressive legal representation at every stage. Call now at (214) 368-2560 for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward your defense.
Whalen Law Office – Frisco Office
9300 John Hickman Pkwy #501
Frisco, Texas 75035
