You know instinctively that facing a federal criminal charge is incredibly serious. A conviction could change your life and your loved one’s lives forever. Harsh prison sentences, hefty financial penalties, and a lifetime of consequences are on the line. You need a Dallas federal criminal defense attorney to help you get through this.

We understand that being charged with federal crimes is frightening. Federal criminal offenses are investigated by federal agencies like the FBI and DEA. Not surprisingly, federal agents use the full force and weight of the government against you. Federal prosecutors tend to be more aggressive than state prosecutors. They use their expansive power to try to steamroll over the people in their sights. Often, once they set their mind on it they’ll stop at nothing to put you behind bars and think nothing of using you to go after a ‘bigger fish.’ You need an experienced defense lawyer you can trust to stand been you and the government.

Understanding Federal Criminal Cases

A federal criminal case begins with an investigation led by federal agents such as the FBI or DEA. Usually, you are under investigation for some time without knowing it. Consequently, when federal law enforcement contacts you, it’s rarely a friendly visit.

Sometimes you may receive a “target letter,” or agents will simply show up wanting to talk. An experienced Dallas federal criminal attorney will push to find out this important information and advise you accordingly. Prosecutors often bring federal charges under seal, meaning you won’t know until they arrest you that you’ve been charged.

It’s important to remember that you have important rights that can protect you from government overreach. Vitally, you have the right to remain silent when questioned by law enforcement. You have the right to have a federal criminal defense lawyer present during questioning to advise you. Usually, you should not talk to any law enforcement agent without first speaking to a Dallas federal criminal defense attorney at our firm first. Our team can help protect your rights.

Types of Federal Crimes We Handle

Many criminal offenses can be federal crimes. Federal criminal laws are extremely broad and seemingly grow every day. Often federal criminal offenses involve conduct that crosses state lines, involves interstate commerce, or involves high-priority issues. When you choose a Dallas federal defense attorney to stand with you, you need someone with experience handling a wide variety of crimes.

  • White Collar Crimes
  • Fraud
  • Embezzlement
  • Federal Drug Crimes
  • Money Laundering
  • Federal Sex Crimes
  • Federal Weapons Charges
  • Bribery
  • Public Corruption
  • Conspiracy Charges

All Practice Areas

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Dallas Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

Contact with a federal agent will put your rights, your freedom, your career, and your family at risk. If agents contact you as a “target” or through an arrest, contact a Dallas federal criminal lawyer before you say anything.  With literally everything on the line, you cannot afford to delay to seek representation from an experienced and dedicated Dallas federal criminal defense lawyer.

A Different Kind of Attorney

We approach our clients differently than a lot of attorneys. Above all, our philosophy is that being a great attorney is more than getting you a great result. First, our office is centered around you. This means we start by truly listening to you to understand your case and your goals. Further, our team works to provide you with a client experience that is as easy and stress-free as possible. Answering your questions and keeping you informed is very important to us. Most importantly, we treat you as a person, not a number. Finally, our goal is to achieve the best possible result for you. If you’re looking for a different kind of attorney, you’ve come to the right place.

Our Case Process

Listen & Understand

We focus on clients as real people. First, we list to understand who you are and what you need. Then we make sure we fully understand the facts of the case.

Open Communication

We explain the law, your rights, and the legal process. Because communication is very important to us, we strive to quickly answer questions and return communication.

Fight for Justice

Simply put: we fight hard for you. In the courtroom, in negotiations, and before a case even is officially opened, we fight for justice for you.

“Mike and his team made me feel the most comfortable...

I called a few Attorneys and Mike and his team made me feel the most comfortable. This is my first time being in a situation like this but the professionalism and communication really put me at easy especially because I’m out of state I needed someone I could trust with my life. He broke down everything for me step by step and helped me through a situation that could’ve ruined my career. So I’d like to thank Mike again for getting my case rejected!!

Ashley Thompson

Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer FAQ

As they say, knowledge is power. The key to getting to the other side of a federal criminal case is to understand the law and your options as best you can. Dallas federal criminal defense attorney Mike Howard believes that clients should fully understand their case. Some common questions include:

What Are My Rights During a Federal Criminal Investigation?

If you are arrested or detained for questioning, it’s vitally important to remember you have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer the agents’ questions. Anything you say can be used against you. Sometimes they will try to scare you. Never forget that you have the right to consult with an attorney before and during any questioning.

Why Am I Being Charged With a Federal Crime Instead of a State Crime?

Many federal crimes have state crime counterparts. This means law enforcement often has a choice of whether to bring charges in state or federal court. Federal criminal charges are generally more severe. They often carry mandatory minimum sentences and other harsh sentencing guidelines. Federal crimes typically involve the following:

  • committed on federal land
  • crosses state lines
  • involves interstate commerce
  • most computer or cyber crimes
  • conduct that the government has deemed high priority

What Can I Expect from Hiring a Dallas Federal Criminal Lawyer

When you call our firm, one of our receptionists will take down some basic information. They will then schedule you to speak with one of our legal assistants. Our legal assistants are trained to gather the information the attorney needs to advise you appropriately. This streamlines things and makes your consultation with the attorney much more productive. Your consultation can be by phone, video, or in-person, whichever makes you most comfortable. In your consultation, the attorney will gather any additional information, answer your questions, and discuss possible strategies. The attorney will also explain fees in a clear, straightforward manner. To conclude, the attorney will provide you with our engagement agreement. We don’t use pressure tactics. We expect our clients to ask questions and take whatever time they need to make the right decision for them.

What Can I Expect From The Process of a Federal Criminal Case?

A typical federal criminal case goes through four basic stages: investigation, preliminary hearings, discovery/negotiation, and trial. Of course, some cases won’t go through all four stages.

During the investigation phase, the law enforcement agents gather evidence, building their case. Sometimes a federal criminal attorney’s intervention at this stage can get an investigation dropped before a prosecutor brings formal charges.

Once charges are formally brought (by information or indictment), the court holds preliminary hearings like an arraignment, probable cause hearing, and detention hearing. Typically, at these hearings your federal criminal lawyer can gather some basic information. The government and your attorney will argue to a magistrate judge whether the judge should hold you in jail pending trial on the charges.

Next, your criminal defense attorney can request discovery of the evidence against you. Once your attorney receives and thoroughly reviews that evidence, they should review it with you and discuss strategy with you. Your attorney can negotiate at with the federal prosecutor about dismissal, reduced charges, or plea agreements.

If no resolution is agreed upon by both sides, your case will proceed to trial before a jury of your peers.

Do I Really Need An Attorney?

Hiring an attorney with experience representing defendants in federal criminal cases is vital. A conviction could forever alter your life, affecting your reputation, career, financial security, and ultimately your family. The right Dallas federal defense attorney can help protect your rights and strive to achieve the best result possible.