California Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Wire fraud involves using electronic communications, such as phones, emails, or internet transmissions, to execute schemes that defraud victims of money or property. The federal government aggressively prosecutes these white collar crimes because they often cross state lines and involve substantial financial losses. Federal prosecutors must prove that defendants knowingly participated in a scheme to defraud and used wire communications to further that scheme. Penalties for wire fraud can include decades in federal prison and substantial fines, making experienced federal criminal defense essential for protecting your future.

Tax evasion and other tax-related criminal charges fall under federal jurisdiction because they involve violations of IRS regulations and federal tax laws. The Internal Revenue Service works closely with federal prosecutors to build cases against individuals accused of willfully avoiding their tax obligations through false returns, hidden income, or fraudulent deductions. Criminal investigation teams examine financial records, banking transactions, and business dealings to identify patterns of tax evasion that span multiple years. Our federal criminal defense attorneys understand the complex intersection of tax law and criminal law, allowing us to challenge the government's evidence and protect clients from these life-altering accusations.

Federal conspiracy charges enable prosecutors to target multiple defendants who allegedly agreed to commit federal crimes, even if the underlying crime was never successfully completed. The federal criminal justice system treats conspiracy as a separate offense from the underlying crime, meaning defendants can face multiple charges arising from the same conduct. Prosecutors often use conspiracy charges to pressure defendants into cooperation agreements or plea deals by threatening lengthy sentences under federal sentencing guidelines. Our federal criminal lawyers carefully analyze conspiracy allegations to identify defenses, such as withdrawal from the conspiracy or a lack of agreement between alleged co-conspirators.

Drug trafficking and other drug crimes become federal offenses when they involve large quantities, cross state lines, or occur on federal property like national parks or military bases. The Drug Enforcement Administration leads most federal drug investigations, often using undercover operations, wiretaps, and confidential informants to build cases against alleged drug trafficking organizations. Federal drug offenses carry mandatory minimum sentences that can result in decades in federal prison, particularly for repeat offenders or cases involving substantial drug quantities. Our experienced federal criminal lawyers challenge every aspect of drug cases, from the legality of searches and seizures to the reliability of informant testimony and laboratory evidence.

• We thoroughly investigate all mitigating factors in your background, including your employment history, family responsibilities, community involvement, and lack of prior criminal offenses. Federal sentencing guidelines permit judges to consider these personal factors when determining appropriate sentences, and our preparation ensures that the court understands your complete life story, rather than just the alleged criminal conduct.
• Our legal team challenges the government's evidence at every stage of proceedings to reduce the severity of charges or eliminate certain allegations that carry enhanced penalties. Successfully excluding evidence or forcing prosecutors to drop certain charges can dramatically reduce potential sentences under federal sentencing guidelines.
• We explore all available sentencing departures and reductions, including substantial assistance agreements, acceptance of responsibility reductions, and safety valve provisions for eligible defendants. These legal mechanisms can reduce sentences by several years when properly negotiated and presented to federal court.
• Our attorneys collaborate with sentencing experts and prepare comprehensive sentencing memoranda that highlight unique circumstances justifying sentences below the guidelines. Federal judges have discretion to impose sentences below the guidelines when presented with compelling reasons that distinguish your case from typical federal criminal cases.
• We identify and present alternative sentencing options, such as home confinement, halfway houses, or specialized treatment programs, that can reduce the actual time served in federal prison. These alternatives enable defendants to maintain their family relationships and employment while serving their sentences, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful reintegration into society.