Address: 2900 Bristol St., Suite C204 Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Available To Serve You Nationwide On All Federal Cases
If you need a Federal Criminal Defense Attorney in Los Angeles, choosing experienced counsel early can make a significant difference. Kenney Legal Defense represents clients facing federal investigations and criminal charges throughout Los Angeles and the Central District of California.
If you are under federal investigation or have been charged with a federal crime in Los Angeles, the attorney you choose can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Federal criminal prosecutions are vastly different from state court cases. They involve specialized investigative agencies, complex federal statutes, extensive electronic evidence, and sentencing guidelines that require an attorney with substantial federal courtroom experience.
At Kenney Legal Defense, attorney Karren Kenney has spent more than three decades representing individuals and businesses facing some of the nation's most serious criminal allegations. As a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and trial attorney with experience handling complex fraud, conspiracy, healthcare fraud, public corruption, immigration, firearms, and white-collar investigations, she understands both how federal investigations are built and how they can be challenged.
Whether you have received a federal target letter, a grand jury subpoena, or agents from the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), DEA, or another federal agency have contacted you, obtaining experienced legal representation immediately is one of the most important decisions you can make.
Kenney Legal Defense represents clients throughout the Central District of California, including matters prosecuted in Los Angeles, Santa Ana, Riverside, and surrounding federal courthouses.
Federal prosecutors often spend months—or even years—building a criminal case before charges are filed. By the time someone learns they are under investigation, investigators may have already interviewed witnesses, executed search warrants, analyzed financial records, obtained electronic communications, and presented evidence to a federal grand jury.
Early legal intervention can often make a significant difference.
Clients choose Kenney Legal Defense because of our experience handling complex federal criminal matters involving:
Our approach emphasizes early intervention, strategic communication with federal prosecutors when appropriate, and aggressive litigation when necessary.
Federal criminal investigations frequently involve extensive document review, electronic evidence, financial analysis, forensic accounting, and multiple federal agencies working together.
We regularly represent clients in cases involving:
Federal healthcare investigations often involve allegations concerning Medicare, Medicaid, hospice providers, durable medical equipment, billing practices, kickbacks, and False Claims Act issues.
Federal wire fraud and mail fraud statutes are among the most frequently charged offenses in federal court. These cases often involve business transactions, internet communications, financial transfers, and allegations of fraudulent representations.
Money laundering allegations frequently accompany healthcare fraud, wire fraud, narcotics investigations, cryptocurrency investigations, and public corruption cases.
Conspiracy charges allow prosecutors to charge multiple individuals based upon an alleged agreement to commit a federal offense—even when defendants had very different levels of involvement.
Federal public corruption investigations frequently involve elected officials, contractors, nonprofit organizations, campaign contributions, bribery allegations, honest services fraud, and public funds.
The Department of Justice continues to aggressively investigate allegations involving Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), SBA loans, payroll certifications, and loan forgiveness applications.
Federal immigration investigations may involve allegations concerning visa fraud, marriage fraud, immigration document fraud, naturalization fraud, or employment-related immigration offenses.
Federal firearms prosecutions often involve mandatory minimum sentences and require a thorough understanding of federal sentencing laws and constitutional defenses.
Learning that you are under federal investigation can be overwhelming. In many cases, people have no idea they have been under investigation until they receive a telephone call from a federal agent, a grand jury subpoena, a federal target letter, or agents arrive at their home or business with a search warrant.
Unlike many state criminal cases, federal investigations are often conducted quietly for months or even years before charges are filed. During that time, investigators may interview witnesses, obtain bank records, analyze electronic devices, execute search warrants, review emails and text messages, subpoena business records, and present evidence to a federal grand jury.
Because federal prosecutors frequently build extensive cases before making an arrest, the decisions you make during the investigation stage can significantly affect the outcome of your case.
Federal criminal investigations are conducted by numerous agencies, depending on the nature of the allegations. Kenney Legal Defense represents clients investigated by agencies including:
Many investigations involve multiple agencies working together through federal task forces.
One of the clearest signs that you are the focus of a federal investigation is receiving a Target Letter from the United States Attorney's Office.
A federal target letter generally advises that:
Receiving a target letter does not automatically mean you will be indicted, but it should always be taken seriously. Waiting to seek legal advice can eliminate opportunities to protect your interests before formal charges are filed.
Related Resource: Federal Target Letter Attorney Guidance
Federal investigators classify individuals differently depending on the evidence they have gathered.
A target is a person against whom prosecutors believe they possess substantial evidence connecting that individual to the commission of a federal offense.
A subject is someone whose conduct falls within the scope of a federal investigation, but investigators have not necessarily determined whether criminal charges are appropriate.
A witness is believed to possess relevant information but is not presently considered a target of the investigation.
These classifications can change as an investigation develops. Someone initially treated as a witness may later become a subject or target depending on newly discovered evidence.
Many federal criminal investigations are presented to a federal grand jury before charges are filed.
A federal grand jury may issue subpoenas requiring:
Although receiving a grand jury subpoena does not necessarily mean you are under investigation, responding without legal guidance can have significant consequences. Statements made to investigators or testimony before a grand jury may later become evidence in a criminal prosecution.
Related Resource: Federal Grand Jury Subpoenas Explained
A federal search warrant is frequently executed without advance warning.
Investigators may seize:
Agents often request that individuals answer questions during or immediately after the search. While every situation is different, many people benefit from consulting counsel before deciding whether to participate in an interview.
If federal agents execute a search warrant at your home or business, documenting the events and contacting experienced federal defense counsel promptly can help protect your legal rights.
Many people mistakenly believe they should wait until they are arrested before hiring an attorney. In federal cases, the investigation stage is often when legal representation can provide the greatest value.
An experienced federal criminal defense attorney may be able to:
Early legal representation also helps reduce the risk of making statements or producing documents that could later be used against you.
One of the biggest misconceptions people have is believing that a federal criminal case is simply a more serious version of a California state prosecution. In reality, federal criminal cases operate under an entirely different legal system with different investigators, prosecutors, procedural rules, sentencing laws, and courtroom practices.
If you have been contacted by federal law enforcement or charged in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, you should not assume that an attorney who regularly handles state criminal cases has the same level of experience in federal court.
Federal cases require a thorough understanding of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Federal Rules of Evidence, the United States Sentencing Guidelines, and the unique practices of the federal courts.
Kenney Legal Defense represents clients throughout the Central District of California, one of the busiest federal judicial districts in the United States.
The Central District includes federal courthouses serving:
Federal prosecutions handled in the Central District frequently involve investigations conducted by multiple federal agencies working together. Cases may include allegations of healthcare fraud, financial crimes, conspiracy, public corruption, narcotics trafficking, immigration offenses, firearms violations, cybercrime, and other complex federal offenses.
Because the Central District encompasses one of the nation's largest metropolitan regions, investigations often involve extensive electronic evidence, financial records, digital communications, and multi-defendant prosecutions.
Federal criminal investigations often begin long before anyone is arrested.
Understanding the process helps individuals make informed decisions from the earliest stages of an investigation.
The government gathers evidence through:
Many people do not realize they are under investigation until months—or even years—after investigators begin collecting evidence.
Not every federal criminal case begins with an FBI investigation.
Some begin as what appears to be a routine administrative review.
Examples include:
During these proceedings, agencies often request:
Many people mistakenly believe they are participating only in a civil or administrative matter.
However, administrative agencies frequently share information with federal prosecutors and criminal investigative agencies when evidence suggests potential criminal violations.
These are often referred to as parallel investigations, where administrative and criminal investigations proceed simultaneously.
Providing inaccurate information, making false statements, altering records, or attempting to explain away suspected misconduct without legal counsel can significantly increase criminal exposure.
For that reason, consulting an experienced federal criminal defense attorney before responding to an administrative inquiry may be one of the most important decisions a person makes.
If investigators believe probable cause exists, they may seek a federal search warrant from a United States Magistrate Judge.
Search warrants frequently authorize the seizure of:
Many investigations are dramatically accelerated after the execution of a search warrant because investigators gain access to large amounts of electronic evidence.
Federal prosecutors frequently present evidence to a grand jury before requesting an indictment.
Grand juries may:
Grand jury proceedings are generally conducted in secret, meaning the target of the investigation often has no opportunity to participate.
If the grand jury determines probable cause exists, it may return an indictment charging one or more federal crimes.
An indictment is not evidence of guilt.
It is simply the formal charging document that begins the criminal case in federal court.
After charges are filed, a defendant typically appears before a federal magistrate judge.
The court determines:
Federal detention hearings differ significantly from California state court bail proceedings.
Federal prosecutors provide discovery pursuant to the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and constitutional disclosure obligations.
Discovery may include:
Reviewing this evidence often requires significant legal analysis and strategic planning.
Depending on the facts of the case, defense counsel may file motions involving:
Strategic motion practice can significantly influence the direction of a federal prosecution.
Although many federal cases resolve before trial, some cases should be tried.
Federal jury trials require careful preparation, extensive witness examination, presentation of documentary evidence, expert testimony, and persuasive advocacy before a federal jury.
Every case should be prepared as though it may ultimately proceed to trial.
If a defendant pleads guilty or is convicted at trial, the court proceeds to sentencing.
Federal judges consider numerous factors, including:
Effective sentencing advocacy can substantially affect the ultimate sentence imposed by the court.
Many federal criminal cases are resolved through negotiation.
However, prosecutors also know which defense attorneys are prepared to take cases to trial.
Attorney Karren Kenney has more than 30 years of courtroom experience and has tried more than 100 jury trials. Every federal case is prepared with the expectation that it may ultimately be presented to a jury.
Preparing every case as if it will proceed to trial often results in a more thorough investigation, stronger motion practice, and better-informed strategic decisions throughout the representation.
Federal prosecutors often begin building cases long before charges are filed. By the time an individual receives a target letter, subpoena, or search warrant, investigators may already possess extensive evidence.
Early intervention by experienced federal defense counsel can help clients understand the investigation, avoid common mistakes, preserve important legal rights, and make informed decisions before critical opportunities are lost.
Federal criminal investigations encompass a broad range of alleged offenses. Many involve extensive financial records, electronic evidence, search warrants, confidential informants, forensic analysis, and months or years of investigation before charges are filed.
At Kenney Legal Defense, we represent individuals, professionals, business owners, healthcare providers, executives, and others facing investigations and prosecutions for complex federal offenses.
Fraud investigations remain among the most aggressively prosecuted offenses in federal court.
These cases often involve allegations that an individual or business intentionally used false statements, misleading representations, or deceptive business practices to obtain money, property, loans, contracts, government benefits, or other financial advantages.
Federal fraud investigations frequently involve:
Many fraud investigations begin quietly through audits, whistleblower complaints, Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), referrals from financial institutions, or administrative reviews before becoming criminal investigations.
Related Resource: Fraud Investigation Attorney
Healthcare fraud remains one of the Department of Justice's highest enforcement priorities.
Healthcare providers may become the subject of investigations involving:
Many healthcare investigations begin through administrative agencies such as:
What initially appears to be a payment review or administrative audit can later evolve into a parallel criminal investigation if investigators believe fraudulent conduct occurred.
Early legal representation can help healthcare providers understand the scope of the investigation before responding to document requests or interviews.
Related Resource: Healthcare Fraud Defense
Wire fraud and mail fraud statutes are among the broadest criminal statutes used by federal prosecutors.
These charges may arise whenever investigators believe interstate wire communications or the United States mail were used in furtherance of an alleged fraudulent scheme.
Examples include:
Because these statutes are so broadly written, they frequently accompany many other federal charges.
Money laundering charges frequently accompany investigations involving fraud, narcotics trafficking, healthcare fraud, public corruption, and financial crimes.
Federal prosecutors may allege that financial transactions were intended to:
Money laundering allegations often require detailed review of bank records, accounting practices, corporate structures, and financial transactions.
Related Resource: Federal Money Laundering Defense
Federal drug conspiracy cases often differ significantly from state narcotics prosecutions.
Rather than charging a defendant solely with possessing or transporting controlled substances, prosecutors frequently allege that multiple individuals agreed to participate in a larger criminal enterprise.
Evidence commonly relied upon may include:
Conspiracy allegations may expose individuals to substantial penalties even when prosecutors contend that each participant played a different role.
Related Resources:
Some individuals charged with federal drug trafficking maintain they had no knowledge that controlled substances were hidden inside a vehicle, package, luggage, or cargo.
These cases are sometimes referred to as blind drug mule cases.
Federal investigators often focus on:
A careful investigation of the surrounding circumstances may be critical when evaluating whether the government can prove knowledge beyond a reasonable doubt.
Federal public corruption investigations often involve:
These investigations frequently involve years of document collection and electronic evidence before criminal charges are filed.
Federal immigration investigations may involve allegations concerning:
Many immigration-related investigations involve both administrative agencies and criminal investigators working simultaneously.
Federal firearms prosecutions often carry significant sentencing consequences.
Charges may involve allegations concerning:
Federal firearms cases frequently involve constitutional issues surrounding search warrants, vehicle searches, and the seizure of evidence.
IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) investigates allegations involving:
IRS investigations often involve extensive financial analysis before criminal charges are considered.
White-collar investigations frequently involve professionals, executives, business owners, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, and corporate employees.
These cases commonly involve:
Because these investigations often begin long before charges are filed, obtaining experienced legal representation early can be particularly important.
Many federal investigations involve millions of pages of records, electronic communications, forensic accounting, digital evidence, and multiple cooperating witnesses.
Successfully defending these cases requires more than simply appearing in federal court. It requires developing a comprehensive understanding of how the government built its case, identifying weaknesses in the evidence, preserving legal issues through strategic motion practice, and preparing every matter as though it may ultimately proceed to trial.
Kenney Legal Defense represents clients throughout every stage of a federal criminal matter—from the earliest indication of an investigation through trial, sentencing, and, when appropriate, post-conviction proceedings.
Federal criminal investigations are often confusing because every case is different. Some begin with a search warrant. Others begin with an administrative audit, a target letter, a grand jury subpoena, or an unexpected call from a federal investigator. To help individuals better understand the federal criminal justice system, Kenney Legal Defense has developed a growing library of educational resources addressing many of the most common questions people have when facing a federal investigation.
If your situation involves one of the topics below, we encourage you to explore these additional resources:
Learn what a federal target letter means, the difference between a target, subject, and witness, and why you should never respond without first consulting an experienced federal criminal defense attorney.
Related Guide: Federal Target Letter Attorney
Understand what happens when federal agents execute a search warrant, what evidence is commonly seized, and the important decisions that should be made immediately following a search.
Related Guide: Federal Search Warrant
Many federal fraud cases begin long before criminal charges are filed. Learn how administrative reviews, audits, and civil investigations may evolve into federal criminal prosecutions.
Related Guide: Federal Fraud Defense
Federal investigations may involve the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), DEA, HHS-OIG, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other federal agencies. Learn what to expect when investigators contact you.
Related Guide: Federal Investigation Attorney
Grand jury subpoenas can require testimony or the production of extensive records. Learn what grand juries do, why subpoenas are issued, and why obtaining legal advice before responding is important.
Related Guide: Federal Grand Jury Subpoenas
Healthcare investigations often begin through Medicare contractors, CMS audits, UPIC reviews, or HHS-OIG investigations before becoming criminal cases.
Related Guide: Healthcare Fraud Defense
Money laundering charges frequently accompany allegations of fraud, healthcare fraud, narcotics trafficking, and other financial crimes. Learn how these cases are investigated and prosecuted.
Related Guide: Federal Money Laundering Defense
Federal conspiracy prosecutions often involve allegations that multiple individuals agreed to participate in criminal conduct. Learn how conspiracy cases are investigated and defended.
Related Guide: Federal Drug Conspiracy Defense
Some individuals charged with drug trafficking maintain they had no knowledge that drugs were concealed inside a vehicle or shipment. Learn how federal prosecutors attempt to prove knowledge and intent.
Related Guide: Blind Drug Mule Defense
As soon as you learn you are under federal investigation. Many important decisions are made before charges are filed, and early legal representation can help protect your rights and guide your response to investigators.
Before participating in any interview with federal investigators, you should understand your legal rights and consider consulting a federal criminal defense attorney. Statements made during voluntary interviews may later become evidence in a criminal prosecution.
Yes. Some investigations conclude without charges, while others result in civil, administrative, or regulatory actions. Every investigation is different, and the outcome depends on the evidence and circumstances.
A federal target letter is a letter from the United States Attorney's Office advising that prosecutors believe substantial evidence links the recipient to the commission of a federal crime and encouraging the recipient to obtain legal counsel.
A target is a person against whom prosecutors believe substantial evidence exists connecting that individual to a crime. A subject is someone whose conduct falls within the scope of the investigation, but prosecutors have not necessarily decided whether criminal charges are appropriate.
Yes. Administrative reviews involving Medicare, Medicaid, CMS, SBA, PPP loans, customs, and other regulatory agencies may evolve into criminal investigations when evidence suggests possible violations of federal criminal law.
Document requests should be evaluated carefully. Depending on the circumstances, producing records, making statements about those records, or communicating directly with investigators may have legal consequences. An attorney can advise you regarding the scope of the request and the appropriate response.
Some investigations conclude in a matter of months, while others continue for several years. The length depends upon the complexity of the allegations, the volume of evidence, the number of witnesses, and the agencies involved.
Some federal charges are dismissed, reduced, or resolved through negotiation. Others proceed to trial. Every case is unique, and potential defenses depend upon the facts, the evidence, and applicable law.
Kenney Legal Defense represents clients throughout the Central District of California, including matters in Los Angeles, Santa Ana, and Riverside, as well as clients facing federal investigations throughout California and, where appropriate, in federal courts nationwide.
If you have received a federal target letter, a grand jury subpoena, notice of a federal investigation, or your home or business has been searched by federal law enforcement, the decisions you make today may significantly affect the future of your case.
Federal investigations move quickly, and waiting to seek legal advice may limit available options. Understanding your rights before responding to investigators, producing records, or participating in interviews is an important first step.
Kenney Legal Defense provides experienced representation for individuals and businesses facing complex federal investigations and criminal prosecutions throughout the Central District of California and beyond.
Call 855-505-5588 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation.
