Facing federal criminal charges is different from any other kind of legal situation. Federal cases often involve longer investigations, tougher prosecutors, and harsher penalties. You may be dealing with agencies like the FBI, HSI, DEA, or ATF, and the court process moves fast. Whether you're accused of a drug offense, white-collar crime, or violent act, your future is on the line.
Kenney Legal Defense, we understand the pressure you're facing. Our San Diego federal crimes lawyer defends people accused of serious federal charges, from drug trafficking and conspiracy to commit Medicare fraud, money laundering, and internet crimes.
We focus on clear communication, strong legal strategies, and protecting your rights in the federal court system. If you're under federal investigation or have been arrested, we're here to help with aggressive defense and real legal solutions.
Why Choose Our San Diego Federal Defense Attorney
Kenney Legal Defense focuses on federal criminal defense and has a deep understanding of federal criminal law, court procedures, and trial strategies. Our team has handled cases involving drug trafficking, white-collar crimes, firearms offenses, and conspiracy charges under Title 21 of the U.S. Code. We are not afraid to take on complex federal matters and are familiar with how federal judges and prosecutors operate in San Diego and across California.
What sets us apart is our dedication to building strong legal strategies based on the facts, the law, and your goals. We listen carefully, explain every step clearly, and make sure you understand your rights and options. From fighting to suppress illegal searches to attacking weak evidence, we fight smart and aggressively.
With a record of litigation success and years of jury trial experience, we are ready to help you through every step of your federal criminal defense case.
Types of Federal Charges We Defend
Federal prosecutors often bring charges after long investigations. These cases usually involve more than one person and can cover many areas of law. Our team handles a wide range of federal charges across San Diego County and beyond.
Drug Trafficking and Conspiracy
Drug trafficking and conspiracy charges under 21 U.S.C. § 841 and 21 U.S.C. § 846 are some of the most serious federal offenses. These laws cover the possession, manufacturing, and distribution of controlled substances like meth, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. Even if you did not actually transport or sell drugs, being accused of working with others in a drug conspiracy can result in the same penalties.
The federal government often uses wiretaps, undercover agents, and confidential informants in these cases, and sentences can include decades in prison, especially if large quantities or prior offenses are involved.
Federal Fraud Crimes
Federal fraud charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1341 and 18 U.S.C. § 1343 cover crimes such as mail fraud and wire fraud. These charges are used when the government believes someone used the mail system or electronic communications like emails, texts, or phone calls to carry out a plan to take money or property through false statements.
These cases can be tied to business deals, false invoices, fake investment opportunities, or dishonest loan applications. The federal prosecutor often builds fraud cases with help from financial audits, digital records, and witness statements.
Money Laundering
Money laundering under 18 U.S.C. § 1956 is a federal crime that involves moving money obtained from illegal activities like drug trafficking or fraud through banks, businesses, or other financial systems to hide its source. Prosecutors don't need to prove the original crime in full, just that the money came from a crime and was processed to look legal.
Convictions for money laundering can lead to long federal prison sentences, asset seizures, and massive fines, especially if the amounts involved are large or if international transfers were made.
White Collar Crimes
White collar crimes include a wide range of non-violent offenses that involve deception, fraud, or abuse of trust for personal or financial gain. These crimes often involve professionals, executives, or business owners and may include securities fraud, healthcare fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, and public corruption.
Federal white collar crimes are investigated by agencies like the FBI, HSI, IRS, and the Department of Justice. Convictions can mean federal prison time, large fines, and loss of professional licenses. These cases often involve complex documents, emails, and witness interviews.
Firearms Offenses
Firearms offenses under 18 U.S.C. § 922 cover a wide range of federal gun crimes. This includes illegal possession of a firearm by a felon, transporting guns across state lines without proper documentation, or using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime or violent offense.
Even something as simple as owning a gun while under a restraining order or after a domestic violence conviction can lead to serious federal charges. Sentences can include mandatory minimums and added prison time if the weapon was used during a crime.
Human Trafficking and Immigration Crimes
Federal immigration charges include bringing people across borders without permission or using false documents. Human trafficking charges involve forcing or tricking people into work or sex acts.
How Federal Cases Differ from State Charges
Federal criminal cases are much different from state-level cases. In federal court, investigations are longer, the rules are stricter, and the prosecutors are backed by large federal agencies. Federal law applies instead of California law, and the charges are usually more serious.
Federal cases often come with harsher penalties, longer prison terms, and fewer chances for probation or alternative sentencing. The court process also moves faster and follows tighter deadlines, which means it's important to have a federal criminal defense lawyer who understands how the federal system works.
What to Expect in Federal Court in San Diego
If your case is going through federal court in San Diego, you will attend hearings at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. Federal cases begin with an indictment or criminal complaint and can involve pretrial motions, plea negotiations, or a jury trial. You may be assigned a federal judge and a U.S. Attorney will prosecute the case.
Bail may be harder to get in federal court, and the rules about evidence and sentencing are different from state court. Your defense lawyer will guide you through each step, from arraignment to trial, and work to protect your rights during every phase of the legal process.
Federal Sentencing Guidelines and Mandatory Minimums
Federal sentencing is controlled by strict guidelines that judges must follow. These rules consider the type of crime, your past record, and other factors like the amount of money or drugs involved. Some charges, like drug trafficking or firearms crimes, come with mandatory minimum sentences, which means the judge must give you a certain number of years in prison even if the facts of your case are less serious.
In many cases, federal sentencing allows for very little flexibility, so it's important to have a defense lawyer who can argue for a lighter sentence, explore plea deals, or file motions that reduce your exposure to harsh penalties.
Federal Appeals and Post-Conviction Relief
After a federal conviction, you still have legal options, but you must act quickly. The federal court system allows you to challenge the outcome through a direct appeal or a post-conviction motion, but strict deadlines apply. Federal criminal appeals are handled in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, where your defense lawyer can argue that legal errors were made during your trial or sentencing. If successful, the court may reverse the conviction, order a new trial, or reduce your sentence.
Another option is filing a 2255 habeas corpus motion, which allows you to raise claims like ineffective assistance of counsel or constitutional violations. You may also qualify for a sentence reduction under the First Step Act, especially if your sentence involved drug crimes or outdated mandatory minimums.
Appeals and post-conviction relief are complex and time-sensitive. That's why having an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer is critical to reviewing your case and fighting for a second chance.
Legal Defenses to Federal Charges
If you are facing federal charges, there are ways to fight back. A strong legal defense can help reduce the charges, lower the sentence, avoid a mandatory minimum prison sentence, or even get the case dismissed. Every case is different, but the right defense lawyer will look closely at how the evidence was gathered and whether your rights were respected.
Some of the most common and effective defenses in federal criminal cases are:
Challenging Illegal Searches and Wiretaps
Sometimes the government gathers evidence by breaking the rules. If agents searched your home, car, or phone without a valid warrant, or if wiretaps were used without permission from the court, your defense lawyer can ask the judge to throw out that evidence.
This is based on your rights under the Constitution, and it's one of the most powerful defenses in federal court.
Attacking the Credibility of Informants
Federal prosecutors often rely on informants or undercover agents to build their case. These people may have something to gain, like avoiding their own charges. A good defense strategy is to show that these informants are not trustworthy, that they lied, or that they acted in ways that make their stories unreliable.
Lack of Intent or Knowledge
Many federal crimes require proof that you knew what you were doing and meant to commit the crime. If you didn't know about the illegal activity, or if someone else involved tricked you or used your name without your knowledge, your defense lawyer can argue that you did not act on purpose or with intent to break the law.
Insufficient or Circumstantial Evidence
Sometimes the government's case is weak and based only on guesswork or small pieces of information. If there is no solid proof like clear documents, photos, or witness testimony, your lawyer can argue that the evidence is not strong enough to convict you. In a federal case, the burden is on the prosecutor to prove everything beyond a reasonable doubt.
Motions to Suppress Key Evidence
If any of the evidence against you was collected illegally, your lawyer can file a motion to suppress. This means asking the judge to block that evidence from being used in court. If the motion succeeds, it can seriously weaken the prosecutor's case and lead to better results for you, such as a dropped charge or a shorter sentence.
FAQs
1. What should I do if I am charged with a federal drug crime?
You should contact a criminal defense attorney right away. Federal drug crimes carry long prison terms, so getting strong legal representation early is key.
2. What's the difference between federal conspiracy charges and regular criminal charges?
Federal conspiracy charges involve planning a crime with others and can lead to the same punishment as the crime itself, even if the act was not completed.
3. Can community service or house arrest be part of my sentence?
Yes, in some cases, especially for non-violent crimes or juvenile crimes, the court may allow alternatives like community service or house arrest instead of prison. It all depends on the specific circumstances of your case.
4. Do bank fraud or sex crimes charges lead to long prison time?
Yes, both are serious offenses. Federal crimes like bank fraud and sex crimes often carry heavy penalties and require experienced defense to challenge the evidence or reduce sentencing.
Contact Our San Diego Federal Crimes Lawyer for a Free Case Quotation\
If you or someone close to you is facing federal charges, the stakes are high and the legal process moves fast. You may be dealing with drug charges, federal conspiracy charges, bank fraud, or violent crimes, and these cases are not handled like regular state matters.
Kenney Legal Defense understands how the federal legal system works and how to challenge the government's case from the very beginning.
Our San Diego federal crimes lawyer offers personalized legal representation and clear advice at every step. We handle everything from pretrial motions to jury trials and appeals, and we make sure your rights are protected throughout the criminal justice system. Whether your case involves driving under the influence, drug possession, domestic violence charges, or complex white-collar charges, we are ready to help.
Contact us now to schedule your free case quote today. We are here to stand up for you.