Were you charged with a federal crime in Los Angeles, California? Contact us today or call Elizabeth Franklin-Best P.C. at (843) 620-1100 to schedule a consultation. Our Los Angeles federal criminal defense lawyers are some of the most well-regarded in the country and are ready to fight for your rights as soon as you are.
Our top-rated federal criminal defense law firm has 43 years of combined experience helping clients respond to all kinds of charges. We are uniquely qualified to help with federal crime cases and will immediately prioritize your case if you decide to hire us.
Why Hire Elizabeth Franklin-Best P.C. for My Federal Criminal Case in Los Angeles, California?
Federal cases are prosecuted by United States Attorneys with vast investigative resources at their disposal. Elizabeth Franklin-Best P.C. has spent decades defending clients in the federal court system and can help you level the playing field with the prosecution.
By the time charges are filed, the government may have already spent significant time building its case against you. Going up against that kind of preparation without experienced legal representation puts you at a serious disadvantage.
Clients turn to our federal criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles, CA, because:
- We’re a nationally recognized law firm led by esteemed Attorney Elizabeth Franklin-Best
- We have an in-depth understanding of federal court rules, procedures, and sentencing guidelines
- We can retain leading expert witnesses to support your defense
- We will keep you informed about your case’s progress every step of the way
- We’ve received countless awards and accolades for our work, including being recognized among The Best Lawyers in America for 2026
- We prepare every case with the expectation that it could go to trial
Don’t leave your future to chance. Contact our offices today to schedule a time to meet with a Los Angeles federal criminal defense attorney and discuss your case.
We Can Defend You Against Any Kind of Federal Criminal Charge in Los Angeles
Federal crimes are offenses that violate United States law and are prosecuted in the federal court system. These cases are investigated by agencies like the DEA, FBI, and others. Los Angeles is home to one of the busiest federal districts in the country, which means the U.S. Attorney’s Office here handles a high volume of cases across a wide range of offenses.
Our federal criminal defense attorneys in Los Angeles can help you fight back against charges, including:
- Drug trafficking and large-scale distribution
- White collar crimes like embezzlement
- Money laundering
- Weapons offenses, including illegal firearms trafficking
- Tax evasion and other IRS-related crimes
- RICO charges
- Internet crimes such as identity theft
- Public corruption and bribery
- Conspiracy charges tied to organized criminal activity
- Immigration offenses
No matter what type of federal charge you’re up against, our attorneys can evaluate your case and begin putting together an effective defense strategy right away.
Potential Penalties for Federal Crimes in California
Federal sentencing is governed by the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account the nature of the offense, the defendant’s criminal history, and various aggravating or mitigating factors. In general, however, federal sentences tend to be harsher than their state counterparts.
Some examples of potential penalties include:
- Racketeering: Up to 20 years in prison per count, or life imprisonment if the underlying racketeering activity includes an offense punishable by life imprisonment
- Drug conspiracy: 10 years to life, depending on the type and amount of controlled substance
- Bank fraud: Up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $1 million
- Identity theft: Up to 15 years in prison, depending on the offense, though cases involving aggravated identity theft carry a mandatory minimum of 2 years in prison
- Public corruption and bribery: Up to 15 years in prison per count
Many offenses also carry mandatory minimum sentences in federal prison, which limit the judge’s discretion in imposing a lighter punishment. This makes it all the more critical to have a federal defense attorney on your side who can challenge the charges before sentencing ever comes into play.
Collateral Consequences of Federal Crimes
Beyond incarceration and fines, a federal conviction can lead to lasting collateral consequences, including:
- A permanent felony record
- Loss of the right to own firearms
- Difficulty finding employment and housing
- Loss of professional licenses
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
These effects can follow you long after your sentence has been served, which is one reason why fighting your charges from the start is so important.
The Federal Court Process in Los Angeles, CA
Learning about what to expect as your case moves through the federal court system can help reduce some of the uncertainty. While every case is different, most federal criminal cases in Los Angeles follow a general sequence of steps.
Those steps are:
- Investigation: Federal agencies investigate suspected criminal activity. This stage can last months or even years, and a person may not know they are under investigation.
- Indictment: Charges are typically filed through a grand jury indictment, where jurors review the government’s evidence and determine whether probable cause exists.
- Initial hearing and arraignment: The defendant appears before a judge, is informed of the charges, addresses bail or detention, and enters a plea—often not guilty so the defense can review the evidence.
- Discovery: Prosecutors provide the evidence they intend to use. Defense counsel examines this material to evaluate the case and identify possible legal issues.
- Plea negotiations: Attorneys for both sides may discuss a plea agreement that could resolve the case without trial.
- Pretrial motions: The defense may file motions, such as requests to suppress improperly obtained evidence. Court rulings during this phase can strongly influence the case.
- Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial, where both sides present evidence and arguments before a jury.
- Sentencing: If the defendant is convicted or pleads guilty, the judge determines a sentence after considering federal guidelines and arguments from both sides.
- Appeal: In some cases, the defendant may challenge the conviction or sentence (appeal) in a higher court based on legal errors or other issues.
Although the federal process can be lengthy and complex, understanding these stages provides a clearer picture of how a case typically progresses through the system.
What Defenses Can I Raise to Federal Criminal Charges in Los Angeles?
The prosecution must meet the strictest burden of proof standard that exists in the law to convict you: beyond a reasonable doubt. This standard applies to every element of your charges, which gives a defense lawyer potentially a lot of room to work with in terms of fighting back.
Some of the most common defenses raised in federal cases include:
- Evidence was obtained through an illegal search and seizure in violation of the Fourth Amendment
- Your statements were taken in violation of your Miranda Rights
- The government engaged in entrapment by pressuring you into committing a crime you otherwise wouldn’t have
- The prosecution’s case relies on unreliable witnesses
- You are the victim of false accusations
- There is not enough evidence to support your charges
- There are procedural errors in how the investigation stage was handled
Our team will work hard to determine the best defenses suited for the unique facts and circumstances of your case. We strongly believe in the notion that everyone deserves the best possible defense strategy.
Contact Our Los Angeles Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers for a Consultation
A federal criminal charge in Los Angeles, CA, is one of the most serious legal situations you can find yourself in. The government has been building its case against you, and every day that passes without having a qualified attorney on your side is a day you could be falling further behind.
Elizabeth Franklin-Best P.C. is here to help you to the best of our ability. With 43 years of combined experience defending clients in this area of the law, our Los Angeles federal criminal defense lawyers understand the complexities of the federal system and will fight to protect your rights from the very beginning.
Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation. We can answer all of your questions and help you understand the best path forward for your case at that time.
