Were you charged with a federal crime in Texas? Contact Elizabeth Franklin-Best P.C. to schedule a consultation at (843) 620-1100. Our Texas federal criminal defense lawyers are here to fight for your rights and help you secure as favorable an outcome as may be possible under the law.
Our top-rated federal criminal defense firm thoroughly understands what it takes to defend charges like these. With 43 years of combined experience helping clients respond to federal crime cases, we have a longstanding track record of success that you can depend on.
Call us today or message us online to learn more and to get started with your case.
Why Hire Elizabeth Franklin-Best P.C. For My Texas Federal Criminal Defense Case?
Federal prosecutors have far greater resources than those at the state level. Without taking your charges seriously and hiring an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer in Texas, you risk an unfair outcome. Elizabeth Franklin-Best P.C. has the experience and resources to defend you effectively.
Here’s what sets our legal team apart:
- We’re led by Elizabeth Franklin-Best, one of the most well-regarded and recognized criminal defense lawyers in the country
- We have decades of experience working with federal cases specifically
- We can hire leading experts to help investigate your case and make your defense as strong as possible
- We’ll prepare your case as though it may go to trial, and we won’t hesitate to take your case to that stage if necessary
Get in touch with our law offices today to learn more about your legal rights and options. The earlier you involve a Texas federal defense attorney, the more we can do to protect your future.
How Are Federal Criminal Cases Different From State Cases?
Criminal cases only end up in federal court in specific circumstances. For example, this might happen when a federal law was violated or when the alleged activity crossed state lines. Broadly speaking, it is more serious to be charged on the federal level than it is on the state level.
Some of the key distinctions include:
- Federal investigations are often conducted long before charges are filed, meaning prosecutors may already have extensive evidence by the time you find out you’re being accused
- Judges use the United States Sentencing Guidelines to determine penalties, which often result in longer prison terms than comparable state offenses
- Mandatory minimum sentences apply to many federal crimes, limiting a judge’s ability to show leniency
- Federal cases are tried in one of four Texas U.S. District Courts, where the procedures are more formal, and the rules can differ from state courts
- Bail and pretrial detention decisions in federal cases follow different standards than in state cases
Hiring a defense attorney with extensive federal court experience is critical in these circumstances. Lawyers who only have experience with state crimes likely won’t be able to provide you with effective representation.
Common Types of Federal Crimes We Handle in Texas
Our criminal defense attorneys are equipped to defend clients against a wide range of federal charges. Some of the most common federal offenses we handle include:
- Drug trafficking
- IRS-related crimes, such as tax evasion
- Embezzlement and other white-collar crimes
- Weapons charges
- Identity theft
- Cybercrime and computer fraud
- Public corruption
- Conspiracy charges
- Bribery
- Organized crime allegations, including RICO
- Immigration offenses
- Bankruptcy fraud
We encourage you to reach out regardless of whether your specific charges appear on this list. Federal criminal law covers a broad range of conduct, and our team may be able to help no matter the exact charges you’re facing.
What Are the Potential Penalties for a Federal Crime Conviction in Texas?
Federal convictions carry steep consequences. The specific penalties depend on the nature of the offense, your criminal history, and other factors weighed under the Sentencing Guidelines.
Some examples of what you could be facing include:
- Decades, if not years, in federal prison
- Fines in the hundreds of thousands of dollars or more
- Mandatory restitution to victims
- Supervised release following your prison term
- Forfeiture of assets connected to the alleged crime
A federal conviction also brings collateral consequences that can follow you long after your sentence is complete. These include difficulty finding employment and housing, as well as other impacts that can dramatically reduce your future freedom.
How Does the Federal Criminal Process Work in Texas?
The federal criminal process follows a different path than what most people are familiar with from state court. Learning about how it works can help you make better decisions about your defense.
Investigation
Most federal cases begin with an investigation by a federal agency. During this phase, agents may use wiretaps, surveillance, informants, subpoenas, and grand jury proceedings to build their case. In some situations, a target of the investigation may receive a “target letter” notifying them that they are under scrutiny.
If you learn that you are being investigated by a federal agency, contacting an attorney immediately is one of the most important steps you can take. Early involvement gives your lawyer the chance to potentially influence the outcome before charges are even filed.
Charges and Initial Appearance
Federal charges are typically brought through an indictment issued by a grand jury. Once you are charged, you will be brought before a federal magistrate judge for an initial appearance. At this stage, the court will address issues like bail and pretrial detention.
Unlike in many state courts, federal defendants do not have an automatic right to bail. The prosecution can argue that you should be detained before trial if they believe you pose a flight risk or a danger to the community. Having an attorney who can effectively argue for your release at this stage matters a great deal.
Discovery and Pretrial Motions
After charges are filed, both sides exchange evidence through the discovery process. Your attorney can also file pretrial motions to challenge the government’s case. Common motions include:
- Requests to suppress evidence that was obtained illegally
- Motions to dismiss certain charges
- Motions to compel the government to turn over additional evidence
This phase can be one of the most important in the process. The evidence and rulings that come out of pretrial proceedings often shape the trajectory of the entire case.
Plea Negotiations
The vast majority of federal cases are resolved through plea agreements rather than trial. Federal prosecutors may offer a plea deal that involves reduced charges or a recommendation for a lighter sentence in exchange for a guilty plea.
Whether to accept a plea deal is ultimately your decision. However, having a federal criminal defense lawyer in Texas who can evaluate the offer and advise you on the risks and benefits is essential.
Trial
If a fair resolution can’t be reached through negotiations, your case will proceed to criminal trial. Federal trials follow a structured process that includes jury selection, opening statements, presentation of evidence, cross-examination, and closing arguments. The jury must find you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt on every element of every charge in order to convict you.
Appeals and Post Conviction Relief
If you are convicted at trial, the process doesn’t necessarily end there. You may have the right to appeal your conviction or sentence to a federal circuit court. Post-conviction motions, such as a 2255 motion to vacate your sentence, may also be available in certain circumstances.
These options have strict deadlines, however, so speaking with an attorney about them as soon as possible is important.
What Defenses Are Available Against Federal Charges in Texas?
When it comes to federal crime cases, every case requires a unique legal strategy based on its particular facts and circumstances. However, it’s worth pointing out that the prosecution must meet the heaviest burden of proof standard that exists in the law to secure a conviction.
Some defenses that may apply to your situation include:
- Lack of criminal intent, if the charges require proof that you acted with a specific state of mind
- Illegal search and seizure, if federal agents violated your Fourth Amendment rights during the investigation
- Entrapment, if a government agent induced you to commit a crime you would not have otherwise committed
- Insufficient evidence to meet the beyond a reasonable doubt standard
- False accusations, particularly in cases involving multiple defendants
- Constitutional violations during your interactions with law enforcement
Our federal defense attorneys will work hard to determine the best defense(s) suited for your case. We don’t cut any corners when it comes to helping our clients to the very best of our ability.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Texas Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys
Federal charges demand immediate action and trusted legal representation. The federal system moves differently from the state equivalent, and the consequences of a conviction are often far more severe. If you’ve been charged with a federal crime or believe you’re under investigation in Texas, Elizabeth Franklin-Best P.C. is here to help.
Contact our law offices today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward building your defense. Our Texas federal criminal defense attorneys are well-known both locally and nationally for our exceptional legal services.
