Have you been accused of a federal crime in Austin, Texas? Elizabeth Franklin-Best P.C. can help. Call (843) 620-1100 to schedule a confidential consultation with an Austin federal criminal defense lawyer. Our firm represents clients facing federal investigations, criminal charges, sentencing, appeals, and post-conviction matters throughout the United States.
Federal cases can begin well before an arrest or indictment. Agencies such as the FBI, DEA, IRS, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) may spend months building a case before charges are filed. Getting an attorney involved early provides an opportunity to assess the investigation and determine how to respond.
Why Choose Elizabeth Franklin-Best P.C. to Help Me if I’ve Been Accused of a Federal Crime in Austin?
Federal criminal cases call for Austin criminal defense lawyers who are familiar with federal investigations, court procedures, sentencing, and post-conviction practice. Elizabeth Franklin-Best P.C. focuses exclusively on federal criminal defense, appeals, post-conviction relief, and federal prison matters.
When you choose our firm for help in Austin, TX, you benefit from:
- More than 43 years of combined legal experience
- Representation in federal courts throughout the United States
- A deliberately limited caseload that allows substantial attention to be devoted to each matter
- Extensive experience with federal appeals and post-conviction proceedings
- Representation during investigations, criminal proceedings, sentencing, appeals, and post-conviction matters
- A federal prison consulting division that assists with prison designation, sentence mitigation, compassionate release, and reentry planning
The firm approaches each case with its “no stone unturned” philosophy. That means examining the record, evidence, and legal issues closely rather than relying on a standard defense strategy.
To learn more, contact the firm today to speak with an Austin federal criminal defense attorney.
Common Federal Crimes We Handle in Austin
Federal prosecutors handle offenses that violate federal law, including cases involving interstate activity, federal programs, or conduct investigated by federal agencies. Some investigations continue for months or longer before an indictment is issued.
Common federal criminal matters our Austin criminal defense attorneys can handle include:
- Drug trafficking
- Wire fraud, mail fraud, and other white-collar crimes
- Healthcare fraud and Medicare fraud
- Federal firearms offenses
- Immigration-related offenses
- Human trafficking
- Child exploitation offenses
- Money laundering
- Conspiracy charges
- Federal tax crimes investigated by the IRS
The allegations determine what the government must prove and what defenses may be available. If federal agents have contacted you or you believe you are under investigation, a lawyer can review the circumstances before you decide how to respond.
What Are the Penalties for Federal Crimes in Austin, Texas?
There is no single penalty for a federal crime. The sentence a person faces depends on the statute involved, the facts of the offense, their criminal history, and, in some cases, mandatory sentencing provisions.
Potential consequences may include:
- Federal imprisonment
- Fines
- Restitution
- Asset forfeiture
- Supervised release
- Loss of certain civil rights
- Professional licensing consequences
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
Some federal statutes also impose mandatory minimum prison terms. In other cases, the court calculates an advisory range under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and considers the applicable federal sentencing factors before imposing a sentence.
The possible sentence cannot be determined from the name of the charge alone. The statute involved, offense conduct, criminal history, and other case-specific circumstances can affect the penalties a defendant faces.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Accused of a Federal Crime?
There is no defense that applies to every federal prosecution. The available defenses depend on the elements of the alleged offense, the evidence collected by investigators, and how the government obtained that evidence.
Depending on the case, potential defenses may include:
- Lack of criminal intent
- Insufficient evidence
- Mistaken identity
- Unlawful search or seizure
- Miranda violations
- Entrapment
- Government misconduct
- Challenges to witness credibility
- Challenges to forensic or digital evidence
A defense may focus on the allegations themselves, the admissibility of particular evidence, or whether the government can prove every required element beyond a reasonable doubt. The appropriate approach depends on what occurred during the investigation and the evidence the prosecution intends to use.
How Can a Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Help with My Case?
Federal investigations and prosecutions involve rules and procedures that differ from those used in Texas state courts. A lawyer who handles federal cases can become involved during an investigation and continue representing a client through trial, sentencing, appeal, or post-conviction proceedings.
Depending on the stage of the case, our federal criminal defense attorney can:
- Communicate with federal agents and prosecutors
- Review the allegations and evidence
- Conduct an independent investigation
- Examine search warrants and other investigative actions
- File motions challenging evidence when appropriate
- Handle plea negotiations with federal prosecutors
- Prepare the case for trial
- Advocate during federal sentencing
- Handle appeals and post-conviction proceedings
Federal cases can change considerably between the investigation and sentencing stages. Having legal representation throughout the process can provide continuity as new evidence, legal issues, and decisions arise.
Schedule a Confidential Case Evaluation with Our Austin Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
Federal investigations and prosecutions can involve months of evidence gathering, negotiations with prosecutors, court proceedings, and difficult decisions about how to move forward. Elizabeth Franklin-Best P.C. represents clients in Austin, Texas, and nationwide at different stages of the federal criminal process.
Whether federal agents have contacted you, charges have already been filed, or you need help with sentencing, an appeal, or post-conviction relief, the firm can review the circumstances of your case and determine what comes next. Reach out today to schedule a confidential consultation with an Austin federal criminal defense attorney.
