Rely on our federal criminal attorney for difficult investigations and courtroom representation.
Key Takeaways
When the full weight of the United States government is brought to bear against you, the stakes are absolute. A federal criminal investigation, conducted by formidable agencies like the FBI, DEA, or IRS, is unlike any other legal challenge. The rules are different, the prosecutors are among the most skilled in the nation, and the consequences of a federal conviction—including lengthy mandatory minimum sentences in federal prison—are devastating. In this arena, you need more than just a criminal lawyer; you need a federal criminal defense attorney with the specific, seasoned experience to navigate this complex system.
For over two decades, I and the federal trial lawyers at Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. have dedicated our practice to one mission: providing a sophisticated and relentless defense for individuals and corporations facing federal charges. Our firm handles cases exclusively in the federal courts of Virginia, Maryland, D.C., New York, and New Jersey. This singular focus allows us to maintain a deep and current understanding of federal law, procedure, and the unique dynamics of courts like the EDVA and SDNY. If you are facing federal charges or have learned you are under federal investigation, your future depends on the actions you take today.
A federal conviction is not just a mark on your record; it is a life-altering event with consequences that extend far beyond prison walls. The federal system is designed to be punitive, utilizing tools like mandatory minimum sentences and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines to ensure severe punishment.
The federal government prosecutes crimes using powerful and complex statutes. For example, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO (codified at 18 U.S.C. § 1961 et seq.), allows prosecutors to charge individuals for being part of a larger criminal enterprise, sweeping a wide range of conduct under one massive indictment. A conviction under RICO or other federal statutes for offenses like drug trafficking, wire fraud, or healthcare fraud carries dire consequences:
When you are facing federal charges, you are not just fighting to stay out of prison; you are fighting to protect your rights, your reputation, your family, and your entire future.
The federal criminal process is a methodical and often lengthy journey, starting long before an arrest is ever made. Understanding this process is key to mounting an effective defense, as critical opportunities to protect your rights exist at every stage.
Unlike state cases that often begin with a street-level arrest, federal cases typically start with a prolonged, covert investigation by agencies like the FBI or DEA. Here is the typical progression:
Receiving a target letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office or a subpoena from a federal grand jury is a terrifying and pivotal moment. It is official notification that you are the subject of a federal criminal investigation. Your actions in the next 48 hours are absolutely critical.
Follow this protocol without deviation to protect your rights:
We are a full-service federal criminal defense law office, equipped to handle the most complex cases prosecuted by the Department of Justice. Our federal criminal litigation experience spans the entire U.S. Code.
White-Collar Crimes
Our white-collar crime defense practice is at the core of our firm. We represent executives, professionals, and businesses in cases involving:
Federal Drug & Trafficking Crimes
As federal drug trafficking lawyers, we defend clients against the most serious narcotics charges, which carry severe mandatory minimum sentences. We handle cases involving federal drug conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute, manufacturing, and importation of controlled substances.
Conspiracy & Organized Crime (RICO)
A federal conspiracy lawyer at our firm can challenge the government’s attempts to connect you to a larger criminal enterprise. We have experience defending against complex conspiracy and racketeering (RICO) charges, which are among the most difficult cases to litigate.
Firearms & Violent Crimes
We defend individuals facing federal weapons charges, including felon in possession of a firearm and offenses under the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA). We also handle federal violent crime cases such as bank robbery and kidnapping.
Cybercrime & Internet Offenses
Our cybercrime defense attorneys represent clients accused of computer hacking, online fraud, and other internet-based crimes. We also provide a vigorous defense for those facing the devastating and highly stigmatized charge of possession or distribution of child pornography.
The federal justice system is unforgiving. A single misstep during the investigation or pre-trial phase can have irreversible consequences for your case.
Federal cases begin in many different ways. These scenarios reflect common situations our clients face and the immediate need for experienced federal defense counsel.
Scenario 1: “Two FBI agents came to my office with a search warrant and seized our computers. They said it’s about a wire fraud investigation. What do I do?”
This is a full-blown federal investigation. You must not interfere with the search, but you should not speak to the agents. It is crucial to immediately retain a federal criminal lawyer who can make contact with the Assistant U.S. Attorney, determine the scope of the investigation, and begin protecting the company and its employees from further government intrusion and potential charges.
Scenario 2: “I received a target letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York (SDNY). They say I’m a target of a grand jury investigation into a drug conspiracy. Am I going to be arrested?”
An arrest is likely imminent, but a target letter provides a small, critical window of opportunity. An experienced SDNY criminal defense attorney can immediately engage the prosecutor to understand the evidence. It may be possible to present a “proffer” to explain your side, negotiate a pre-indictment resolution, or prepare for an orderly surrender rather than a surprise arrest.
Scenario 3: “I am a convicted felon from a state case years ago. Federal agents (ATF) arrested me because they found a hunting rifle in my home. They are charging me as a ‘felon in possession’.”
This is a common federal firearms charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). The federal government has jurisdiction and prosecutes these cases aggressively. A defense would involve scrutinizing the search that led to the discovery of the firearm and exploring all legal and factual defenses to the charge, as a conviction often carries a lengthy mandatory prison sentence under the ACCA.
State courts handle violations of state law, while federal courts handle violations of federal law (the U.S. Code). Federal cases involve different procedural rules, different judges, different prosecutors (U.S. Attorneys), and significantly harsher sentencing laws, including the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Federal defense is a highly specialized practice. An attorney must have deep experience with the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Federal Rules of Evidence, the Bail Reform Act, the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, and the local practices of the specific U.S. District Court where you are charged. A lawyer who primarily handles state cases will be at a significant disadvantage.
Federal cases move much more slowly than state cases. The investigation phase can last for years. Once an indictment is filed, it can still take a year or more to get to trial due to the volume of evidence and complexity of the legal issues.
Yes. This is the most critical time to hire an attorney. During the pre-indictment phase, we can work to persuade the government not to file charges, limit the number of charges filed, or negotiate a more favorable outcome before the case ever becomes public.
They are a complex point-based system that calculates a recommended sentence range for every federal crime. The judge uses factors like the type of offense, the amount of financial loss or quantity of drugs, and your criminal history to arrive at a "guideline range," which is the starting point for determining your actual sentence.
A sentence of imprisonment is highly likely for almost any federal felony conviction. Many federal statutes have mandatory minimum prison sentences. The primary goal of a federal defense attorney is first to win the case, and if that is not possible, to present the most powerful argument for the lowest possible sentence.
Yes. The EDVA is famously known as the "Rocket Docket" for its speed and efficiency. It is considered one of the most demanding and sophisticated districts in the country. Success in the EDVA requires an attorney who is intimately familiar with its unique local rules and fast-paced nature.
A proffer is a meeting with prosecutors where a defendant or subject of an investigation can share information, usually with some form of immunity, to try and secure a favorable plea deal or avoid charges. This is a high-risk, high-reward step that should never be taken without the guidance of an experienced federal attorney.
This is a legal process where the federal government can seize assets—cash, cars, real estate, bank accounts—that they allege are the proceeds of, or were used to facilitate, a federal crime. We can fight the government in both criminal and civil forfeiture proceedings to get your property back.
You should hire our firm because federal defense is all we do. We are not general practice criminal lawyers. We are federal trial lawyers with hands-on experience in the specific district courts where you are charged, fighting against the same federal prosecutors and agents day in and day out. We bring that focused knowledge to your defense.
The moment you learn you are the subject of a federal investigation, the clock starts ticking. Your freedom, your assets, and your future are on the line. Do not speak to federal agents. Do not wait for an indictment. Take immediate action to protect yourself. Contact the federal criminal defense attorneys at Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. for a confidential case evaluation.
Call us today at 888-437-7747 to discuss your federal case.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
Criminal Defense & Family Law
Mr. SRIS Licensed in VA, MD, NJ, NY, DCOwner & CEO – Former Prosecutor