Are you under investigation or facing federal criminal charges in Tarrant County, Texas? Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers can help you understand what you are facing and begin preparing a defense. Contact us today at (682) 777-3336 to arrange a confidential consultation with a Tarrant County federal crimes lawyer about your criminal defense case.
Federal cases can involve federal investigators, grand juries, and evidence collected well before an arrest or indictment. Because these cases follow different procedures from prosecutions in Texas state courts, getting legal representation early can be important when responding to an investigation or formal charges.
Why Choose Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers for a Federal Case in Tarrant County, TX?
Federal prosecutions require a defense team that is comfortable working in a system with its own procedures, sentencing rules, and investigative agencies.
Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers brings extensive experience to serious cases in Tarrant County, TX, and throughout the state.
When you work with a federal attorney from our firm, you benefit from:
- Attorneys with 60 years of combined experience.
- A team that includes former prosecutors, a former magistrate judge, a former federal public defender, and a law professor.
- Attorneys who are Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
- A legal team with experience representing clients in both Texas and federal courts.
A Tarrant County criminal defense lawyer from the firm can review how the investigation began, what evidence the government has gathered, and what issues may require attention before the case proceeds. Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation today.
What Makes a Crime a Federal Offense in Tarrant County, Texas?
A criminal case can fall within federal jurisdiction for several reasons. Some conduct directly violates a federal statute. Other cases involve interstate activity, federal property, federal programs, or investigations led by agencies such as the FBI, DEA, or ATF.
Federal criminal cases are generally prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office rather than a county district attorney. Tarrant County is served by the Fort Worth Division of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, which sits at the Eldon B. Mahon U.S. Courthouse in Fort Worth.
In some circumstances, conduct can violate both Texas and federal law. State and federal authorities operate separate court systems, and the facts of a particular investigation determine where charges may be brought.
What Types of Federal Crimes Does Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers Handle?
Federal criminal law covers a wide range of conduct. Cases can involve large investigations, multiple defendants, financial records, electronic communications, confidential informants, or evidence collected by more than one law enforcement agency.
Federal charges may involve:
- Drug crimes, such as trafficking and conspiracy
- Wire fraud and mail fraud
- Bank fraud and other white-collar offenses
- Money laundering
- Federal firearm offenses
- Conspiracy
- Internet or computer-related offenses
- Offenses involving federal property or programs
Our Tarrant County federal crimes attorneys represent defendants facing federal charges, including drug, fraud, weapons, and other serious criminal allegations.
How Does a Federal Criminal Case Work?
A federal investigation may begin long before an arrest. Investigators can gather documents, interview witnesses, execute search warrants, or present evidence to a grand jury before charges are filed.
Federal felony charges generally require an indictment by a grand jury, although a defendant may waive indictment for a noncapital offense. The case may then involve an initial appearance, a detention decision, arraignment, discovery, pretrial motions, plea proceedings, or trial.
The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Defense counsel may also file motions challenging the admissibility of evidence or alleged violations of constitutional rights.
What Penalties Can Follow a Federal Conviction?
Federal penalties vary considerably from one offense to another. Depending on the charge, a sentence can include imprisonment, fines, restitution, probation, or supervised release. Some federal statutes also impose mandatory minimum prison terms when particular facts are present.
When a person is convicted of a federal offense, the court generally calculates an advisory sentencing range under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. That calculation considers factors such as the seriousness of the offense, specific offense characteristics, adjustments, and the defendant’s criminal history. The sentencing judge must also consider the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing a sentence.
Because two defendants charged under the same statute can face very different sentencing issues, the potential consequences should be evaluated based on the actual indictment, evidence, and criminal history involved.
What Defenses Are Available in a Federal Criminal Case?
There is no single defense that applies to every federal charge. The government’s theory and the evidence supporting it must be examined offense by offense.
Depending on the case, the defense may challenge:
- Whether prosecutors can prove each element of the charged offense
- The reliability or credibility of witnesses and informants
- Whether searches or seizures violated the Fourth Amendment
- Whether statements were obtained in violation of constitutional protections
- Whether the defendant knowingly or intentionally participated in the alleged conduct when the statute requires that mental state
- Whether the government can connect the defendant to an alleged conspiracy
- The accuracy or interpretation of financial, electronic, or forensic evidence
Some cases may also involve affirmative defenses or other legal arguments that depend on the specific federal statute. A defense strategy should be based on the evidence actually available rather than assumptions about how a federal prosecution normally proceeds.
Contact Our Tarrant County Federal Crimes Lawyers for a Confidential Case Review Today
Federal investigations can move quietly for a long time and then develop quickly once charges are filed. If agents have contacted you, executed a search warrant, served a grand jury subpoena, or you have already been indicted, understanding where the case stands is important before deciding what to do next.
Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers represents clients in serious federal criminal matters and has experience in the Northern District of Texas. Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation with a Tarrant County federal crimes attorney who can help protect your rights.
