Deliberating Juror Removed, Ninth Circuit Vacates Verdict
In United States v. Le, the Ninth Circuit threw out murder convictions because a juror who revealed her view was replaced instead of a mistrial.
Federal only
Federal criminal defense, from charge to release
Whether you’re facing charges, awaiting sentencing or already in federal prison, or you’re helping someone who is, Criminal Center handles federal criminal cases only, nationwide.
- Federal cases only
- Nationwide
What is Criminal Center?
Criminal Center is a federal criminal defense firm. We handle federal cases nationwide, and only federal cases. If you or someone you love was just charged, sentenced or sent to federal prison, book a consultation to talk it through with Brandon Sample.
Looking for a federal criminal defense attorney? Start with what a federal criminal defense lawyer does and how a federal case differs from a state case.
What happens when you book
Book a consultation online. Here’s how it goes.
- Send a short formTell us who you are and the basic facts of the case.
- We contact youWe reach out to set a time for the consultation.
- Talk with Brandon SampleGo over the federal case and what you can do next.
Federal cases are all we do
We take federal criminal cases from the first knock on the door through sentencing and prison. We work with the person facing the case and with the people who stand by them.
We can step in before charges are filed, after an indictment (the formal written charges), at sentencing, or after someone is already in prison. Maybe you, or someone you love, was just indicted. Maybe someone close to you is sick in federal prison and you want to ask the judge to let them come home. Either way, we’ll give you clear, honest answers about where the case stands and what can be done.
We work with clients all over the country. Our clients include families, working professionals, and people facing very serious federal charges.
Why only federal cases?
Federal court is its own world, with its own laws, its own sentencing rules and its own prison system, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). We have years of hands-on experience in federal courts, and federal cases are all we take. We don’t handle state cases, divorces or other general legal matters. If your case is in state court, a local lawyer there is the better call.
How we can help
- Federal Criminal DefenseFrom investigation and indictment through plea talks, sentencing, appeal and life after the sentence.
- Federal ChargesGuides to common federal charges: fraud, identity theft, money laundering, drug, gun and sex offenses, with the laws, penalties and sentencing rules for each.
- Sentencing AdvocacyPreparing for the sentencing hearing: showing the judge who you are beyond the charge, asking for a prison recommendation close to home, and planning for prison programs.
- Compassionate ReleaseAsking a judge to let someone out of federal prison early for a serious reason, such as a grave illness or a family crisis at home.
- ClemencyAsking the President for a pardon or a shorter federal sentence.
- 2255 motionsAsking the sentencing judge to throw out or fix a federal sentence.
Not sure which federal court has the case?
Search by city or state to find the federal district court that covers it.
Counsel
Who is Brandon Sample?
Brandon Sample practices federal criminal law nationwide, with years of hands-on experience in federal courts.
About BrandonFederal only
What we handle
- New federal charges
- Sentencing
- Compassionate release
- Appeals, 2255 motions, pardons, and commutations
Client stories
Advertising material. Outcomes vary. A past result does not predict or guarantee the outcome of any other case.
“He always kept us informed of where we're at, what is next, what the timeline looks like.”
Kevin Wolcott · Family member “Every time I called, he answered all my questions and everything.”
Daniel Snow · Client “I'm an email writer, and Brandon always responded to me promptly and kept me informed about everything that was going on in my case.”
Erika Brown · Client
Latest news
First Step Act Credits Can Now Start Before Prison Arrival
Since Sept. 30, 2026, a BOP rule lets eligible people earn First Step Act time credits once the sentence starts, not only after reaching their prison.
When Fraud Victims Count as Vulnerable: Tenth Circuit
In United States v. Hess, the Tenth Circuit upheld a vulnerable-victim increase where a fraud used low-cost offers to draw in victims with little money.
Projects
Where can I learn more?
Criminal Center runs five sites. Each one explains one part of the federal system in plain English.
- Clemency.comAsking the President for a pardon or a shorter federal sentence.
- CompassionateRelease.comAsking a judge to let someone out of federal prison early.
- 2255motion.comAsking the sentencing judge to throw out or fix a federal sentence.
- Sentencing.netHow federal sentencing works, and how to prepare for it.
- BrandonSample.comAbout Brandon Sample, the firm's attorney, and his writing.
- Federal investigations: agents, search warrants, grand juries and target letters.
- The federal case process: each stage of a federal criminal case, from charges to appeal.
Federal only
What should I do next?
Book a consultation and tell us what happened. We'll listen, tell you whether we can help, and explain what comes next.
Contact does not create an attorney-client relationship. Unsolicited information may not be confidential.