Criminal Center is a federal criminal defense firm. We handle federal cases nationwide, and only federal cases. Our attorney is Brandon Sample, and our office is in Washington, DC.
What is Criminal Center?
A firm for people caught up in the federal criminal system, and for the families standing behind them. We help with federal charges, sentencing, appeals and life in federal prison. We don’t handle state cases.
Criminal Center is a boutique federal criminal defense firm. We take on a limited number of cases at a time, so each one gets close, personal attention.
Who is the lawyer?
Brandon Sample is licensed in Vermont and practices federal criminal law nationwide, with years of hands-on experience in federal courts.
Where can I read more?
Criminal Center also runs these sites. Each one explains one part of the federal system in plain English:
Where is the office?
Criminal Center, 1701 Pennsylvania Ave NW # 200, Washington, DC 20006
In the news
Brandon Sample, the firm’s founder, has been named in national news coverage of these matters.
Bernard Madoff: compassionate release
In February 2020, Brandon Sample filed a motion for compassionate release for Bernard Madoff. The motion said Madoff had end-stage kidney disease.
Judge Denny Chin denied the motion on June 4, 2020. Madoff died in federal prison on April 14, 2021.
Advertising material. Outcomes vary. A past result does not predict or guarantee the outcome of any other case.
Ross Ulbricht: prison lawsuit and pardon coverage
In 2021, Brandon Sample represented Ross Ulbricht in a lawsuit against the Bureau of Prisons under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The court dismissed the case in December 2021 after both sides asked it to.
President Trump gave Ulbricht a full pardon on January 21, 2025. News coverage of the pardon quotes Brandon Sample as Ulbricht’s attorney.
Advertising material. Outcomes vary. A past result does not predict or guarantee the outcome of any other case.
The Independent (via Yahoo News)
Silk Road founder pardoned by Trump 11 years into double life sentences lauds president as ‘a man of his word’Newsweek
Trump Pardons Ross Ulbricht After Urging Death Penalty For Drug DealersBitcoin Magazine
Ross Ulbricht Sues Federal Government, Alleges Religious Rights Are Being Violated In Prison
Joe Exotic: pardon request and appeal
Brandon Sample was part of the pro bono team that asked President Trump to pardon Joseph Maldonado-Passage, known as Joe Exotic. No pardon was granted.
Brandon Sample argued Joe Exotic’s direct appeal in the Tenth Circuit. On July 14, 2021, the court upheld the conviction, vacated the sentence and ordered a new sentencing. Other lawyers handled the later proceedings.
Advertising material. Outcomes vary. A past result does not predict or guarantee the outcome of any other case.
Associated Press (via KSAT)
Court orders shorter sentence for ‘Tiger King’ Joe ExoticCNN (via ABC 17 News)
‘Tiger King’ Joe Exotic will be resentenced after a court orderGood Morning America (ABC News)
Team Tiger hoping Trump pardons Joe Exotic