If someone you love is under federal investigation or has been charged in federal court, get a lawyer involved early. The sooner a lawyer is involved, the more options you usually have. Criminal Center handles federal criminal cases only, nationwide. We can step in at any stage: investigation, indictment, plea talks, sentencing, appeal, or after the sentence.
What cases do you take?
Federal criminal cases only: cases brought by the U.S. government in federal court, often after an FBI, DEA or IRS investigation. We don’t handle state cases.
For the laws, penalties and sentencing rules behind specific charges, such as wire fraud, health care fraud, drug conspiracy or a felon-in-possession gun charge, see our guides to federal charges.
Until you’ve talked with a lawyer, don’t discuss the case on prison phones or prison email (TRULINCS). Those calls and messages are monitored (28 C.F.R. § 540.102; BOP TRULINCS policy).
What stages do you handle?
Every stage: while the government is still investigating, after an indictment (the formal written charges), during plea talks, at sentencing, on appeal, and after the sentence, including compassionate release (asking a judge to let someone out of prison early for a serious reason).
Watch the clock after sentencing. A notice of appeal usually must be filed within 14 days after the judgment is entered (Fed. R. App. P. 4(b)(1)(A)). The judgment is the court paper that lists the conviction and sentence.
Where can I read more?
Our other sites explain each part of the federal system in more detail.
- Clemency.com — Asking the President for a pardon or a shorter federal sentence.
- CompassionateRelease.com — Asking a judge to let someone out of federal prison early.
- 2255motion.com — Asking the sentencing judge to throw out or fix a federal sentence.
- Sentencing.net — How federal sentencing works, and how to prepare for it.
Who is the lawyer?
Brandon Sample practices federal criminal law nationwide, with years of hands-on experience in federal courts.
Common questions
What happens after someone is arrested on federal charges?
They are brought before a federal magistrate judge without unnecessary delay for a first hearing, called the initial appearance (Fed. R. Crim. P. 5(a)). The judge explains the charges and the right to a lawyer, and decides whether the person stays in custody or is released while the case goes on (Fed. R. Crim. P. 5(d); 18 U.S.C. § 3142).
Will my loved one get out of jail before trial?
Maybe. The judge must release the person unless no conditions can reasonably assure that they will come to court and that the community will be safe (18 U.S.C. § 3142(b), (c), (e)). In some drug and gun cases the law presumes the person should be held, but the defense can try to overcome that (18 U.S.C. § 3142(e)(3)). The detention hearing is usually held at the first appearance or within a few days of it (18 U.S.C. § 3142(f)).
What is an indictment?
An indictment is the formal written charge in a federal felony case. A grand jury, a group of citizens, decides in private whether to approve it after hearing from the prosecutor (Fed. R. Crim. P. 6, 7). A felony must be charged by indictment unless the person gives up that right in open court (Fed. R. Crim. P. 7(a), (b)).
Does my son have to talk to the FBI agents?
No. Anyone questioned by federal agents has a constitutional right not to answer and to ask for a lawyer (U.S. Const. amend. V; Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966)). Lying to a federal agent is a separate federal crime, even when the person is not under oath (18 U.S.C. § 1001). That is why it is wise to talk with a lawyer before any interview.
Can I talk to my son's lawyer?
Yes. We can talk with family members, but the lawyer works for your son, and we need his permission before we share details about his case. If a family member is paying for the defense, your son still has to agree to that, and the lawyer's loyalty stays with him.