Were you arrested on federal charges in Plano, TX? Don’t take the situation lightly. Call an experienced Plano federal crimes lawyer at the Edgett Law Firm right away for help building an aggressive, strategic defense.
Our attorneys have decades of experience handling even the most complex cases. Your first consultation is always free, so call our law offices today to learn more about how we can put our experience to work for you.
How Our Experienced Plano Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help If You’ve Been Charged With a Federal Crime
Facing any type of criminal charge is always an intimidating experience. When the feds get involved, it can be even more overwhelming. The federal criminal justice system is extremely complex. You need an aggressive lawyer who knows the ropes in your corner.
When you call the Edgett Law Firm, our experienced Plano criminal defense lawyers can help by:
- Identifying any constitutional violations
- Moving to have illegally obtained evidence excluded from your case
- Conducting our own investigation to find evidence to establish your innocence and/or support your defense
- Challenging the credibility of the prosecution’s evidence and witnesses
- Hiring experts to testify in your defense
- Negotiating with the prosecutor to get your charges downgraded or dropped if possible
- Helping you understand all of your legal options and their consequences, including whether to accept a plea bargain
- Aggressively defending your rights in federal court
Remember: time always matters if you’ve been charged with a federal crime. Federal agencies and prosecutors may have had months to compile the evidence to support their charges. Even if you think you’re under investigation, give us a call today. It might even be possible to stop the investigators in their tracks before charges are even filed.
Are you ready to fight back? Call the Edgett Law Firm today to arrange a free consultation. Our legal team is always standing by–and we’re ready to hit the ground running in your case.
Understanding the Difference Between State and Federal Crimes
In Texas, most criminal offenses are prosecuted at the state level, in state and local courts. The elements of every state crime are set forth in the Texas Penal Code. Usually, state and local law enforcement will investigate to find the evidence needed to prosecute these crimes.
Federal agencies are in charge of gathering the evidence to support federal charges under the United States Criminal Code. The FBI, DEA, or even SEC might get involved in your case. Your case will also be heard in the federal district court.
Some federal offenses can be prosecuted in state court or in the Eastern District. A crime often becomes a federal crime if:
- The activities crossed state lines
- A federal agency initially uncovered the evidence to support the charge
- The offense is serious enough to warrant federal attention
- Organized criminal activities are somehow involved
Our criminal defense attorneys at the Edgett Law Firm understand the complexities involved in defending a case in federal court. We can guide you through this complex time–and develop the strongest possible defense to minimize the consequences. Don’t hesitate to reach out to get more detailed information about your case.
We Handle All Federal Criminal Cases in Plano, Texas
Federal authorities can arrest Plano residents for any actions that violate the U.S. criminal code. At the Edgett Law Firm, we have over 24 years of experience handling a broad range of federal crimes. Here are just a few examples of the types of federal cases we handle:
Federal Drug Crimes
We all know how seriously Texas prosecutors take drug crimes. At the federal level, the penalties can be even harsher.
Our attorneys regularly handle federal charges involving:
- Drug trafficking
- Drug manufacturing
- Drug possession
If the DEA is involved, you can expect that your case will likely be heard in federal court. Our lawyers have a detailed understanding of the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Remember, the CSA can override Texas state drug laws. Give us a call right away if you’ve been charged with a drug crime.
Federal Weapons Crimes
Weapons offenses, including firearm offenses, are punished harshly across the country. When the FBI or ATF get involved, you can expect a fight. Many weapons offenses are outlined in 18 USC Section 922 and Section 924.
Some examples of weapons charges that apply at the federal level include:
- Gun possession by a prohibited person
- Possession of a firearm to further a violent crime or drug crime
- Selling firearms to a prohibited person
- Possession of a firearm in a school zone
Yes, you have a second amendment right to bear arms. But remember, this right is not absolute. The federal government has significant authority to punish violations of federal weapons crimes.
If you’ve been charged with one of these crimes, don’t hesitate to call our weapons offense attorneys for help today.
White Collar Crimes
Most white-collar crimes can be prosecuted at the state or federal level. If you’ve been charged with a federal white collar crime, don’t make the mistake of believing there won’t be serious consequences. Federal prosecutors take white collar crimes just as seriously as violent crimes in Texas.
Some examples of federal white collar criminal defense cases we take on include:
- Tax evasion under 26 USC Section 7201
- Insurance fraud under 18 USC Section 1033
- Money laundering under 18 USC Section 1956
- Healthcare fraud under 18 USC Section 1347
- Bank fraud under 18 USC Section 1344
- Wire fraud under 18 USC Section 1343
- Securities fraud under 18 USC Section 3301
Have you been charged with a federal white collar crime? Do you suspect you’re under investigation? Conviction on white-collar charges can destroy your reputation–and you’ll likely face jail time.
Give the Edgett Law Firm a call today to learn about the firm or any individual members of our team.
Possible Penalties For Conviction on Federal Charges in Texas
The potential penalties for conviction on federal charges can vary dramatically. Of course, the specifics will depend on the type of crime and how your charges are graded. You could face up to life in prison–and even the most minor misdemeanor-level federal crimes can result in jail time.
Federal sentencing guidelines give federal judges substantial leeway in doling out punishment. For example, conviction on Class A felony charges carries a term of life imprisonment or the death penalty. On the other end of the scale, a Class E felony conviction can lead to between one and five years in federal prison.
In almost every case, a conviction could result in:
- Time in federal prison
- Financial penalties
- Probation
- Restitution and asset forfeiture
- A permanent criminal record
You could also face significant consequences once your prison sentence has been served and the fines have been paid.
Those collateral consequences might include:
- Loss of your right to own or possess a firearm
- Loss of professional licensing
- Difficulty finding employment or housing
- Immigration problems
- Supervised community parole obligations
- Sex offender registration requirements
In other words, the stakes are high. Our Plano federal crimes attorneys are well aware of what’s at risk. That’s why we put the full extent of our substantial skills and resources behind every client we take on.
At the Edgett Law Firm, we have a history of winning not guilty verdicts. Just reading about the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. If you’re interested in learning how we can put our proven track record of winning to work for you, call our offices today.
What Defense Strategies Might Work Against My Federal Charges?
Every criminal case is unique. The defense strategies that might work in one case might not work even in another case involving the same charges. At the Edgett Law Firm, we put in the work to develop a custom-tailored defense for you.
We’ll carefully evaluate the circumstances to determine whether a combination of the following basic defense strategies might work for you:
- Constitutional violations–we can often get prosecutorial evidence excluded if it was obtained in violation of your fourth or fifth amendment rights
- False allegations–we’ll work to uncover any conflicting motives that might motivate the prosecutor’s witnesses to lie
- Lack of evidence–federal prosecutors are required to prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, we’ll make that as difficult as possible in your case
- Alibi or mistaken identity–being at the wrong place at the wrong time can land you in trouble, and our lawyers know how to get the evidence to establish innocence
Federal authorities tend to rest on the evidence they have at hand. We’ll examine every piece of that evidence and go even further to conduct our own detailed investigation. We have the resources to help.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to speak with a member of the firm. We’d be happy to discuss yoru legal options and help you figure out a plan of action to protect your future.
Call an Experienced Plano Federal Crimes Lawyer at the Edgett Law Firm Today
When you need an experienced Plano federal crimes lawyer to protect your rights, call the Edgett Law Firm for help. Our team has been fighting to uphold the constitution for clients accused of crimes in Plano for over 24 years. We’ll leave no stone unturned in building the strongest possible defense for you. All you have to do is call for a free consultation.
If you have confidential or time-sensitive information, we’re here to help. We represent clients in Plano and across Collin County.
Common questions
Every criminal case is unique. The defense strategies that might work in one case might not work even in another case involving the same charges. At the Edgett Law Firm, we put in the work to develop a custom-tailored defense for you.
We’ll carefully evaluate the circumstances to determine whether a combination of the following basic defense strategies might work for you:
- Constitutional violations–we can often get prosecutorial evidence excluded if it was obtained in violation of your fourth or fifth amendment rights
- False allegations–we’ll work to uncover any conflicting motives that might motivate the prosecutor’s witnesses to lie
- Lack of evidence–federal prosecutors are required to prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, we’ll make that as difficult as possible in your case
- Alibi or mistaken identity–being at the wrong place at the wrong time can land you in trouble, and our lawyers know how to get the evidence to establish innocence
Federal authorities tend to rest on the evidence they have at hand. We’ll examine every piece of that evidence and go even further to conduct our own detailed investigation. We have the resources to help.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to speak with a member of the firm. We’d be happy to discuss yoru legal options and help you figure out a plan of action to protect your future.