FEDERAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER AUSTIN TX
Federal criminal charges — prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas and heard in the U.S. District Court in Austin — carry mandatory minimum sentences, federal sentencing guidelines, and prosecution resources that far exceed state court cases. The federal conviction rate exceeds 90%, making effective pre-indictment intervention and early defense strategy critical. Our Austin federal defense attorneys appear daily in the Western District courthouse.
What We Can Do For You
Federal drug traffickingMandatory minimums, conspiracy charges, and career offender enhancements in the Western District of Texas
Federal firearms chargesFelon in possession, use of a firearm in drug trafficking, and unlawful transfer charges
Federal fraudWire fraud, mail fraud, healthcare fraud, and bank fraud prosecuted by Austin-based federal prosecutors
Federal immigration crimesIllegal reentry, human smuggling, and immigration document fraud in the Western District
Child exploitationFederal ICAC task force investigations and charges including possession and distribution of child pornography
White collar crimeFederal public corruption, money laundering, and securities fraud in the Austin federal courthouse
Key Information
1
U.S. District Court (W.D. Tex.)
501 W. 5th Street, Austin — all federal criminal cases for the Austin Division of the Western District are heard here.
2
U.S. Attorney's Office (W.D. Tex.)
903 San Jacinto, Austin — federal prosecutors handling Austin-area federal criminal cases.
3
U.S. Pretrial Services
Federal pretrial supervision and detention recommendations for the Austin Division.
4
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
New Orleans-based federal appeals court for Western District of Texas cases.
What You Should Know
Consult an Austin federal attorney immediately after any federal matter
Document all evidence, communications, and relevant records from the start
Know your deadlines — statutes of limitations and filing deadlines are strict in Texas
Understand that a free consultation costs nothing and protects your rights
The contingency fee structure means your attorney is motivated to maximize your outcome
Early intervention dramatically improves results in almost every legal matter
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a federal case different from a state case?▾
Federal cases involve more resources, longer investigations (often years of grand jury work before charges), mandatory minimum sentences, federal sentencing guidelines, and a conviction rate exceeding 90%. Early defense intervention is especially critical.
What is a federal grand jury and what should I do if subpoenaed?▾
A federal grand jury investigates potential crimes in secret. If you receive a grand jury subpoena, contact a federal defense attorney immediately before testifying — your testimony can be used against you and others.
What are federal sentencing guidelines?▾
The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines create a recommended sentencing range based on offense level and criminal history. An attorney argues for downward departures and variances from the guideline range to minimize sentences.
Can federal charges be reduced?▾
Yes. Cooperation agreements with the U.S. Attorney, substantial assistance motions, and successful suppression motions can reduce or eliminate federal charges. Early retention of a federal defense attorney maximizes options.