Under Federal Investigation? Get an Orlando Federal Crimes Lawyer Before You Talk to Agents.

Federal cases usually cost more to defend than state cases because of the volume of discovery, the use of experts and longer timelines. The fee depends on the charges, the stage of the case and whether it goes to trial. We'll explain it clearly, in writing, before you hire us. The first consultation is free and confidential.

Federal charges are brought by Assistant United States Attorneys, investigated by agencies like the FBI, DEA, IRS and ATF, and tried in federal court under federal rules. Sentencing follows the United States Sentencing Guidelines and federal mandatory minimums, and there is no parole: most people serve about 85% of their sentence. State charges are brought by the State Attorney's Office under Florida law in state court.

Sometimes. Federal charges can be avoided, reduced or dismissed through successful suppression motions, challenges to jurisdiction or the indictment, weaknesses in the government's proof, or by presenting information before an indictment is returned. No attorney can promise a result, but the earlier you have counsel, the more options you have.

They are minimum prison terms set by Congress that a judge can't go below without a recognized exception. Common examples are 5- and 10-year minimums for drug trafficking based on quantity, and consecutive minimums under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) for having a gun in connection with a drug or violent crime: 5 years for possession, 7 for brandishing and 10 for discharging. The main exceptions are the safety valve for certain drug defendants and a government motion for substantial assistance.

The guidelines assign an offense level based on the crime and its specific facts (such as drug quantity, loss amount or role), then a criminal history category. Together they produce a recommended range in months. Since United States v. Booker, the guidelines are advisory, but judges must calculate them and consider them along with the factors in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a). We challenge the calculations and present mitigation that supports a lower sentence.

It's a motion only the government can file when a defendant provides substantial help in investigating or prosecuting others. Under USSG § 5K1.1 and 18 U.S.C. § 3553(e), it allows a sentence below the guidelines and below a mandatory minimum; after sentencing, Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 35(b) serves the same purpose. Cooperation carries real risks, so the decision should be made only with your attorney.

Often, yes. Pretrial release in federal court is governed by the Bail Reform Act, 18 U.S.C. §§ 3141–3156. For certain charges, including many drug trafficking and § 924(c) firearm offenses, the law presumes that no conditions can assure your appearance and community safety, and the defense must present evidence to rebut that presumption. A strong release plan — third-party custodian, location monitoring, a bond and travel limits — makes a real difference.

Yes. Don't speak with the FBI, DEA, IRS or any federal agent without an attorney. Agents are trained interviewers and are allowed to mislead you about what they know. A false statement to a federal agent is a separate crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1001, punishable by up to 5 years, even if the underlying investigation leads nowhere. Politely decline and call a federal crimes attorney.