Harris County Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Harris County Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

Being charged with a federal crime is a delicate and complex matter. These types of cases are prosecuted by federal agencies with extensive resources, and a conviction can result in severe penalties, including decades in federal prison or even life behind bars. A seasoned Harris County federal criminal defense lawyer understands the gravity of these charges and the impact they can have on a defendant’s future.

At Greco Neyland, PC, our federal criminal defense attorneys are well-versed in federal law and can confidently navigate the federal justice system on behalf of our Harris County clients. We work diligently to develop a defense strategy based on the specifics of each client’s case. When you work with our team, you can benefit from our extensive years of practice in federal courts. We offer meticulous preparation and aggressive advocacy on your behalf.

Why Choose a Harris County Federal Crimes Lawyer From Greco Neyland, PC

Recognized as a top criminal defense law firm in Houston, Greco Neyland, PC, provides comprehensive legal support to clients facing criminal charges at the state and federal levels.

Choosing a Harris County federal crimes lawyer from our firm gives you a strong advantage against determined federal prosecutors who may be motivated to secure a high-profile conviction.

Our proven track record of delivering results in complex federal cases sets us apart from other firms. We have obtained successful outcomes for clients charged with serious federal crimes, including drug trafficking and white-collar offenses.

Beyond our experience, we are deeply familiar with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, which is located in Houston and where a federal crime charged in Harris County is typically adjudicated. This gives our clients an advantage based on our knowledge of procedures, personnel, and strategies that we can implement to succeed in cases handled in these courts.

We consider every small detail when building effective legal strategies tailored to your unique case and the realities of the courtroom.

Our Firm Assists Clients Facing Various Types of Federal Crime Charges

While most crimes are prosecuted at the state level, typically in the county where they occurred, certain crimes fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government. These cases include illegal activity that takes place across state lines and those that affect federal government interests, occurring on federal property, for instance.

Our firm is equipped to handle numerous types of federal cases:

Federal Drug Offenses

There are various federal statutes under which drug offenses can be prosecuted. One of the most frequently used is 21 USC § 841(a)(1), which references distribution, manufacturing, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. This federal statute often involves the transportation and distribution of illegal substances into or outside of the United States and across state borders.

In fiscal year 2023, 6,425 drug trafficking cases were filed in the Southern District of Texas, resulting in 891 sentences.

The most commonly involved drug in these cases was powdered cocaine, which accounted for 45.3% of all substances involved. This stands in contrast with the national trends, where methamphetamine was the drug most frequently associated with federal drug trafficking prosecutions.

White-Collar Crimes

White-collar crimes are nonviolent, but the federal government takes them extremely seriously. These crimes can deeply impact the well-being and reputation of groups, businesses, and the government.

White-collar crimes often involve practices that can lead to financial gains for the perpetrators. Among these are:

• Federal Tax Fraud: Evasion of federal tax payments or tax schemes involving fraudulent arrangements or illegal tax preparation
• Healthcare Fraud: Providers or patients attempting to deceive the healthcare system
• Corporate Fraud: Falsifying financial documents to hide losses or illicit transactions
• Mortgage Fraud: Providing false information to obtain a favorable mortgage decision
• Intellectual Property Theft/Piracy: Illegally obtaining proprietary information from people or companies

Money laundering is another example of a white-collar crime, and it is taken extremely seriously by the federal government since it can be connected to other illicit activities, including human trafficking, drug trafficking, terrorism, and corruption.

The number of individuals sentenced for money laundering has increased steadily since 2020, from 755 cases that year to 1,132 convictions in 2023.

Other crimes can be prosecuted at the federal level, including bank robbery, conspiracy to commit a federal crime, firearms trafficking, and human trafficking.

Federal investigations are usually conducted by agencies such as the F.B.I., the D.E.A., and I.C.E., often in collaboration with local law enforcement at the state and county levels. A person charged with a federal crime is at a distinct disadvantage, as the resources available to these agencies are vast, making the fight against them a steeper uphill battle.

It is critical to have a strong legal defense that can effectively challenge the federal prosecutor’s case.

How a Harris County Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help Your Case

Federal crime convictions carry serious penalties, including 71 months in prison for a money laundering conviction and life in prison for multiple drug trafficking convictions involving a Schedule I and Schedule II substance.

Partnering with a knowledgeable and aggressive Harris County federal criminal defense attorney from Greco Neyland, PC, can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case, thanks to our:

• Deep Knowledge of Federal Crimes Prosecution: Not only are federal criminal defense attorneys aware of the various types of federal crimes, but they are also skilled at building a defense in a federal case.
• Available Resources: Oftentimes, a criminal defense attorney with practice in federal court already possesses the adequate resources needed to build a robust defense strategy, including the ability to locate expert witnesses and utilize broader investigative tools.
• Commitment to Protect Your Rights: We are vigilant in ensuring that your constitutional rights are not violated throughout the legal process, regardless of the agency handling the case.
• Ability to Negotiate and Litigate: Our skilled attorneys in Harris County can evaluate your case and propose the most adequate solution, whether it means negotiating a plea deal that gets you the most lenient sentence possible or advocating for you in court as we work to fight the charges against you.

Our history of handling cases in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas enables us to navigate the federal court system on your behalf with diligence and confidence.

FAQs About Harris County, TX Federal Criminal Defense Laws

Q: What Are Some Examples of Federal Charges in Harris County?

A: Some examples of federal charges in Harris County can include drug trafficking, white-collar crimes such as health insurance fraud, money laundering, or tax fraud, and offenses involving firearms and human trafficking. Federal cases may be handled in the Southern District of Texas and are typically adjudicated by federal prosecutors.

Federal crimes are distinguished from state crimes in that they typically involve activity across state lines or that affects the interest of the federal government.

Q: When Should I Contact a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer?

A: You should contact a federal criminal defense lawyer from the moment you learn that you are under investigation by a federal government agency, especially if you have been directly contacted by them. If you are arrested for a federal crime, you are also afforded the right to representation, and you should consult an attorney as soon as possible.

Having legal representation from the start, even before charges are levied against you, helps ensure your rights are protected.

Q: How Much Does a Federal Defense Lawyer Cost in Harris County?

A: The cost of a federal defense lawyer in Harris County is based on multiple factors, including how complex the case is and the resources needed to mount a strong defense. Fees can also be influenced by the attorney’s track record. It is important to discuss representation fees during an initial consultation with a federal crimes defense lawyer.

Q: Is It Difficult to Beat Federal Charges in Texas?

A: It may be difficult to beat federal charges in Texas, depending on the seriousness of the charge and whether the defendant has strong legal representation. The federal government has various resources available to it when conducting an investigation. It is recommended that someone charged with a federal crime contact a seasoned federal criminal defense attorney who has defended clients in similar cases.

Q: What Are the Penalties Associated With Federal Crime Convictions?

A: The penalties associated with federal crime convictions depend on the type of crime and whether or not there are aggravating circumstances. A drug trafficking conviction can result in decades in federal prison, for instance. When you speak with an attorney, they can help shed more light on the minimum and maximum penalties you may be facing in your federal case.

Consult Our Seasoned Harris County Federal Crimes Defense Lawyer Today

Finding yourself in the middle of a federal investigation is not something you should dismiss. Even if you have not been charged with a crime, it is important to remain vigilant and consult a dedicated Harris County federal crimes defense lawyer if you are concerned about potential charges.

With the assistance of the federal crimes defense team at Greco Neyland, PC, you can be confident that you are given the most optimal defense in your federal case. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your options.