Austin Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys

While Texans must abide by laws passed at the state law, they are also governed by laws passed at the federal level. Suppose a person violates one of these laws, either by breaking a law passed by Congress or engaging in illegal activity on federal property. In that case, they are subject to prosecution in a Federal Court by the United States Department of Justice. They will be tried according to the federal rules of evidence and sentenced under federal guidelines.

Further, the prosecutors at the U.S. Department of Justice have the immense resources of the federal government behind them. These aggressive prosecutors are tasked with enforcing the nation’s laws, and they will do everything in their power to see this task through. For this reason, anyone charged with a federal crime is in a serious situation with their freedom and future hanging in the balance.

No one wants to be charged with a federal crime. But if you have, it is important that you have a defense lawyer who knows how to handle such cases and who is licensed to practice in Federal Court.

The Austin, Texas, criminal defense attorneys at Minton, Bassett, Flores & Carsey, P.C., have the experience, skill, and qualifications to safeguard your rights and interests. We pride ourselves on our ability to build a strong defense based on the facts of the case, negotiate aggressively with prosecutors, and take a case to trial whenever necessary.

Call us or contact us online today for a confidential case assessment with a Texas federal crime lawyer and let us get to work for you.

Why Choose Us for Your Federal Crime Defense

Suppose you are facing prosecution in the United States Western District of Texas. You can’t leave your fate to chance. You need a legal team that appreciates the complexity and gravity of the situation. A law firm that knows how to build the strongest case given the circumstances.

For over 50 years, the attorneys at Minton, Bassett, Flores & Carsey, P.C. have worked hard to protect the rights and freedoms of criminal defendants in Austin and throughout Texas. We have successfully represented thousands of satisfied clients in criminal cases at the federal level, and we are proud to have earned a reputation for excellence in our community.

Nevertheless, we do not rest on our laurels. We bring the same level of dedication and commitment to every we take, and we are committed to providing each of our clients with the individualized attention they deserve.

Frequently Committed Federal Crimes

There are thousands of federal crimes on the books, each with its particular sentencing guidelines. Some of the most common federal crimes we handle at Minton, Bassett, Flores & Carsey, P.C., include:

• White Collar Offenses – These are nonviolent criminal charges that businesspeople of high economic status may typically face. Examples include embezzlement, securities fraud, corporate fraud, and money laundering. The Department of Justice prosecutes white-collar crimes aggressively, so anyone charged with these offenses requires equally serious federal defense attorneys.
• Kidnapping – While kidnapping typically is a state-level charge, it becomes a federal crime when it crosses state lines. The punishment for felony kidnapping is 20 years to life in prison, depending on the circumstances. If someone is killed during the commission – regardless of whether the victim was the person being kidnapped – the government could invoke the death penalty.
• Bank Robbery – Robbing any federal bank or any state bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System is a federal crime. Anyone convicted of bank robbery faces up to 20 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. If the act puts an individual’s life in jeopardy, or if a person was abducted or killed while the crime was being committed, the penalties become even more severe. Anyone facing bank robbery charges needs an effective criminal defense attorney on their side to have a chance of mitigating these penalties.
• Tax Evasion – Tax evasion is using illegal means to avoid paying taxes. The IRS and the Department of Justice take tax evasion quite seriously. Federal law stipulates that a person who is found guilty of this crime faces fines up to $100,000 ($500,000 for a corporation), up to five years of federal imprisonment, or both. They must also pay for the costs of prosecution.
• Counterfeiting – Counterfeiting is the act of producing, possessing, or using fake documents with the intention to defraud the U.S. government and others. Such documents include currency, securities, patent letters, military and legal documents, and postage stamps. Penalties vary depending on the specific documents and activities, but counterfeiting U.S. securities carries fines of up to $250,000 and up to 25 years imprisonment. These penalties increase when the crime results in financial gain for the perpetrator or financial loss to another party. An experienced defense attorney can help you prepare a strong defense or broker a fair plea deal.
• Immigration Offenses – Immigration-related offenses currently make up more than half the prosecuted federal crimes in the United States. These crimes include improper entry, smuggling, and marriage fraud for the purposes of evading immigration rules. All of these crimes carry their own penalties. A seasoned Austin, Texas, criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the complexities of crimes in violation of immigration law.
• Child Pornography – Child pornography images are not protected under the First Amendment. Anyone possessing such images may face federal charges. Penalties include up to $250,000 in fines and up to 20 years in prison, depending on the age of the children in the images. These are serious crimes that require knowledgeable and skilled defense attorneys.
• Drug Trafficking – Trafficking drugs across state or national borders or on federal property is a federal offense. The penalties vary depending on the amount and type of drugs, whether weapons were involved, the size of the distribution area, and various other factors. In the most severe cases, the sentence can include life in prison and $75 million in fines.

What Should I Do if Agents from the FBI, DEA, or OIG Visit My Austin, Texas, Business or Home?

If agents come to speak with you, it is of the utmost importance that you do not speak with them about anything. Inform them that you wish to consult with your attorney, as is your Constitutional right.

What Should I Do When I Receive a Grand Jury Subpoena?

Receiving a subpoena from a grand jury is an extremely seriously matter. Contact a federal criminal lawyer from Minton, Bassett, Flores & Carsey, P.C., immediately. We will evaluate your case and prepare the appropriate responses to comply with the subpoena.

Potential Defense Strategies in Federal Court

Before your case reaches the courtroom stage, we can file motions to dismiss the indictment, the evidence, or the charges. This may be effective if there have been procedural issues in the lead-up to your indictment, if there is reason to suspect bias or prejudice on the part of the grand jury, or due to pretrial publicity.

If your case goes to trial, we will evaluate the specifics of your case and develop a strategy to defend your liberty under various factual, legal, and procedural circumstances.

Contact Our Federal Defense Attorneys Today About Your Case

If you or someone you love has been charged with a federal crime, contact Minton, Bassett, Flores & Carsey, P.C. without delay. We will fight to protect your rights and interests at every step and to develop a defense strategy to secure the best possible outcome given the circumstances. Our federal defense lawyers pride themselves on valuing people over profits. When we take your case, we will provide you with the individualized attention and focused determination you deserve.