Los Angeles Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys

Most criminal cases begin when local authorities conduct an arrest of a suspect, and the local criminal court begins prosecution. As such, most criminal cases in Los Angeles unfold at the local and state levels. However, some offenses qualify for federal criminal charges and can involve more severe offenses and harsher penalties. While facing any kind of criminal charge can be an incredibly stressful experience, federal charges bring with them many additional challenges.

If you are facing any charge of a federal crime, it is vital to understand that these cases unfold much differently from state-level criminal cases. When a federal agency such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) opens a federal criminal case against an individual, they have often already spent a great deal of time investigating the case and gathering evidence before filing any charges. This means that when you are finally arrested for a federal crime, the authority handling the case believes they already have a strong compilation of evidence to convict you. In this situation, it is vital to have legal counsel you can trust.

At the Law Office of Stein & Markus, we specialize in criminal defense. Our team offers comprehensive defense counsel for a wide range of cases, including those prosecuted in federal criminal courts. If you are arrested on federal criminal charges, you need to take full advantage of your right to legal counsel, as well as your right to remain silent until you speak with your criminal defense attorney. After you secure our representation, we can provide the compassionate and comprehensive legal counsel you need to approach your case with clarity and confidence.

If you suspect you are under investigation, you need a federal criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles now. We offer free consultations and are available 24/7 to protect your rights. Our staff offers bilingual services in English and Spanish. Call (562) 512-7030 or reach out online to begin your defense.

Common Types of Cases Prosecuted in Federal Courts

“Federal Crimes” are, by definition, violations of United States federal law. Some offenses may lead to state-level prosecution in addition to federal-level prosecution, depending on their severity. A few examples of the types of criminal offenses that can qualify for prosecution in federal court include:

• Federal drug offenses. These typically include offenses that extend well beyond simple possession or local-level illegal drug sales. Drug trafficking across state lines, drug smuggling from outside of the US, and drug manufacturing qualify as federal crimes.
• Healthcare fraud. If an individual attempts to defraud a federal healthcare program like Medicare or Medicaid, their case will be tried in federal court.
• Defrauding the government. Engaging in any type of fraud against a government entity or program can result in federal charges. For example, Social Security fraud qualifies as defrauding the government.
• Bankruptcy fraud. The bankruptcy laws of the US are designed to provide economic relief to individuals who can no longer pay their debts. If an individual tries to take advantage of a bankruptcy status when they do not technically qualify to do so—usually by hiding or otherwise obfuscating their assets—these actions constitute bankruptcy fraud and can lead to criminal prosecution.
• Securities fraud. Attempting to profit from illegal insider trading or engaging in any type of violation of the laws of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) can result in federal criminal charges.
• Identity theft. Using another person’s identity or personal information for financial gain is a serious form of fraud. Obtaining a credit card using another person’s personal details, signing another person’s name on any financial document, or posing as another person in any official capacity can lead to federal criminal penalties.
• White collar crimes. “White collar crimes” refer to criminal offenses of a financial nature, such as embezzlement and money laundering. An individual convicted of such offenses will typically need to surrender any ill-gotten gains and face additional penalties, including imprisonment.
• Federal sex crimes. Some sex crimes are prosecuted at the state level, but severe sex crimes can lead to federal charges. Many federal cases involving sex crimes pertain to child pornography production and distribution, sex trafficking operations, and other criminal activity that extends beyond the scope of the state criminal court.
• RICO violations. Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act violations include any type of organized crime. If you are involved in any type of organized criminal conspiracy, you and the other participants can potentially face prosecution for each other’s crimes. In a RICO case, if prosecutors have sufficient evidence to charge one member of a conspiracy with a crime, they can apply this charge to every other member.

These are only some of the offenses that may qualify for prosecution in federal court. If you or a loved one receive charges for any type of federal crime, or if a federal agency such as the FBI or DEA has presented you with a search warrant or arrest warrant, it is crucial that you speak with a Los Angeles federal criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Understanding the Federal Criminal Process in Los Angeles

Many people are unsure what to expect once a federal investigation begins, and the process often feels very different from a typical state case in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Federal cases commonly start with a lengthy investigation by agencies such as the FBI, DEA, or IRS, followed by an arrest and an initial appearance before a federal magistrate judge. From that point, the timeline, procedural rules, and potential exposure to prison time or fines can be very different from what you might see in a local courthouse.

After the initial appearance, most federal cases proceed to a detention hearing, where the court decides whether you will be released or held while the case is pending. A grand jury may then review the evidence to decide whether to issue an indictment, and pretrial motions, plea discussions, and trial preparation all follow strict federal rules. A federal criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles can guide you through each hearing and deadline, explain the role of the United States Attorney’s Office, and help you make informed choices.

Because many federal investigations in the Los Angeles area are coordinated with local agencies, you may find yourself moving between the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles, local jails, and the federal courthouse on North Spring Street. Having a legal team that regularly appears in the United States District Court for the Central District of California can make a meaningful difference in how efficiently your case is managed.

Why Clients Hire Our Los Angeles Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

When you are tried in state criminal court, you have the option to secure legal counsel free of charge from a public defender. The same rule applies in federal cases—the defendant can accept legal counsel from a federal public defender at no cost. While most public defenders are capable attorneys who do the best they can for their clients, they typically need to manage several cases at once and cannot provide each client with much individual attention.

Hiring a private Los Angeles federal criminal defense attorney will ensure your case receives the attention it deserves. At the Law Firm of Stein & Markus, we believe in taking a client-focused approach to every federal criminal defense case our firm accepts. We can carefully review the prosecution’s case, highlight potential Constitutional violations, and help you develop the most comprehensive defense possible.