Top 10 Questions to Ask Criminal Defense Attorney
Top 10 Questions to Ask Criminal Defense Attorney
Federal Crimes

FEDERAL CRIME LAWYERS IN HOUSTON

Federal Charges Demand Immediate Action

Federal crimes carry serious consequences. Protect your rights and future with aggressive legal representation from Turnbull Legal Group.

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Former State District Court Judge and Chief Prosecutor
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HOUSTON FEDERAL CRIME ATTORNEYS

Turnbull Legal Group: Dedicated Federal Crime Defense in Houston

When you're facing the serious nature of federal charges in Houston, you need a legal team that combines experience with unwavering dedication. Turnbull Legal Group, led by Former Chief District Court Judge and Chief Prosecutor E.R. "Ned" Turnbull offers precisely that. 

Our team's background provides unique insight into the strategies employed by both the prosecution and the court, allowing us to anticipate challenges and build the strongest possible defense for our clients. 

We are committed to protecting your rights, meticulously examining the details of your case, and exploring every legal avenue to pursue the most favorable outcome on your behalf.

Meet Our Team
founder Edward Randolph 'Ned' Turnbull portrait
founder

E.R. "Ned" Turnbull

E.R. "Ned" Turnbull, the Managing Partner of Turnbull Legal Group, a Former State District Court Judge, and a Chief Prosecutor, brings extensive experience and leadership to our law firm. He's recognized for his legal expertise, community service, and commitment to justice.

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  • Award Appellate Court Division Judge
  • Award Appelate Court Rules Committee Judge
  • Award Member Harris ocunty Criminal Lawyers Association
  • Award Governor's Judicial Commendation
  • Award Executive Department Proclamation
  • Award State Bar of Texas
  • Award National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyer
Table of Contents

What Makes a Crime a Federal Offense?

Not all crimes fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government. Certain factors elevate criminal offenses to the federal level, often involving broader implications beyond state lines or violations of specific federal laws. Here's a closer look at what makes a crime a federal offense:

  • Interstate Activity
    Crimes that cross state lines, such as drug trafficking, cybercrime, or fraud involving victims in multiple states, commonly fall under federal jurisdiction.
  • Federal Property
    Offenses that take place on federal property, including national parks, government buildings, or military bases, are typically subject to federal law.
  • Violations of Federal Law
    Acts that directly violate statutes enacted by the federal government are prosecuted in federal court.
  • Crimes Against Federal Officials
    Offenses targeting federal officials or institutions are considered serious breaches and are handled at the federal level.

If you have been accused of a federal crime, reach out to us as soon as possible for a rigorous defense.

Federal vs. State Crimes: Key Distinctions

Federal crimes fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government, while state crimes violate state laws and are prosecuted by individual states. Aside from this key difference, federal crimes also often carry harsher penalties, including longer prison sentences and larger fines, compared to similar offenses at the state level.

While your legal team works on your defense, it’s also important to remember that there are different rules of evidence and procedure that federal proceedings follow compared to state courts.

Types of Federal Crimes We Defend

Our team handles a variety of federal criminal cases, including but not limited to:

  • Drug Crimes
    Manufacturing, distribution, possession with intent to distribute, and trafficking of controlled substances.
  • Firearms Offenses
    Illegal possession, sale, or use of firearms, including violations of federal gun control laws.
  • White-Collar Crimes
    Financially motivated, non-violent crimes, such as fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, tax evasion, and insider trading.
  • Immigration Offenses
    Entering the United States illegally, overstaying a visa, or engaging in marriage fraud.
  • Cybercrimes
    Crimes committed using computers and the internet, such as hacking, phishing, identity theft, and distribution of child pornography.
  • Organized Crime
    RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) violations and money laundering associated with criminal enterprises.
  • Terrorism
    Providing material support to terrorist organizations, acts of terrorism within the U.S., or against U.S. citizens abroad.
  • Public Corruption
    Bribery, extortion, or fraud involving government officials.
  • Environmental Crimes
    Violations of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, or other federal environmental regulations.
  • Civil Rights Violations
    Acts of discrimination or violence based on race, religion, national origin, sex, disability, etc.
  • Healthcare Fraud
    Fraudulent billing practices, Medicare fraud, and prescription drug fraud.

We will use every resource at our disposal to reduce or eliminate the penalties you face — regardless of the type of charges against you.

The Stakes Are High: Potential Penalties

Offense Category Specific Offense Examples Potential Penalties
Drug Crimes - Drug trafficking
- Manufacturing controlled substances
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Prison Sentences: Ranging from several years to life, depending on the type and amount of drugs involved.
- Fines: Can be substantial, often hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
- Asset Forfeiture: Seizure of property and assets believed to be connected to drug activity.
Firearms Offenses - Felon in possession of a firearm
- Brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence
- Illegal firearms sales
- Prison Sentences: Mandatory minimums, depending on the type and amount of drugs involved.
- Fines: Significant fines are common, often in conjunction with prison time.
White-Collar Crimes - Securities fraud
- Embezzlement
- Money laundering
- Tax evasion
- Prison Sentences: Vary widely based on the amount of money involved and other factors but can range from several years to over 20 years.
- Fines: Often substantial, sometimes exceeding the amount of money gained illegally.
- Restitution: Court-ordered repayment to victims for financial losses.
Immigration Offenses - Illegal re-entry after deportation
- Marriage fraud
- Alien smuggling
- Immigration Consequences: Deportation, removal proceedings, bars on re-entry to the U.S., potentially for life.
- Criminal Penalties: In addition to immigration consequences, criminal penalties like prison sentences and fines are possible, especially for repeat offenses or crimes involving smuggling or fraud.
Cybercrimes - Hacking
- Identity theft
- Distribution of child pornography
- Prison Sentences: Can range from a few years to decades, particularly for offenses involving child exploitation materials.
- Fines: Substantial fines are common, and restitution may be ordered to compensate victims for financial losses.
- Other Consequences: Registration as a sex offender (in cases of child pornography offenses), electronic monitoring, and other restrictions.
Organized Crime - RICO violations
- Racketeering
- Money laundering (related to criminal enterprises)
- Prison Sentences: Often carry lengthy sentences, potentially decades, especially for leaders or organizers of criminal enterprises.
- Fines: Can be substantial, and asset forfeiture is frequently used to seize ill-gotten gains.
Terrorism - Providing material support to terrorist organizations
- Acts of terrorism
- Prison Sentences: The most serious federal crimes, often resulting in life sentences or very lengthy prison terms.
- Fines: Can be in the millions of dollars, and asset forfeiture is common.
Public Corruption - Bribery of a public official
- Extortion
- Fraud involving government funds
- Prison Sentences: Vary widely but can be substantial, especially for offenses that involve large sums of money or a breach of public trust.
- Fines: Significant fines are typical.
Environmental Crimes - Violations of the Clean Air Act
- Violations of the Clean Water Act
- Illegal dumping of hazardous materials
- Prison Sentences: Can range from a few years to decades for the most serious offenses.
- Fines: Can be substantial, often in the millions of dollars for corporations, and may include cleanup costs.
Civil Rights Violations - Hate crimes
- Discrimination in housing, employment, or education
- Police brutality
- Prison Sentences: Vary depending on the severity of the offense and whether it was motivated by bias, but can be lengthy.
- Fines: Can be substantial, and courts may award damages to victims.
Healthcare Fraud - Medicare fraud
- Medicaid fraud
- Prescription drug fraud
- Prison Sentences: Can range from several years to decades, depending on the amount of money involved and other factors.
- Fines: Substantial, often in the millions of dollars for large-scale schemes.
- Exclusion From Healthcare Programs: Convicted individuals or entities may be barred from participating in Medicare, Medicaid, or other healthcare programs.

Navigating the Federal Justice System

The federal justice system is complex and multi-faceted, often involving numerous stages and intricate legal procedures. Here's a more detailed breakdown of how it typically works:

1. Investigation

Federal law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, DEA, or ATF, conduct investigations into potential federal crimes. These investigations can be lengthy and may involve surveillance, interviews, search warrants, and grand jury subpoenas.

2. Indictment or Information

If the investigation leads to sufficient evidence, the government can formally charge a suspect with a crime. This is done either through an indictment, which is a formal accusation issued by a grand jury, or an information, which is a charging document filed directly by the prosecutor.

3. Arraignment

The defendant is brought before a federal judge to be formally advised of the charges against them. They will be asked to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.

4. Pre-Trial Motions

Both the prosecution and the defense have the opportunity to file various motions with the court, such as motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss charges, or motions for discovery (to obtain evidence from the other side).

5. Plea Bargaining

In many cases, the prosecution and defense will engage in plea negotiations, attempting to reach an agreement where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge or agrees to cooperate in exchange for a reduced sentence or other concessions.

6. Trial

If no plea agreement is reached, the case will proceed to trial. In a federal criminal trial, the government has the burden of proving the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The trial includes opening statements, presentation of evidence, witness testimony, cross-examination, closing arguments, and jury deliberations (if it is a jury trial).

7. Sentencing

If the defendant is found guilty, either through a plea or a trial, the judge will impose a sentence. Federal sentencing guidelines provide a range of potential sentences based on the offense and the defendant's criminal history, but the judge has some discretion within those guidelines.

8. Appeal

A defendant who is convicted has the right to appeal the verdict or sentence to a higher court. An appeal argues that legal errors were made during the trial that affected the outcome of the case.

Remember: This is a general overview, and the specific procedures and timelines can vary depending on the nature of the charges and the particular court.

Crafting a Winning Strategy for Your Case

At Turnbull Legal Group, we know that a federal criminal case demands a highly skilled and strategic approach. Our team possesses extensive experience navigating the intricacies of the federal justice system. Here’s how we help:

Thorough Case Assessment 

We start with a comprehensive review of your charges and the facts of your case, meticulously gathering information to build a solid foundation for your defense.

Tailored Legal Strategy

No two federal cases are the same. We develop a customized plan to address your unique circumstances, incorporating proven legal tactics and leveraging our extensive understanding of federal law.

Vigorous Representation

From challenging search warrants to building compelling arguments in court, our team can fight fiercely to protect your rights and seek the best possible outcome in your case.

Facing Federal Charges? Act Now.

Federal crimes have serious consequences. Protect your rights and your future with our unwavering support. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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Why Choose Turnbull Legal Group for a Federal Case Defense?

Our Houston federal crime attorneys are dedicated to providing you with the highest level of legal representation:

Federal Court Experience

We have a deep understanding of federal law and procedure and will put our knowledge to work for your benefit.

Aggressive Defense

We will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

Client-Focused Representation

We provide personalized legal strategies and open communication to guide you through every step.

    The Turnbull Legal Group Difference
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    Get a Free Strategy Session for Your Federal Case

    Don't face federal charges alone. Contact Turnbull Legal Group today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.

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    FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What should I do if I'm contacted by a federal agent?

    It's crucial to remain calm, exercise your right to remain silent, and politely request to speak to an attorney.

    How much does it cost to hire a federal criminal defense lawyer?

    Legal fees vary depending on the complexity of the case. Contact us to discuss your specific situation and payment options.

    Can federal charges be dropped?

    Yes, federal charges can be dropped or dismissed by the prosecution if they believe they lack sufficient evidence, if there were errors in the investigation, or as a result of a plea bargain.

    What is the difference between an indictment and an information?

    Both are ways federal charges can be brought, but an indictment is a formal accusation issued by a grand jury, while an information is a formal charging document filed directly by the prosecutor.

    What is a federal Plea Bargain?

    It's an agreement between the defendant and the prosecution where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge or agrees to cooperate in exchange for a reduced sentence or other concessions.

    What are my rights if I'm convicted of a federal crime?

    You have the right to appeal the conviction, seek post-conviction relief, and have an attorney represent you throughout the process.