North Texas Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys
Barnett Howard & Williams PLLC, in Fort Worth, Texas effectively handles all criminal cases, including matters in the federal criminal justice system. Our attorneys have experience handling federal criminal cases for individuals in Texas and throughout the United States. Being former state and federal prosecutors, we understand how the government prepares cases, and we have the skill and expertise to effectively protect our clients’ interests. Federal crimes include:
- Computer Crimes
- Possession of Child Pornography
- Gun and Weapons Crimes
- Fraud and White-Collar Crimes
- Large Scale Drug Crimes
- Crimes involving public officials
- Money Laundering and Tax Evasion
Federal Criminal Investigation Lawyers
There are many difference between the federal criminal system and the state criminal system. Chief among these differences is the depth and breadth of the criminal investigation involved. In Texas, state investigations are typically handled by a local police department or sheriff’s office and in most cases a suspect is arrested before the case has been thoroughly investigated. The federal side is different. By the time a United States Attorney (federal prosecutor) brings charges, the matter has usually been thoroughly investigated by one or several federal investigative agencies. Investigative agencies involved in federal criminal investigation include:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF)
- Criminal Division of the IRS (CID)
- United States Postal Service (Postal Inspector)
- Department of Homeland Security
- United States Secret Service
- United States Marshals Service
Criminal investigations do not need to be initiated by a federal agency to be handled by a federal court. Certain state investigations, including those that involve weapons violations, drug crimes, computer crimes, and white collar crimes, end up in the federal courts as well. Barnett Howard & Williams PLLC is prepared to conscientiously and aggressively challenge the government at every stage of a criminal prosecution, from the investigation to the grand jury proceeding and throughout the federal criminal trial.
Federal Sentencing Guidelines Lawyers
The federal criminal justice system utilizes the Federal Sentencing Guidelines to assist federal judges in awarding a consistent sentence across the board for each federal offense. The sentencing guidelines can be complicated because they involve a sliding scale depending on the severity of the alleged offense and the criminal history of the defendant. There are many scenarios in which a defense attorney can request that the federal judge depart from the sentencing guidelines in favor of a shorter sentence. It is important to hire a knowledgeable federal criminal defense attorney that can explain the guidelines and know how to protect your liberty.
Contact our Texas Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys
Contact the attorneys at Barnett Howard & Williams PLLC regarding any federal criminal matter. Our attorneys represent clients in the state of Texas as well as nationally. We can be reached by phone at 817-993-9249, by e-mail, or by filling out the contact form on this page.
