Experience Makes The Difference

Entrust Your Case To An Attorney With Decades Of Federal Criminal Defense Experience

If you have been accused of a federal crime, pick up the phone and call our firm, Peter Barrett: Dallas Criminal Defense Attorney, as soon as possible. Our founder, Peter Barrett, is a veteran criminal attorney with the resources and experience to defend you and protect your rights throughout your brush with the criminal justice system. With more than 25 years of experience, he can provide the wise counsel and strategic advocacy you need during this time.

Basic Differences Between State And Federal Charges

Federal criminal law differs substantially from Texas state law. In certain cases, it might be advantageous to cooperate with the government and in other cases, this could be a terrible strategy. Understanding how to proceed takes experience, knowledge and an understanding of all the facts surrounding your case, which is why you need an experienced federal crimes lawyer on your side.

Examples of federal crimes include (but are not limited to):

Many federal crimes are what the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) refers to as “white collar crimes,” which are nonviolent, financially-motivated crimes. They’re often sophisticated schemes committed by business professionals who are frequently investigated by federal investigators from the FBI. As a rule, the FBI partners with other local, state, and federal agencies to track down and prosecute white collar criminals.

Federal Drug Crimes

The potential penalties for federal drug-related crimes are severe. If you have been charged with a federal drug crime, such as conspiracy, trafficking, or manufacturing of a controlled substance such as meth or cocaine, you need a competent, experienced representative on your side. The federal government often seeks harsh penalties for drug crimes and, if convicted, you could be hit with hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines and spend decades in prison.

Business And Financial Crimes

Financial and business-related crimes almost always come with prison time, large fines, probation, restitution and more. It is imperative that you contact an experienced attorney if you have been charged with a business-related or financial crime such as:

  • Securities fraud
  • Embezzlement
  • Tax evasion
  • Money laundering
  • Insider trading
  • Insurance fraud

Our firm isn’t afraid of complexity or hard work – both of which tend to be factors in these types of cases.

Defense Against Health Care Fraud Charges

Health care fraud is a very serious offense, and the federal government does not take it lightly. If you are tried for health care fraud, you will have to face the Department of Justice’s own Health Care Fraud Unit, dedicated specifically to investigating and penalizing false claims. A conviction for health care fraud of any kind may result in massive fines, long-term prison sentences, and financial ruin for you and your loved ones. Attorney Peter Barrett has represented many healthcare professionals including medical doctors.

Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Charges

Below are some of the most common questions we get asked by prospective clients.

I’ve just been contacted by a federal agent about the charges against me. What should I do?

With the exception of a grand jury subpoena, citizens are typically under no obligation to speak to federal agents and/or prosecutors in response to substantive questioning. This general rule, however, has been tempered by recent case law which holds that silence in the face of noncustodial interrogation may be taken as an inference of guilt.

Whether you are a prime suspect or merely a collateral witness, there are virtually no circumstances where you would benefit by speaking to the government without first consulting a lawyer. Instead, it is advisable to specifically articulate that, “I would like to have my attorney present before I speak with you.”

Defendants are often questioned during the execution of a search warrant. Things to remember:

  • You are under no obligation to speak with the government, and you should respectfully request to speak with an attorney before answering questions.
  • Lying to a federal agent is a criminal offense.
  • In cases where no advance notice of a search is provided by the government, there is no obligation to remain on site or submit to substantive interviews.
  • Subjects should never alter or destroy evidence or otherwise obstruct the government’s investigation, as such conduct would also constitute separate criminal acts.

What should I do if I have been served with a federal search warrant or grand jury subpoena?

Frequently, federal investigators will attempt to speak with witnesses/employees in the course of delivering a search warrant or grand jury subpoena. Anyone served with such a subpoena should consult a lawyer immediately. A subpoena will list the assistant U.S. attorney responsible for the investigation, which will provide a point of contact for the lawyer.

There are three types of subpoenas:

  • Testimonial
  • Duces tecum (calling for production of documents)
  • Both of the above

A federal subpoena is cumbersome to respond to and extremely intimidating in how broadly worded they typically are. Your lawyer might be able to narrow the scope and direction so that compliance is much more targeted.

How are federal criminal sentences decided?

Under federal law, sentences are determined largely by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. This means that the starting point for determining a sentence is calculated by the level of the alleged offense. Criminal history is also taken into account to determine sentences in federal cases. Peter Barrett has vast experience in the favorable application of the U.S. Federal Sentencing Guidelines. This knowledge can sometimes make the difference in determining whether or not someone is sentenced to federal prison.

Don’t Wait To Seek Skilled Help – Reach Out Today

To discuss your charges and your legal options with a highly experienced attorney, call our office in Dallas at 214-506-2896. You can also contact us online to request a consultation.