Category Archives: Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
What Happens If You Lie To A Federal Agent?
A conversation with an FBI agent, DEA agent, IRS investigator, Homeland Security investigator, or another federal officer can become far more serious than many people expect. One of the biggest mistakes we see is assuming someone can simply deny something, change a detail, or give an incomplete answer because the conversation seems informal. Federal… Read More »
What Is A Federal Proffer Agreement And Should You Agree To One?
A federal proffer agreement can place a person in one of the most consequential meetings of a federal criminal investigation. Prosecutors may invite a suspect, target, defendant, or potential cooperating witness to provide information about a crime, other participants, financial transactions, communications, or other evidence. In return, the government may agree to limits on… Read More »
Can Federal Agents Search Your Phone Without A Warrant?
A cellphone can contain years of private information, including photographs, text messages, emails, location history, financial records, social media communications, and contacts. When federal agents seize a phone during an investigation or arrest, one of the first questions we examine is whether they had lawful authority to search its digital contents. In most ordinary… Read More »
Can Text Messages Be Used To Prove A Federal Conspiracy?
Text messages often play a key role in federal conspiracy cases. Investigators may use them to suggest that people agreed to work together, knew each other’s actions, divided tasks, discussed money, set up meetings, or tried to hide what they were doing. The government does not need a message that clearly says, “We agree… Read More »
What Do I Do When Federal Search Warrant Is Executed At Your House?
When federal agents execute a search warrant at your home or business, your life can change quickly. Agents might arrive early, secure the area, separate people, take phones and computers, photograph rooms, and collect business records. They may leave with evidence that could be used in a criminal case in Galveston. Just because agents… Read More »
Can A Federal Criminal Charge Be Resolved Without Going To Trial?
Being charged with a federal crime does not always mean you will go to trial. Many cases end before trial through motions, plea deals, dismissals, or other steps. Still, avoiding trial does not always mean avoiding a conviction, prison, fines, restitution, forfeiture, or supervised release. How your case is resolved can affect your charges,… Read More »
What Should You Do If Federal Agents Want To Interview You?
Getting a visit or call from federal agents can be very stressful, especially if you have never been involved in a criminal investigation before. Agents might say they just want to clear up a few facts, confirm a timeline, or hear your side of the story. Even if they seem polite and friendly, the… Read More »
How Electronic Devices And Cell Phones Become Evidence In Federal Criminal Cases
A cell phone may contain more evidence than an entire filing cabinet. Text messages, photographs, location records, internet searches, emails, social media activity, financial transactions, and deleted files can all become part of a federal criminal investigation. Federal agents in Galveston may also examine laptops, tablets, smartwatches, cloud accounts, vehicle systems, and external storage… Read More »
What To Expect If You Receive A Federal Grand Jury Subpoena
Receiving a federal grand jury subpoena can feel overwhelming, even if you think you have done nothing wrong. The subpoena might ask you to appear before a grand jury, hand over business records, provide electronic communications, or share financial information. Often, it gives little detail about the investigation, who is involved, or why the… Read More »
How Federal Sentencing Guidelines Affect Criminal Cases In Texas
A federal criminal conviction can lead to very different consequences than those from a Texas state court. Federal judges do not just look at the maximum punishment in the law. Instead, they start with a detailed calculation that takes into account the offense, the defendant’s actions, any prior convictions, aggravating factors, acceptance of responsibility,… Read More »
