Federal Criminal Defense
When federal investigators act,
your response matters.
Federal criminal investigations involve the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, SEC, DEA, and the full resources of the U.S. Department of Justice. When the federal government targets you, the stakes — and the complexity — are unlike anything at the state level.
Confidential Federal Defense ConsultationWhy Federal Cases Are Different
Federal prosecution is not
a more serious state charge.
It is a fundamentally different legal system with different rules, different consequences, and a conviction rate that exceeds 90%.
Federal Sentencing and Custody Rules
The federal system generally does not use parole for current federal offenses. Eligible people may earn good-conduct time and, in some circumstances, other credits under federal law. The sentence actually served depends on the judgment, eligibility rules, and Bureau of Prisons calculations.
Years of Pre-Indictment Investigation
Federal investigations typically run one to three years before charges are filed. By the time you receive a target letter, federal agents have already interviewed witnesses, reviewed financial records, and built a detailed factual case. Early retention of counsel is not optional — it is essential.
Asset Forfeiture From Day One
Federal prosecutors routinely seek asset forfeiture as part of any financial crime prosecution. Accounts can be frozen, property seized, and businesses disrupted before trial. Defending against forfeiture requires immediate action and a coordinated strategy from the outset.
What to Do — and What Not to Do
If federal agents contact you,
these are important first steps.
You have received a target letter
A target letter from the U.S. Attorney's Office means the government has determined you are a target of a federal grand jury investigation — not a witness, not a subject. They believe you committed a crime. Do not respond without counsel. Call Sam Ahmadpour immediately.
Federal agents appeared at your home or office
You are not required to speak with them. You may say: "I would like to speak with my attorney before answering any questions." Then stop talking. Federal agents are trained interviewers who will use anything you say. Your cooperation in this moment does not help you — it helps them.
You received a grand jury subpoena
A grand jury subpoena requires a response — but it does not require you to incriminate yourself. The Fifth Amendment protects you. How you respond, what you produce, and what you say in the grand jury room requires experienced federal defense counsel.
You are asked to be a "witness" — not a target
Witness status can change at any point. People who cooperate as witnesses routinely become targets. If the government wants to talk to you about anything, retain counsel before saying a word.
Federal agencies we defend against
- FBI — Federal Bureau of Investigation
- IRS-CI — Criminal Investigation Division
- SEC — Securities and Exchange Commission
- DEA — Drug Enforcement Administration
- DOJ — Department of Justice
- HHS-OIG — Health & Human Services
- Postal Inspection Service
- Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
- USAO — U.S. Attorney's Office, C.D. Cal.
Common federal charges we defend
- Wire fraud and mail fraud
- Federal drug trafficking
- Healthcare fraud and Medicare fraud
- Securities fraud and insider trading
- Tax evasion and tax fraud
- Money laundering
- RICO and conspiracy charges
- PPP and COVID relief fraud
Common Questions
Clear answers for an important decision.
What is a federal target letter?
A target letter generally advises that prosecutors believe substantial evidence links the recipient to a federal offense. Its wording and deadlines should be reviewed promptly by counsel.
Should I agree to a voluntary interview with federal agents?
Do not decide based only on the word “voluntary.” Counsel should first assess your status, the subject matter, and the risks of any interview.
What is the difference between a witness, subject, and target?
These terms describe different views of a person’s relationship to an investigation, but status can change. Counsel can seek clarification and advise before any response.
These general answers are not legal advice. The facts, deadlines, and available options depend on the individual matter.
Primary Sources
Legal references
These sources provide general statutory or agency information. Application to an individual matter requires analysis of the facts and current law.
Speak With Sam Ahmadpour
Federal investigations require
federal-level defense — immediately.
Sam Ahmadpour's background as a former LA County Prosecutor of the Year gives him rare insight into how government cases are built — and how they come apart. Call now for a confidential consultation.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation Or call directly: 424-226-7810