Frequently Asked Questions

Federal charges involve crimes that cross state lines, use federal systems like mail or wire, or violate federal statutes. Federal cases have different procedures, typically harsher penalties, and are prosecuted in federal court by U.S. attorneys rather than local prosecutors.

Insider trading is a federal felony that can result in up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $25 million. The SEC may also impose civil penalties. These cases often involve complex financial evidence requiring specialized defense strategies.

Contact a federal defense attorney immediately if you're contacted by federal agents, receive a target letter, or learn you're under investigation. Early legal representation can protect your rights and potentially prevent charges from being filed.

The IRS Criminal Investigation Division examines financial records, interviews witnesses, and may execute search warrants. These investigations can take years to complete. Having experienced counsel early helps protect your rights throughout the process.

Wire fraud charges can be challenged on various grounds including insufficient evidence, lack of intent to defraud, or procedural violations. Success depends on the specific facts and requires thorough analysis of the government's evidence.

Former federal prosecutors understand government investigation tactics, plea negotiation strategies, and trial procedures. This insider knowledge helps anticipate prosecution moves and develop more effective defense strategies for complex federal cases.

A proffer is a meeting where defendants provide information to prosecutors in exchange for limited immunity. These sessions require careful preparation as statements can still be used against you in certain circumstances.

Most federal cases resolve through plea agreements, with only about 3% going to trial. However, having trial-ready counsel strengthens negotiating position and ensures you're prepared if trial becomes necessary.

Federal sentences consider offense level, criminal history, loss amount, cooperation, acceptance of responsibility, and other factors. Guidelines are advisory, but judges typically sentence within the calculated range unless compelling reasons exist.

Federal investigations can span months to several years depending on complexity. White-collar cases involving financial crimes often take 18-36 months. The statute of limitations for most federal crimes is five years.

Retain a federal criminal defense attorney before responding to anything, including any voluntary interview request from prosecutors. A target letter means the government has already identified you as a focus of their investigation, and anything you say without counsel can be used to build the case against you. In the first 48 hours, attorney Phillip Turner works to assess the scope of the investigation, communicate with prosecutors on your behalf, and protect your right to remain silent — steps that can fundamentally shape how the case unfolds.

Defending federal Medicare fraud charges requires specific experience with the False Claims Act, anti-kickback statutes, and the way federal prosecutors build healthcare fraud cases through billing audits and cooperating witnesses. An attorney with prior federal prosecution experience understands the investigative playbook from the inside, which is a direct advantage when negotiating with the U.S. Attorney's Office or challenging the government's evidence before trial.

Federal Medicare fraud investigations are typically led by the Department of Justice and HHS Office of Inspector General working together, making them more resource-intensive and evidence-heavy than many other fraud cases. Prosecutors often build these cases over months or years using claims data, patient records, and confidential informants before any arrest or indictment occurs, which is why early legal intervention — ideally before charges are filed — can have an outsized impact on the outcome.