St. Louis federal criminal defense lawyer

If you or a loved one is facing a federal investigation or federal criminal charge, a St. Louis federal criminal defense lawyer with JCS Law can help. We have experience in dealing with federal investigators, U.S. Attorneys (Federal Prosecutors), and the federal criminal court system.

Whether you’re being investigated by the DEA, FBI, Homeland Security, or a Federal task force, you need a bold and aggressive St. Louis federal criminal defense lawyer. These agencies employ tenacious investigators who have the technology and manpower to seek evidence against you in a relentless manner. JCS Law understands the investigative process they use and can help protect your rights during this crucial point in your case.

Charges we fight in St. Louis

Each St. Louis federal criminal defense attorney on our team is highly skilled in presenting defense strategies against federal agencies such as the DEA, FBI, IRS, and others. From our first consultation, we begin building the most powerful defense possible for your circumstances.

Federal drug charges

Both federal and state law enforcement agencies investigate drug cases under federal jurisdiction. They are devoting more manpower and requesting bigger budgets to go after those who are arrested for drug offenses.

If you are facing these charges, you need help from a St. Louis federal crimes attorney to navigate a federal investigation and protect your rights.

Federal conspiracy charges

Drug charges carry significant penalties at the federal level, but a drug conspiracy charge is even more damaging. You could spend years longer in jail if convicted of this crime.

Your federal defense lawyer in St. Louis County knows federal agencies are eager to increase your charges. We work to ensure you are not being overcharged or pressured into taking a bad deal.

Federal weapons charges

A weapons charge from a federal agency can cover a wide range of offenses, such as:

• Unlawful possession of a weapon
• Firearms trafficking
• Violent crimes involving the use or discharge of a firearm
• Fraud in obtaining a permit to possess or purchase a firearm

Added to drug or sex crimes, a weapons charge conviction can significantly increase your penalties. Working with an accomplished and experienced St. Louis federal defense lawyer is your best chance for a lesser sentence.

Healthcare fraud

Insurance, drug, and medical fraud are variations of federal healthcare fraud, usually under the oversight of the U.S. Postal Service or FBI. Medicare and Medicaid diligently pursue suspected fraudsters.

If you have been accused of fraud, you need substantial evidence demonstrating your innocence. Your federal criminal defense attorney in St. Louis, MO, can handle this task for you.

Federal fraud and embezzlement

Fraud and embezzlement investigations are extremely detailed. They involve proving the suspect stole money or property from federal agencies. To defend you, your JSC Law federal criminal lawyer in St. Louis will engage industry experts in forensic accounting and other fields to fight these charges.

White-collar crimes

White-collar crimes include fraud, embezzlement, bribery, counterfeiting, money laundering, computer and internet fraud, environmental violations, and public corruption. Beating these allegations requires top-notch guidance from a St. Louis federal defense attorney.

Federal sex charges

Like many federal crimes, federal sex charges can devastate your life, ruining your personal and professional reputations. Your federal criminal defense attorney in St. Louis, MO, can represent you against charges such as:

• Possession, production, or distribution of child pornography
• Conspiracy
• Aggravated sexual abuse
• Sexual abuse of a minor or ward
• Sex trafficking or sexual exploitation of children
• Coercion and enticement

What to do if you’ve been charged with a federal crime in St. Louis

When you are charged with a federal crime, you are likely confused, overwhelmed, and afraid. Your first priority is to keep silent and not provide any information that could be used against you. Be compliant with requests from law enforcement officers.

Do not answer any questions without your attorney present. Be honest with your legal counsel so they can anticipate how to fight back against the federal prosecutor’s case.

Why work with JCS Law

Facing federal charges of any kind is a very serious matter. You should never try to go it alone or believe that everything will work out if you can just explain yourself. Federal attorneys are eager to increase their conviction rate, and you need superior legal representation to avoid unnecessarily severe penalties.

Attorneys with JCS Law offer three critical factors for your case:

1. Diligence: We are committed to the success of your case, pursuing it with persistence and a strong background in managing federal cases.
2. Experience: We understand how federal prosecutors work and the approaches they use. Our team can tailor a defense strategy to combat these tactics and maintain your innocence in the minds of the judge and jury.
3. Skill: We understand the high burden of proof required for a conviction, and we develop multiple strategies to hammer away at the government’s arguments.

We know the federal prosecution system inside and out

Our team can swing into action immediately upon being retained and systematically begin to build your defense.

Attorney John Schleiffarth and his team know each and every detail matters in Missouri Federal Criminal Charges. In Federal cases, the elements are uniquely different from state court. JCS Law has years of experience helping clients with all aspects of the investigation, including pre-indictment, bond, pretrial services, hearings, trials, pleas, and sentencing.

We have years of experience in St. Louis

Our team has handled a large number of federal criminal defense cases covering the full range of charges over many years. We are proud of our strong reputation within the legal community in St. Louis, MO, and our frequent recognition from industry associations and local news sources.

What are the differences between state and federal crimes?

State crimes often involve arson, burglary, murder, robbery, theft, and rape. Federal crimes occur across state lines or on federal property. These can include mail fraud, drug conspiracy, tax fraud, and embezzlement.

What are the penalties and consequences of a federal charge in St. Louis?

Convictions for federal offenses involve fines and incarceration. How much of each depends on various factors, such as any criminal history, the offense level, specific offense characteristics, and adjustments. Adjustments can be mitigating or aggravating, thereby decreasing or increasing your penalties. Keep in mind a federal prison environment is often much harsher than county or state institutions.

What are possible defenses for a federal charge?

Our attorneys have a wide array of defense strategies they can use for your case. These involve closely examining the actions taken by law enforcement and identifying when your rights have been violated. We also work to have evidence dismissed, and charges reduced whenever possible.

Common defenses include filing pre-trial motions claiming:

• Illegal search
• Improper venue
• Pre-indictment delay
• Violation of your Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial
• Error in legal proceedings

Our St. Louis federal criminal defense lawyer can also argue improper police procedures or that elements for the crime were not present. They may have used a dragnet, charging you with conspiracy when you are not guilty. Your federal criminal defense lawyer will exhaustively research your case to employ every tactic possible.

What is the federal criminal defense process?

Once you are charged, your criminal defense process will go as follows.

Initial court appearance

You appear before a magistrate judge who informs you of the charges and your rights. You may be granted bail at a separate hearing.

Arraignment

This hearing occurs after your bail was set or you were detained in custody. If there is enough evidence against you, the arraignment may be your first court appearance where you are indicted on the charges. You will be given a chance to plead guilty or not guilty.

Discovery and pre-trial motions

Prosecutors and defense attorneys will share evidence and negotiate any plea deals. Your lawyer may file pre-trial motions to have evidence suppressed or charges dismissed.

Plea

If a deal is reached, you will appear before a judge to accept the deal and receive sentencing. If there is no deal, you proceed to trial.

Trial

A jury is seated to hear your case under the guidance of a federal judge. Each side presents evidence and arguments, and the jurors determine the verdict.

Sentencing

If you are found guilty, you will attend a Sentencing Hearing where your attorney can still fight against overly harsh penalties. If you were found not guilty, you are released and do not face sentencing.

This description is highly simplified. Your attorney will explain each step and what to expect according to the specifics of your case.

How long will my case take?

Most federal jury trials only last between two and ten days, but the proceedings before trial can take months or even years. Gathering evidence, developing arguments, filing pre-trial motions, and preparing witnesses for the courtroom can lengthen a trial substantially.

What is the cost of hiring a St. Louis federal criminal defense lawyer?

Defending a federal criminal case involves thousands of hours of research, investigation, negotiation, and preparation. A full staff and multiple attorneys may be needed to build the most beneficial case for you. Although attorney fees can range into thousands of dollars, you should consider this an investment in protecting your future and your rights against wrongful prosecution.

Our initial consultation is always free, so you can consider your options with no risk and no obligation.

Charged with a federal crime? Don’t delay – call a St. Louis federal criminal defense lawyer today

Never face federal criminal charges alone. A skilled St. Louis federal criminal defense lawyer protects you from mistakes you could make without a seasoned legal advisor. Contact us through our online form or by calling (314) 561-9690 to schedule your free case evaluation today.