Galveston Federal Crimes Lawyer

Federal Crimes Attorney In Galveston

Facing any type of criminal charge is a life-changing experience, and the stakes are especially high if you are charged with any type of federal crime. Galveston is a coastal resort community just outside of Houston, and while there are plenty of attractions and lucrative job opportunities in the area, federal law enforcement agencies also conduct investigations and arrests for various offenses. You need to speak with a skilled Galveston federal crimes lawyer if you have been charged.

Experienced Federal Criminal Defense Counsel in Galveston, TX

Nicole DeBorde has more than 20 years of experience advocating on both sides of the criminal court system. As a former Harris County district attorney, she now represents clients charged with various criminal offenses, including federal crimes. Few other defense attorneys can match the breadth of her experience in Galveston federal crime cases.

When you are arrested for any criminal offense in the United States, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. You must exercise your right to remain silent as you comply with instructions from arresting officers to ensure you do not say anything that could be incriminating, and you should remain silent until you have defense counsel you trust on your side.

Nicole DeBorde and the team at Hochglaube & DeBorde, P.C., can provide compassionate and results-driven legal counsel through every phase of your case. It is crucial that you fully exercise your right to legal counsel when you have been accused of any crime, even if you know for sure that you are innocent and have been wrongfully charged. You need an attorney with proven experience handling federal criminal court procedures to reach a positive outcome.

Time is a crucial concern for any federal criminal case. You may need exculpatory evidence that you will not know how to collect on your own, and witness testimony that may support your defense will be most reliable when it is gathered as quickly as possible after the incident. Your Galveston federal crimes lawyer at Hochglaube & DeBorde, P.C., is your most valuable asset when it comes to navigating the difficult proceedings ahead of you.

Types of Federal Criminal Cases We Handle in Galveston

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is one of the top federal law enforcement agencies in the United States, and every year, the FBI coordinates with various state and local law enforcement agencies as well as other federal agencies in a wide range of cases. In 2022, the FBI recorded a total of 1,954.4 property crimes and 380.7 violent crimes per 100,000 people throughout the United States.

Most of these crimes were prosecuted in state criminal courts, but many led to federal criminal court proceedings. A federal criminal case manifests whenever someone breaks federal law. It’s possible for a state-level criminal case to escalate to federal court under certain conditions. It’s also possible for the specific circumstances of a crime that would normally be prosecuted in state criminal court to qualify for federal prosecution.

When you need to hire a federal crimes lawyer to represent you, it is crucial to choose an attorney with proven experience handling cases like yours. Hochglaube & DeBorde, P.C., has represented many past clients in a wide range of federal criminal cases, including:

• Federal drug cases. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is the main federal law enforcement agency responsible for investigating and prosecuting federal drug offenses in the United States. It’s possible for these cases to involve large quantities of illegal drugs, drug trafficking across state or national borders, and related offenses.
• Federal weapons cases. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) regulates weapons in the United States and prosecutes violations of federal firearms laws. It is possible for an individual to face criminal charges at the state level for violating state-specific gun laws, but they could face prosecution in federal court if they have violated any type of federal weapons law.
• Immigration charges. These are some of the most commonly filed federal cases, accounting for more than 40% of all federal criminal cases filed in the United States in which the defendant was convicted during fiscal year 2020. Illegal border crossings, falsifying immigration documents, and other related offenses could all qualify for federal prosecution. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) handles many of these cases.
• Sex crimes. Many sex offenses are prosecuted at the state level, but it is possible for federal cases involving sex trafficking across state lines or possession and/or distribution of child pornography. There is usually no statute of limitations for these crimes, so it is possible for someone to face arrest and prosecution years after the alleged offense occurred.
• Fraud, bribery, tax violations, and white-collar crime. While these crimes may be nonviolent in nature, they often entail substantial financial malfeasance that could potentially impact thousands of people. Law enforcement agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may build cases against individuals who break these laws.
• Violent federal crimes. Many violent crimes, like murder and aggravated assault, are prosecuted in state criminal courts. However, if an individual commits a violent offense against a federal agent, federal law enforcement officer, or government official, or if they cross state lines to do so, they are likely to face prosecution in federal criminal court.

Hochglaube & DeBorde, P.C., can provide comprehensive criminal defense counsel in these and other federal crime cases. It’s also possible for a federal case to involve multiple charges. For example, an individual could be arrested on federal drug charges, but a search may reveal illegal weapons. Ultimately, many of these cases are complex and multifaceted, and the penalties for conviction are often severe.

Understanding Federal Prosecution

In every criminal case tried in the United States, the burden of proof rests with the prosecution. This means that the prosecution must prove that the defendant is guilty of the crime, and the defendant must be found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a much higher standard of proof than many people realize. The prosecution’s evidence and witness testimony must be strong enough to leave no room for doubt as to whether the defendant is guilty.

It is your Galveston federal crimes lawyer’s job to prevent the prosecution from meeting its burden of proof in your case. Crafting your defense will depend on several factors, and the most effective defenses available to defendants vary from case to case. It is crucial to hire an experienced attorney you trust to build a cohesive defense for you.

Success with your defense may hinge on proving a mistake of fact or a mistake of law. A mistake of fact could include wrongful arrest due to mistaken identity or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Mistakes of law typically pertain to procedural errors or malfeasance committed by law enforcement agencies, such as illegally obtaining evidence or engaging in entrapment.

Ultimately, one of the most challenging aspects of federal criminal defense is the fact that federal law enforcement agencies build and file these cases. These entities have the financial support and resources necessary to build extremely durable cases before moving to arrest suspects. Essentially, most law enforcement agencies will not arrest a suspect unless they are all but certain they can secure a conviction.

How Your Galveston Federal Crimes Lawyer Can Help

Success with your defense against any criminal charge will largely depend on the quality of your criminal defense counsel. It is crucial to choose a Galveston federal crimes lawyer who has proven experience handling cases like yours. Hochglaube & DeBorde, P.C., can meet with you to review the details of your situation and explain the specific experience we have with handling cases similar to yours.

In every case we accept, we take time to learn as much as possible about our client and the charges that have been filed against them. We can explain what you can expect as your case unfolds and begin gathering any evidence that could be essential for your defense. You may have more defenses available to you than you realize, and you will need an attorney’s help to thoroughly explore these options.

When you have broken the law, it may still be possible to avoid the worst penalties that could be assigned to you if you have the right attorney representing you. Your attorney can potentially negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecution. In this situation, the prosecution may offer lighter sentencing and/or reduced charges if the defendant agrees to enter a guilty plea, reducing the amount of time and resources the federal court must expend on the case.

Your federal criminal defense attorney can help you determine whether accepting such a deal would suit your interests and, if so, negotiate with the prosecution. Facing criminal prosecution from any federal law enforcement agency can be extremely daunting, but having experienced criminal defense counsel on your side can help you feel more confident in this difficult situation.

It is essential to consult a Galveston federal crimes lawyer at your first opportunity after your arrest. Time is a crucial factor in any criminal case, but this is especially true when you face prosecution in federal court. Nicole DeBorde and the team at Hochglaube & DeBorde, P.C., are ready to assist with your defense, so reach out to our firm right away and learn how we can help.

FAQs

How Are Federal Criminal Cases Prosecuted?

Federal criminal cases are prosecuted in the US Attorney’s Office for each federal judicial district. These cases are built by federal law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, DEA, SEC, or DHS. Once a federal law enforcement agency has gathered sufficient evidence to justify an arrest, the suspect is arrested and tried in the corresponding federal judicial district.

What Is the Difference Between a US Attorney and a Federal Attorney?

The difference between the two types of attorneys is that a US Attorney is usually the chief federal law enforcement officer for a specific federal judicial district, while a federal attorney can refer to any attorney who represents the federal government. These terms are often used interchangeably, but US Attorney is a specific designation for chief law enforcement officers in federal judicial districts.

Why Should I Hire a Federal Crimes Lawyer?

You should hire a federal crimes lawyer because facing federal criminal charges is very different from facing criminal charges at the state level.

Federal law enforcement agencies typically do not move to arrest suspects until they are sure they have gathered sufficient evidence to secure a conviction, and federal criminal court proceedings can unfold faster than state criminal court proceedings. You need a defense attorney with proven experience defending clients in federal court.

What Does It Cost to Hire a Galveston Federal Crimes Lawyer?

The cost to hire a Galveston federal crimes lawyer can typically depend on the overall complexity of the case and how much time the attorney must spend working on it. Most federal criminal defense attorneys charge hourly rates, billing clients based on time spent on their cases. Make sure that you fully understand the billing policy of the attorney you hire, so you know what you should expect when it comes to the cost of their legal representation.

When Should I Hire a Galveston Federal Crimes Lawyer?

You should hire a Galveston federal crimes lawyer as quickly as possible after your arrest. It is crucial to fully exercise your right to remain silent until you have an experienced defense attorney representing you. Once you are placed under arrest, comply with instructions from the arresting officers, but do not say anything until you have a defense attorney present.

Contact Our Lawyer Team to Discuss Your Case Today

Hochglaube & DeBorde, P.C., provides focused and responsive federal criminal defense counsel for a wide range of cases. Our team has successfully represented many clients in the Galveston area and throughout Texas charged with various federal offenses, and we are ready to leverage this experience in your case. If you are charged with a federal crime, contact us today and schedule a free consultation with a Galveston federal crimes lawyer.