Federal Criminal Defense
Federal conspiracy, sentencing guidelines, proffer sessions, grand jury investigations, and asset forfeiture — and the critical differences between state and federal prosecution. Written by attorneys who practice in federal courts across Texas.
Latest in Federal Criminal Defense
SCOTUS vs. the Federal Drug-Gun Law: What “Unlawful User” Really Means — and Why It Matters for Your Case
By Deandra Grant, J.D., M.S. (Pharmaceutical Science), ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist On March 2, 2026, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in United States v. Hemani which is a case that could fundamentally…
Good Behavior After the Fact: How New Federal Sentencing Proposals Could Help Your Case
By Deandra Grant, J.D., M.S. (Pharmaceutical Science), ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist If you are facing federal criminal charges right now, or if you have already been charged and are waiting for sentencing, there…
Marijuana Rescheduled to Schedule III — But Federal Sentences May Not Change
On December 18, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to “take all necessary steps” to complete the rescheduling of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III…
What Is PPP Fraud — And How Is the Federal Government Prosecuting It?
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) distributed approximately $800 billion in forgivable loans to businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was designed to help small businesses retain employees during shutdowns and economic…
What Happens if You Lie to a Federal Agent — Even if You’re Not Under Arrest?
Most people know that lying under oath is a crime. What many people do not realize is that lying to a federal agent during a casual conversation even at your front door,…
What Are Your Rights During a Federal Grand Jury Investigation?
The federal grand jury is one of the most powerful investigative tools in the American legal system. It operates in secret, compels testimony and document production through subpoenas backed by the court’s…
Can Text Messages and Social Media Be Used as Evidence in a Federal Case?
Federal prosecutors have embraced digital evidence. Text messages, direct messages on social media platforms, posts, comments, photos, location data, and metadata from your phone and accounts are now standard components of the…
Can the Federal Government Seize Your House, Car, or Bank Accounts in a Criminal Case?
When most people think about the consequences of a federal criminal charge, they think about prison time. But the federal government has another powerful tool that can devastate defendants and their families:…
What Is a Federal Proffer Session — And Should You Agree to One?
If you are the target or subject of a federal investigation, there will likely come a point when the government invites you to participate in a proffer session which is sometimes called…
Can You Get Probation Instead of Prison for a Federal Crime in Texas?
In the Texas state system, probation, which is called community supervision, is available for a wide range of offenses, and judges exercise broad discretion in granting it. In the federal system, the…