Can Federal Charges Against Me Be Dropped In San Diego, California?

If you are under investigation for a federal crime in San Diego, you will want an attorney who can argue that your involvement in the alleged offense did not occur or is mitigated for some other reason. 

However, once you have been charged with a federal crime, it is difficult to have the government completely drop the charge against you. Often, it is cases like these that will need to go to trial.

Federal Investigators Have Vast Resources

Potential sentences for a federal conviction are typically much harsher than similar charges at the state level. Federal investigators often take months or even years to gather information and evidence if they suspect someone has committed a crime. These probes can be driven by several governmental bodies, either alone or working with other agencies, such as:

• Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
• Department of Justice (DOJ)
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
• United States Postal Service (USPS)
• U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
• Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Typical Federal Offenses

Crimes are defined as federal offenses when they cross state lines, occur over the internet or involve a federal agency. Examples include:

• Drug trafficking
• Bank robbery
• Sex crimes
• Internet pornography
• Human trafficking
• White collar crimes, such as securities fraud and embezzlement
• Identity theft
• Mortgage fraud
• Insurance fraud
• Mail fraud
• Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) cases
• Drug crimes
• Firearms offenses
• Terrorism

Responding To A “Target Letter”

An experienced federal criminal defense attorney will fight vigorously to help individuals avoid charges. The first indicator you may receive is a so-called “target letter.” A U.S. attorney sends these to individuals the government believes to be involved in a crime. They usually contain only basic information such as:

• A vague outline of the case being investigated
• A request for an interview with federal agents

Target letters are sent after agents complete their investigation, presenting evidence and a list of suspects and witnesses to the U.S. attorney. If you receive one of these documents, it is crucial that you do not ignore it and contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately.

How Does A Lawyer Protect Your Rights?

Hiring a knowledgeable lawyer has immediate benefits. Law enforcement cannot contact you directly or come to your home or workplace. All communications must go through your attorney. Also, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled investigators can lie to suspects. However, the U.S. attorney cannot lie to your lawyer or the court. This protects you from unfair treatment by agents. Your lawyer will immediately contact prosecutors to determine whether you are the prime target or considered a witness.

If the government wants your assistance in the investigation, your attorney will uncover what the prosecutor wants from you and how you can benefit. In certain cases, a knowledgeable lawyer may recommend that you cooperate under a limited immunity agreement, known as a proffer. This can result in avoiding prosecution or having charges dropped or reduced.

Experienced Federal Defense Is Crucial

By the time you become aware you are targeted in a federal investigation, agents have typically amassed substantial potential evidence against you. Once charges are officially filed, it is challenging to get them dropped. If you are convicted or plead guilty, federal sentencing guidelines are extremely complicated, and judges must implement mandatory minimum sentences in many instances.

Our firm has extensive experience in these cases, defending clients against federal charges in Southern California and San Diego County. We will work diligently to achieve the best possible outcome by aggressively disputing the U.S. attorney’s case, arguing for charges to be dropped or reduced, securing probation or house arrest when appropriate or fighting for you in a courtroom.