How Our Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Assist You

If you face federal criminal charges, your case may be based on:

Indictment by a federal grand jury. In the federal criminal justice system, the prosecution presents evidence to a grand jury, which then decides to issue formal criminal charges, known as an indictment. You respond to an indictment as you would other criminal charges. But, if you know an indictment is imminent or that a federal investigation is underway, that can be a highly beneficial time to seek the legal assistance of a federal criminal defense attorney.

In the federal criminal justice system, the prosecution presents evidence to a grand jury, which then decides to issue formal criminal charges, known as an indictment. You respond to an indictment as you would other criminal charges. But, if you know an indictment is imminent or that a federal investigation is underway, that can be a highly beneficial time to seek the legal assistance of a federal criminal defense attorney. Arrest on federal property. If you are arrested on federal property or by federal law enforcement officers for any legal offense, the related charges are filed by the U.S. government and are referred to the federal court system. Federal installations in New Jersey include: Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (McGuire Air Force Base, Fort Dix, Lakehurst Maxfield Field) Naval Weapons Station Earle at Colts Neck, N.J. Picatinny Arsenal in Morris County, N.J. National Park Service properties, such as Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Ellis Island, Gateway National Recreation Area and Fort Hancock, Morristown National Historical Park, New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve, etc.

If you are arrested on federal property or by federal law enforcement officers for any legal offense, the related charges are filed by the U.S. government and are referred to the federal court system. Federal installations in New Jersey include:

Crimes of violence, property destruction, service disruption or interfering with a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) official at an airport may be prosecuted as federal crimes, as well.

Sometimes, a case that is being investigated by state and/or local officials becomes a federal case if multiple people, multiple alleged instances of crime and/or large amounts of money or contraband (drugs, illegal weapons, etc.) are involved.

When a series of indictments allege multiple people have colluded to form a criminal enterprise, the government may, in addition to conspiracy charges, levy RICO charges under the Federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act.

If you have been arrested and are being held, we will work first to have you released for the lowest amount of bail possible or released on your own recognizance (ROR).

We can also begin immediately to investigate your case, including reaching out to contacts with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to work to keep the most serious potential charges against you from even being considered.

In cases before a grand jury, we can:

Monitor the investigation and the grand jury testimony to get an idea of the evidence against you

Investigate the facts of the case, and the evidence and charges under consideration

Advise you about your own testimony and/or cooperation with investigators, if you are subpoenaed

It is not unusual for us to negotiate the conversion of a client’s status in an investigation from “target” to “unindicted coconspirator,” “person of interest,” or “witness.” In certain situations, we can negotiate with the government for you to testify under a grant of immunity.

If you are indicted, we can begin immediately to work on our challenges to the government’s case.

We may be able to attack the charges on the basis of flawed testimony or lack of credibility among alleged coconspirators or undercover agents. Sometimes, such as when alleged coconspirators face more serious charges, we can leverage your knowledge of the case or the names of confidential informants to convince the government to reduce or drop charges against you.

In some cases, such as simple arrests on federal property or charges transferred from state to federal court, we may be able to challenge the government’s case due to:



Improper or illegal search and seizure

Chain of custody issues with evidence alleged to have been in your possession, such as drugs or weapons

Mistaken identity, due to a flawed lineup or false accusations, or another procedural error

Racial, ethnic, socio-economic or other bias against you

When necessary, or if it best serves your interests, we will be ready for trial with a case that demonstrates to judge and jury that justice demands a not-guilty verdict.

Federal charges are often based on complex cases and laws, which can make it tougher for the federal government to prove its allegations. It is important that you understand what you’re up against, for better or worse, and that you have skilled and experienced legal representation.

Call or fill out our online form today to talk to one of our experienced federal crimes defense attorneys about your case. We can meet in any of our nine offices in New Jersey to outline the legal options available, and the best steps to take to protect yourself from federal authorities.