Detroit Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers
Detroit Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers
If you’ve landed on this page, you’re probably facing federal criminal charges in the Detroit area—or you suspect that federal agents are building a case against you. At times like this, you need a dedicated, trustworthy, and experienced legal team to guide you. We understand what’s at stake: lengthy prison sentences, enormous fines, forfeitures, life-altering criminal records, and more. When the entire weight of the federal government is pressing down on you, you can’t afford to gamble with your future. That’s why our Detroit federal criminal defense lawyers are here: to protect your rights and steer you toward the best possible outcome.
Why Federal Charges Are So Serious
Facing federal criminal charges is drastically different from dealing with a state or local matter. The U.S. government has virtually unlimited resources and some of the toughest prosecutors in the country. Federal agencies—like the FBI, DEA, and ATF—spend months or even years building airtight cases. By the time you realize you’re under investigation, they’ve likely gathered a mountain of evidence. We don’t say this to scare you; we say it so you understand the importance of hiring a legal team that truly knows how to navigate federal court.
At our firm, we take on all sorts of federal cases—white-collar crimes, drug offenses, firearm charges, conspiracy allegations, and more. Over the years, we’ve represented clients who found themselves blindsided by indictments or target letters. Some come to us before they’ve been officially charged, after receiving subtle (or not-so-subtle) hints that federal agents have them in their crosshairs. Regardless of what stage you’re at, we’ll work tirelessly to protect you. We believe everyone deserves a champion—someone who’ll fight for their future and do everything legally and ethically possible to secure the best result.
Understanding the Federal System in Detroit
Detroit falls under the Eastern District of Michigan—one of the state’s two federal judicial districts. If you’re charged in federal court here, you’ll be up against Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) who handle federal prosecutions. These AUSAs collaborate closely with federal investigative agencies and have extensive resources to build their cases. They know how to use wiretaps, sting operations, detailed financial audits, and multi-agency investigations to chase convictions.
How you respond to a federal investigation or indictment can dramatically impact your future. If you have an attorney who isn’t skilled in federal procedure, you’re at a severe disadvantage. We pride ourselves on having deep experience in federal law, the local rules of the Eastern District of Michigan, and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. In other words, we understand the system you’re about to face. We’re here to ensure your rights remain protected—from the moment the feds knock on your door to the final resolution of your case.
Contents
Types of Federal Charges We Handle
White-Collar Crimes
White-collar crimes might seem “less serious” to some, but federal prosecutors don’t see it that way. They routinely go after individuals accused of fraud (wire, mail, bank), embezzlement, money laundering, and more. These charges often come with extensive paper trails, emails, bank statements, and witness testimony. A single count of wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) can send you to federal prison for up to 20 years—more if certain aggravating factors apply.
Drug Offenses
Drug allegations under federal law (21 U.S.C. §§ 841 and 846) carry harsh penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences. Detroit’s position as a major transportation hub makes it a frequent target for drug trafficking investigations—whether it’s heroin, fentanyl, meth, or something else. If you’ve been caught in the DEA’s dragnet, know that the government will have an extensive case against you. Wiretaps, undercover agents, and controlled buys are all fair game in federal prosecutions. We scrutinize every step of their investigation—if the government overstepped or violated your rights, we’ll move to have evidence suppressed or the case dismissed.
Firearm Offenses
Firearm laws under 18 U.S.C. §§ 922 and 924 can result in lengthy prison sentences—especially if you have a prior felony conviction. If you’re accused of possessing a firearm as a felon or carrying one during a drug trafficking offense or violent crime, the penalties skyrocket. Project Safe Neighborhoods and other federal initiatives specifically target illegal firearm possession in Detroit. Our legal team dives into every angle, from challenging unlawful searches to scrutinizing ownership records.
Conspiracy Charges
Conspiracy (18 U.S.C. § 371) is a broad, powerful tool for federal prosecutors. All they need to prove is an agreement between two or more people and at least one overt act to further that agreement. That’s it. You don’t even have to complete the crime to get charged. Drug conspiracies, money laundering conspiracies, fraud conspiracies—the list goes on. We’ll pick apart the alleged “agreement,” dissect testimonies from cooperating co-defendants, and isolate your specific role to show you weren’t a key player.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Sometimes, the first sign of trouble is a target letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office or a visit from federal agents wanting a “friendly chat.” You might think cooperating without counsel will clear your name. Unfortunately, many people talk themselves into indictments by volunteering too much information or trying to explain their side of the story without legal advice. We strongly urge you to contact a Detroit federal criminal defense lawyer as soon as you even suspect you’re under investigation.
We believe in pre-indictment advocacy—meaning we engage with prosecutors before they formally charge you if possible. By presenting mitigating evidence early, clarifying misunderstandings, or negotiating lesser charges, we sometimes head off the worst-case scenario. At the very least, it gives us a chance to understand the government’s perspective, gather evidence that counters theirs, and develop a strategy that positions you for the best outcome.
The Federal Court Process
Initial Appearance & Detention Hearings
Once you’re indicted, you’ll make an initial appearance before a federal magistrate. Bail or detention is decided here. Prosecutors may push to keep you locked up if they think you’re a flight risk or a danger to the community. We fight vigorously for your release or for the least restrictive conditions possible—like an unsecured bond or electronic monitoring.
Arraignment & Discovery
You’ll then be arraigned on the charges, where you plead guilty or not guilty. If you plead not guilty, discovery begins. This is where the prosecution hands over any evidence they intend to use against you—wiretap transcripts, surveillance footage, financial ledgers, witness statements, and more. We comb through everything, hunting for inconsistencies, procedural missteps, or downright mistakes.
Plea Negotiations & Motions
We’re not opposed to plea bargains if they work in your favor, such as significantly reduced charges or fewer counts. But we never push you to accept a deal that isn’t clearly in your best interest. Meanwhile, we can file motions to suppress evidence obtained illegally, dismiss charges if prosecutorial misconduct occurred, or even sever your case from other defendants if that’s beneficial.
Trial
If trial is your best option, we go all-in. Federal trials can be intimidating—they often involve expert witnesses, mountains of documents, and complicated testimony. We’ll challenge the credibility of government experts, cross-examine every witness, and create a narrative that counters the prosecution’s version of events. We don’t believe in sugarcoating the risks, and we don’t make false promises. What we offer is relentless preparation and a commitment to getting you the best possible outcome.
Federal Sentencing & Beyond
Federal Sentencing Guidelines can be scary. They factor in everything from the severity of the offense to your criminal history. Certain charges come with mandatory minimums, meaning the judge’s hands are tied when it comes to leniency. But federal judges do have the authority to deviate from the guidelines if mitigating circumstances apply. We do our homework—collecting proof of your positive character traits, community ties, or anything else that might persuade the court to show mercy.
If you’re found guilty, you still have rights. Appeals can be filed if legal errors, misconduct, or improper rulings compromised your trial’s fairness. We have extensive experience analyzing trial records, transcripts, and sentencing guidelines to identify grounds for appeal. If an error damaged your defense, we’ll fight for a new trial or a reduced sentence.
Why Choose Us as Your Detroit Federal Defense Team
There’s no shortage of lawyers in Detroit. But federal criminal defense is a different game entirely—it calls for a law firm that knows how prosecutors work, how local judges think, and how to fight back when the stakes are sky-high. We don’t shy away from tough cases or complex fact patterns. We’ve handled multi-defendant indictments, complicated financial conspiracies, and massive drug busts. Our mission isn’t just about winning cases; it’s about treating you like a human being, with dignity and respect.
We believe in transparent communication. If you have questions, you deserve clear, straightforward answers. No sugarcoating. No guesswork. We’ll tell you exactly where things stand and what options are on the table. We know how overwhelming it is to face federal charges, and we’re here to be your ally, your advisor, and—if it comes down to it—your fiercest advocate in court.
Call Us. Let’s Talk About Your Future.
When your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line, every decision matters. We’re available 24/7 to speak with you—because we know federal investigations don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule. Reach out for a risk-free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, ask questions about your situation, and explain how we can help. This initial conversation doesn’t commit you to anything, but it could be the difference between a prison sentence and reclaiming your life.
If you’re facing federal charges in Detroit, don’t go it alone. We are the “only get out of jail card” you need. Let us be the legal team that stands by your side, champions your rights, and fights for a favorable outcome—no matter how complicated your case may look. Our loyalty is to you, and our goal is simple: get you the best result possible, whether that’s a dismissal, reduced charges, or a not-guilty verdict at trial. That’s what we do. Let us help you.