Defense For Federal Criminal Prosecutions And Investigations
A federal crime is an activity that violates U.S. federal laws. Official agencies in federal agencies such as the FBI investigate them and United States attorneys investigate them in federal courts. Violations of state and local entities may also be federal crimes when they take place on U.S. federal properties or Indian reservations.
At Leonard Trial Lawyers in Chicago, we regularly and aggressively defend individuals and entities in the trial of federal criminal prosecutions, and in connection with federal investigations. We recognize that, even though all cases cannot ultimately proceed to a jury trial, they must be prepared from the outset with that singular goal end in mind.
We have obtained extraordinary results for our clients in federal criminal matters. However, we can do more than just say that we have been, or will be, successful in trying federal criminal cases to jury verdicts. Our track record demonstrates verifiable accomplishments.
A Federal Crime Defense Team That Stands Out
Attorney Mike Leonard is believed to be the only presently practicing federal criminal attorney who has obtained six or more not-guilty jury verdicts on all counts and charges in federal criminal prosecutions brought by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois (Chicago).
In the process of selecting an attorney for representation in federal criminal matters, an attorney’s track record of actual success in federal criminal jury trials is critically important. Accordingly, a client facing potential or actual federal criminal charges should not hesitate to ask about an attorney’s jury trial history in federal criminal prosecutions. Moreover, because we did not conduct previous work for the United States Attorneys’ Office as federal prosecutors, we bring a unique and defense-oriented perspective to the defense of federal criminal prosecutions.
We also regularly provide zealous representation in connection with pre-charge plea negotiations, as well as in connection with what is often a crucial part of federal criminal cases – sentencing submissions and sentencing hearings under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
We have achieved similar success in representing individuals facing state criminal charges. This includes a recent complete not-guilty jury verdict in favor of our client in a murder prosecution brought by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.
In addition to our trial work, we have handled numerous appeals at the federal and state level, within and outside the federal and state appellate courts located within Illinois.
Representative Federal And State Criminal Cases Handled
In our years of service to Chicago and greater Illinois, we have worked with clients involved in a wide range of cases involving allegations of federal offenses such as conspiracy, RICO violations and other white collar crimes such as identity theft (ID theft and misuse).
We vigorously represent clients charged with mail, wire, bank and Securities fraud. Other types of fraud in our clients’ cases include mortgage, Medicare and Medicaid fraud and kickback. We defend people accused of theft of federal benefits and various kinds of financial fraud such as home repair fraud.
Consult with our defense attorneys to devise a defense strategy for any other federal crime allegations you are facing, such as the following:
- Bank robbery, Hobbs Act robbery or cargo theft
- Violent crimes, including aggravated assault, murder and attempted murder
- Gun use and other weapon crimes, including felon in possession
- Counterfeiting
- Acting as an agent for a foreign government
- Immigration and border crossing crimes, such as reentry violations
- Federal protected species violations
- Murder, attempted murder and other crimes of violence
Serious drug crime cases at the federal level include allegations of possession, distribution, conspiracy and trafficking. Sometimes the difference between a federal crime and a state crime is the quantity of banned substances.
Our winning defenses for some clients sometimes include persuading federal prosecutors that our clients’ cases should be considered as state criminal charges rather than federal ones. With a move to a state court, our clients may have opportunities for more favorable outcomes.
Begin Your Defense Today
Whether you are facing charges already, or rumors indicate that you may be questioned or charged, consult with us now to begin preparing and building your defense. Contact us by calling 312-815-6572 or using our online contact form.