Some of the worst news anyone can learn is that they are under investigation or being arrested for federal criminal charges. Federal investigators are very skilled and work carefully to build a strong case. They also work closely with federal prosecutors who often advise investigators through aspects of the investigation to avoid any errors that the defendant might be able to later use as a defense. These investigators and prosecutors are not only well-trained but have the vast resources of the United States Government at their disposal to build strong cases. What’s more, federal prosecutors rarely accept charges unless they are confident that they can prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. Also, prosecutors in federal court typically have less individual autonomy and discretion to reduce charges or offer consideration than do state prosecutors, at least without first establishing that certain conditions are met or without approval from supervisors, bureaucrats that are more removed from the trenches of prosecution. This translates to the cases against defendants being stronger and prosecutors being less able or willing to reduce charges.

Almost thirty percent of adjudicated Federal cases in 2022 were drug crimes, followed by immigration crimes. This is more than any other category of felony offense. Lake Charles and Calcasieu Parish sit between Houston and New Orleans on the I-10 corridor. This stretch of road is a hotbed for pretextual traffic stops whereby police legally or illegally stop motorists for purported minor traffic violations to search for evidence of criminal activity, particularly drug and illegal immigrant trafficking. What’s more, savvy investigators utilize confidential informants to gain information about trafficking. That information is often used to obtain search warrants. These warrants can allow police to search places such as homes, vehicles, or storage units, to obtain and search cellular phone and GPS location records, and even to tap phones to eavesdrop on suspects planning illegal activity in real time. Police often know when a trafficker will pass through and lie in wait to make the bust.

Sometimes more important than defending the underlying case, the defendant receives the most benefit from an attorney who is well versed in the United States Sentencing Guidelines. These guidelines are a standardized framework that recommend the form and severity of punishment for persons convicted of certain federal crimes. While judges are not obligated to follow the guidelines, many either often do, and all judges are obligated to determine and consider the guideline sentence before then deviating. A meticulous attorney can identify and argue against unreasonable or incorrect guideline provisions that the government claims are applicable, and which make the punishment more severe. A meticulous attorney can also identify and argue for mitigating guideline provisions that the government did not recognize on its own and which renders the punishment less severe.

Regardless of whether the battle will be fought on the underlying charges, on the proper punishment, or both, Defendants in federal court need a competent attorney who is well versed in defending federal, criminal cases. This not only includes being skilled at evaluating and exploiting legal and factual defenses but includes being familiar with federal procedure as well as the federal judges and prosecutors. Michael Antoon has several years of experience practicing in Louisiana Federal Courts, particularly those in the Western District of Louisiana, predominantly in the Lake Charles and Lafayette divisions. Do not leave your fate to chance if charged with a federal crime. Call Michael Antoon today for a consultation.

We represent cases in the following areas:

• Felonies
• Violent crimes
• Property crimes
• Fraud
• Theft
• Illegal wire transfers
• Embezzlement
• Drug charges
• Possession of drugs
• Possession with intent
• Distribution of drugs
• Drug trafficking
• Public order crimes
• Regulatory offenses
• Trafficking of illegal immigrants
• HOBBS act
• LACEY act
• Weapons charges
• Gun charges
• Felon in possession of a firearm
• Sex offenses
• Misdemeanors
• Fort Johnson charges