New York City Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Facing federal criminal charges or being under investigation by federal authorities is a serious matter that can have significant personal and professional consequences. When you need a New York federal defense lawyer in the Southern District of New York or Eastern District of New York, trust Boyle & Jasari to protect your rights and future. Federal crimes carry severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and lasting consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom, affecting your career, reputation, and family’s future. The complexity of federal criminal law and the significant resources available to federal prosecutors make it important to have legal guidance from an attorney experienced in the federal system.

Boyle & Jasari is a New York City federal criminal defense law firm representing clients in both the Southern District of New York (SDNY) and Eastern District of New York (EDNY). Our team combines deep knowledge of federal criminal procedures with strategic courtroom experience to provide the aggressive defense you need while offering the emotional support and clear communication that helps reduce anxiety during this difficult time. We focus first on challenging the government’s evidence and seeking acquittal, and when that’s not possible, we fight for the best possible outcome by identifying mitigating factors early in the process. Contact us now at (771) 217-2400 for a confidential consultation.

Federal White-Collar Crime Defense

White-collar federal crimes encompass a broad range of financial and business-related offenses that are aggressively prosecuted in New York’s federal courts. These cases often involve complex financial transactions, extensive document review, and sophisticated investigative techniques employed by federal agencies like the FBI, SEC, and IRS.

Our approach to white-collar defense focuses on understanding the intricate financial details that form the backbone of these prosecutions. We work closely with forensic accountants and financial experts to challenge the government’s interpretation of transactions and communications. Whether you’re facing charges related to securities fraud, tax evasion, money laundering, or embezzlement, we understand that these cases threaten not just your freedom, but your professional reputation and livelihood.

The government often builds white-collar cases over months or years, collecting emails, financial records, and witness statements. We counter this methodical approach with equally thorough preparation, examining every piece of evidence for weaknesses and inconsistencies. Our goal is to present alternative explanations for conduct that prosecutors claim was criminal, showing that transactions were legitimate business activities rather than fraudulent schemes.

Federal Drug Crime Defense

Federal drug charges carry mandatory minimum sentences and are prosecuted with the full resources of agencies like the DEA and FBI. These cases often involve wiretaps, surveillance, and cooperating witnesses, requiring a defense attorney who understands how to challenge evidence obtained through these investigative methods.

The federal government’s war on drugs has created a complex web of statutes with severe penalties that increase dramatically based on drug type, quantity, and prior convictions. Even first-time offenders can face decades in federal prison for drug trafficking charges. We provide comprehensive defense services from the initial investigation stage through trial and sentencing, challenging every aspect of the government’s case.

Wiretap evidence presents unique challenges and opportunities in federal drug cases. While these recordings can be damaging, they’re also subject to strict legal requirements that the government must follow. We scrutinize the authorization process, the scope of surveillance, and the accuracy of transcripts to identify constitutional violations that can lead to suppression of evidence.

Cooperating witnesses are common in federal drug prosecutions. These individuals often face their own serious charges and may have incentives to provide testimony favorable to the government. We investigate cooperating witnesses’ backgrounds, motivations, and consistency to expose any weaknesses in their accounts to judges and juries.

Federal Fraud Defense

Fraud cases in federal court involve allegations of mail fraud, wire fraud, securities fraud, healthcare fraud, and other schemes that cross state lines or involve federal programs. These complex cases require attorneys who can analyze financial records, understand regulatory compliance, and effectively communicate technical concepts to judges and juries.

The federal fraud statutes are remarkably broad, allowing prosecutors to criminalize business activities that might seem legitimate to those unfamiliar with the law. Mail and wire fraud statutes are broad and are often used to prosecute a wide range of conduct involving interstate communications.

Healthcare fraud cases have become increasingly common as the government focuses on Medicare and Medicaid abuse. These cases often involve healthcare providers accused of billing for services not rendered, upcoding procedures, or providing medically unnecessary treatments. We work with medical experts to understand the clinical standards and billing practices involved in these cases.

Securities fraud prosecutions require deep understanding of financial markets and SEC regulations. Whether the case involves insider trading, accounting fraud, or investment adviser misconduct, we analyze the underlying business activities and regulatory requirements to build effective defenses. Our experience includes representing individuals and corporations in high-stakes securities cases where the government seeks substantial prison sentences and asset forfeiture.

Federal Conspiracy Charges

Conspiracy charges allow prosecutors to hold individuals responsible for the actions of others involved in alleged criminal enterprises. These cases often involve multiple defendants, extensive wiretap evidence, and RICO allegations that can transform relatively minor criminal activity into federal racketeering charges.

Prosecutors favor conspiracy charges because they allow the government to tell a broad story about criminal organizations while holding each defendant responsible for the entire scope of the alleged conspiracy. Under federal law, you can be convicted of conspiracy even if you played a minor role or weren’t aware of all the conspiracy’s activities.

Successfully defending conspiracy charges requires understanding the nuances of federal conspiracy law and developing strategies that protect our clients from being held responsible for others’ actions. We focus on showing that our clients either didn’t join the conspiracy, withdrew from it, or that their actions were insufficient to establish the agreement required for conspiracy liability.

RICO prosecutions are a powerful tool for the government in cases involving alleged organized crime and business fraud. These cases allow prosecutors to seek enhanced penalties and asset forfeiture while painting defendants as members of criminal enterprises. We challenge RICO charges by disputing the existence of the enterprise, the pattern of racketeering activity, and our clients’ connection to the alleged organization.

Pre-Indictment Representation

Federal investigations often continue for months or years before charges are filed, providing opportunities for experienced counsel to intervene and potentially prevent prosecution. Pre-indictment representation involves several critical components:

• Target letters and grand jury subpoenas: When clients receive these communications, we immediately engage with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to understand the scope of the investigation and examine resolution options.
• Grand jury proceedings: While these are secret and targets have no right to appear before the grand jury, we can communicate with prosecutors about case weaknesses and provide information that might lead them to reconsider prosecution.
• Proffer sessions: These meetings where defendants provide information to prosecutors in exchange for limited immunity require careful consideration, as they can lead to cooperation agreements but also create statements usable at trial.

This early intervention can substantially impact the outcome of federal investigations, sometimes resulting in declination decisions where prosecutors choose not to file charges. We also prepare clients for the possibility of testimony, ensuring they understand their rights and the potential consequences of their statements while helping them navigate these critical decisions that can shape the entire trajectory of their case.

Federal Appeals

When trial court proceedings result in unfavorable outcomes, federal appeals provide opportunities to challenge convictions and sentences. Federal appellate practice requires specialized knowledge of appellate procedures and the ability to identify and argue complex legal issues:

• Direct appeals: Must be filed within strict deadlines and focus on legal errors that occurred during trial or sentencing, including improper jury instructions, erroneous evidentiary rulings, or sentences that violate federal guidelines or constitutional requirements.
• Post-conviction proceedings under 28 U.S.C. § 2255: Allow defendants to challenge convictions based on constitutional violations or ineffective assistance of counsel, often involving complex legal and factual issues requiring extensive investigation and expert testimony.

Success on direct appeal can result in reversed convictions, remanded cases for new trials, or reduced sentences. While post-conviction relief is difficult to obtain, it provides important opportunities to correct fundamental errors that affected the outcome of federal prosecutions and ensures that constitutional rights are protected throughout the entire legal process.

Understanding New York’s Federal Court System

The Southern District of New York and Eastern District of New York handle different types of federal cases and have distinct procedural practices that can substantially impact defense strategies:

• SDNY (Manhattan): Known for high-profile white-collar prosecutions and complex financial crimes, with prosecutors often handling high-stakes cases that attract significant public and media attention.
• EDNY (Brooklyn): Often handles organized crime, drug trafficking, and immigration-related cases, with prosecutors managing a broader range of cases that may be resolved more pragmatically.

These districts have different cultures and approaches to federal prosecution that require tailored defense strategies. Understanding these differences and maintaining relationships with prosecutors and court personnel in both districts provides strategic advantages for our clients, as we know which prosecutors are open to negotiation and which judges prefer particular types of arguments.

Why Federal Cases Require Specialized Defense

Federal criminal cases differ substantially from state prosecutions in terms of sentencing guidelines, procedural rules, and the resources available to prosecutors. Federal sentences are often longer and more severe than state sentences for similar conduct, making the stakes considerably higher for defendants. The Federal Sentencing Guidelines, while advisory, still substantially influence judicial decisions, requiring defense attorneys to understand how to argue for departures and variances that can substantially reduce potential sentences.

Federal prosecutors often have access to sophisticated investigative techniques, including wiretaps, financial analysis, and international cooperation, which may not be as readily available to state prosecutors. They also have more time and resources to build comprehensive cases that can be difficult to defend without equally sophisticated legal representation.

The federal system’s emphasis on cooperation agreements and plea agreements creates additional challenges for defendants. The government uses cooperation agreements to build cases against higher-level targets, offering sentence reductions to defendants who provide substantial assistance. Understanding when cooperation makes sense and when it’s better to proceed to trial requires experience with federal prosecutors and judges.

Only a skilled federal defense attorney with deep federal system knowledge can navigate these challenges effectively.

The Importance Of Local New York Experience

Federal criminal defense in New York benefits from regular interaction with specific prosecutors, judges, and court personnel who handle these cases daily. Local experience provides insights into prosecutorial practices, judicial preferences, and procedural nuances that can substantially impact case outcomes.

Our New York office location ensures we can respond quickly to emergency situations, attend court proceedings, and maintain the close client relationships necessary for effective federal criminal defense. When federal agents execute search warrants or make arrests, immediate legal representation can protect constitutional rights and prevent statements that could be damaging later in the process.

Building relationships with prosecutors takes time and consistent professional interaction. Prosecutors are more likely to consider alternative resolutions when they’re dealing with attorneys they know and respect. These relationships, built over years of practice, enable us to effectively advocate for our clients while maintaining the professional respect necessary for successful negotiations.

Common Questions

This section addresses frequently asked questions we receive from individuals seeking a New York City federal criminal defense lawyer, providing clear information about federal criminal proceedings and what to expect when facing federal charges.

What makes federal crimes different from state crimes?

Federal crimes are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office rather than local district attorneys and typically carry longer sentences with fewer opportunities for early release. Federal cases also involve different procedural rules, sentencing guidelines, and often more extensive investigations by federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, or IRS. The federal system has mandatory minimum sentences for many offenses and limited parole opportunities.

How do I know if I need a federal criminal defense lawyer?

If you have received a target letter, grand jury subpoena, or have been contacted by federal agents, you need federal criminal defense representation immediately. Even if no charges have been filed, federal investigations can continue for extended periods, and early legal intervention can substantially impact the outcome. Federal agents often present themselves as simply wanting to “talk,” but these conversations can become evidence in criminal cases.

What should I expect during a federal criminal case?

Federal criminal cases typically involve more complex procedures, longer timelines, and more severe potential penalties than state cases. The process may include pre-indictment negotiations, grand jury proceedings, arraignment, discovery, plea negotiations, trial, and sentencing, with each phase requiring specific legal strategies and careful preparation. Federal cases often involve extensive document discovery and expert witness testimony.

How long do federal criminal cases take?

Federal criminal cases typically take 6 months to 2 years to resolve, depending on the complexity of the charges and whether the case goes to trial. Complex white-collar cases or multi-defendant conspiracies may take considerably longer, while simpler cases resolved through plea agreements may conclude more quickly. The Speedy Trial Act requires federal cases to proceed within certain timeframes, but defendants often waive these rights to allow more time for preparation.

What are the penalties for federal crimes?

Federal crimes carry severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, restitution payments, and supervised release periods. Many federal offenses have mandatory minimum sentences, and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines recommend specific sentence ranges based on offense severity and criminal history. Federal defendants typically serve at least 85% of their sentences, with limited opportunities for early release.

Under Federal Investigation? We Can Help.

At Boyle & Jasari, we understand how frightening and confusing it is when federal charges are on the table—whether you’re facing them yourself or trying to help someone who is. From white collar crimes to federal drug offenses and international allegations, the government is already building its case—and time is not on your side.

Our attorneys bring unmatched trial experience and strategic insight from top federal agencies and global law firms. With over 200 jury trials and a reputation for aggressive, results-driven defense, we focus first on proving innocence. When that’s not possible, we fight for the best possible outcome by identifying mitigating factors early. This process moves fast—every decision matters.

No one should face the federal government alone. We offer confidential, high-stakes defense with the professionalism, discretion, and urgency your case demands. See what our clients say—and why they trust us with their freedom.

Contact us now or call (771) 217-2400 to schedule your consultation.