Federal Crimes

Modesto, CA Federal Crimes Lawyers

Defending Clients in Stanislaus, Fresno & Sacramento Counties

Being accused of a federal crime is a very serious matter. These are crimes that violate federal law, cross state lines, or are committed against federal property or federal officials. They are investigated by federal agencies with the full resources of the federal government. These agencies can include the FBI, DEA, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the IRS, and more. They are prosecuted in federal court and can lead to prison terms in federal facilities along with fines and probation. The federal criminal justice system is different from California’s system with different procedures and rules of evidence. You will need an attorney who is licensed to practice in federal court and experienced in federal criminal defense.

At Forkner Orlando & Echevarria, our team represents those being investigated by federal agencies as well as those who are facing federal charges. Our Modesto, CA federal crime attorneys have decades of experience in handling such cases, from the investigation stage throughout all further stages of the process. We know how to conduct our own investigations into charges, analyze evidence, build effective defense strategies, negotiate with prosecutors, and make compelling arguments in court in your defense. 

Put an experienced Modesto, CA federal crimes attorney on your side by contacting Forkner Orlando & Echevarria at (209) 753-4009 for a free case review. Hablamos español.

Federal Crimes Cases

Federal crimes number in the thousands. They can include but are not limited to such crimes as:

  • Bank robbery
  • Arson and explosives violations
  • Bribery/ Public corruption
  • Forgery and counterfeiting
  • Drug crimes
  • Theft from government programs
  • Firearm offenses
  • Bank and lending fraud
  • Kidnapping
  • Investment fraud
  • Health care fraud
  • Insurance fraud
  • Mail fraud
  • Bank and wire fraud
  • Human trafficking
  • Money laundering
  • Pornography
  • Tax evasion
  • Terrorist acts

Your case may begin by receiving a federal grand jury target letter. These letters are sent to individuals whom the federal government believes to be linked to criminal activity. You may have been under investigation by a federal law enforcement agency for months or even years while agents work on collecting enough evidence to bring to a Grand Jury investigation. Target letters are sent to advise individuals of their rights in these matters. You will need a federal crimes lawyer immediately. Receiving such a letter means that you may be indicted in a criminal matter. 

Indictments are formal criminal charges brought against you by the Grand Jury. These Juries are brought together in federal court to review preliminary evidence to decide if that evidence provides sufficient proof of a crime. When they decide the evidence merits it, they vote to indict you. After an indictment, the federal criminal case can move forward to a trial. However, before the trial, you may be given a plea bargain by the federal prosecutor which you can either agree to or not. Making such a decision is a critical matter. Our team can provide the advice and representation you need throughout the entire process to help you reach the best possible outcome for your case.