The attorneys at Fast Law have handled more than 200 federal criminal matters, representing clients at every stage of the process, from federal investigations and pretrial proceedings through trial and appeal. The Firm’s lawyers include former federal and state prosecutors and have collectively handled more than 70 cases to verdict.
For Russian-speaking clients, Elena can discuss the evidence, strategy, potential sentence, plea options, and trial decisions directly in Russian, without the need for an interpreter.
Fast Law regularly represents clients in the Southern District of New York (SDNY) and Eastern District of New York (EDNY) and handles federal matters throughout the United States, subject to court admission requirements. Elena also regularly tries cases in federal court.
Federal Criminal Defense for Russian-Speaking Clients
Federal investigations often begin before an arrest.
A client may first learn of an investigation when federal agents come to their home or business, when a search warrant is executed, or when the client receives a grand jury subpoena or target letter. In other cases, an arrest or indictment comes first.
When we become involved during a federal investigation, our work may include determining the client’s status, communicating with federal prosecutors, evaluating potential charges, responding to subpoenas, reviewing evidence, and determining whether there is an opportunity to prevent charges, or limit the scope of the subpoena compliance.
After an indictment, we focus on the government’s discovery, conduct our own defense investigation, consider and research potential motions, evaluate sentencing exposure, engage on plea negotiations, and work on defense trial strategy.
We do not assume that every federal case should end in a plea. We prepare cases with trial in mind and regularly try cases to verdict in federal court.
Federal Cases We Handle
Fast Law represents individuals, executives, professionals, business owners, and other clients in serious federal investigations and prosecutions involving:
- Wire fraud and mail fraud
- Bank and financial fraud
- Healthcare fraud
- Securities and investment fraud
- Money laundering
- Federal narcotics offenses
- Drug trafficking and narcotics conspiracies
- Federal firearms offenses
- 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) charges
- RICO and racketeering
- Federal conspiracy charges
- Obstruction offenses
- Public corruption
- Federal sex offenses
- Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) offenses
- Complex multi-defendant prosecutions
- International and cross-border investigations
- Cases involving extensive financial, electronic, or digital evidence
We also represent clients who have received a federal target letter, grand jury subpoena, request for an interview, or other indication that they may be under investigation by the FBI, DEA, IRS-CI, HSI, or another federal agency.
Federal Trial Experience
Not every criminal defense lawyer regularly tries cases.
Trial experience matters even when a case ultimately resolves without trial. It affects how the evidence is evaluated, how witnesses are assessed, how motions are litigated, and how negotiations with the government are approached.
Elena Fast has tried more than 25 federal and state criminal cases to verdict as lead counsel. Her trial experience includes serious cases involving narcotics, firearms, homicide allegations, sexual offenses, and complex conspiracy charges.
Fast Law’s attorneys have collectively handled more than 70 cases to verdict.
The Firm is also available to join an existing defense team when a client or referring attorney wants additional trial counsel for a serious criminal case.
For a Russian-speaking client facing trial, there is another important consideration: communication with trial counsel. Elena can discuss witness testimony, exhibits, recorded communications, cross-examination, defense strategy, plea decisions, and the risks of proceeding to verdict directly with the client in Russian.
No interpreter is necessary for these attorney-client conversations.
Representation During a Federal Investigation
Some of the most consequential work in a federal case happens before charges are filed.
If federal agents want to speak with you, you receive a target letter or subpoena, or you learn that prosecutors are investigating you or your business, you should not assume that an indictment is inevitable.
Pre-charge representation may include:
- Communicating with federal prosecutors and agents
- Determining whether the client is considered a witness, subject, or target
- Responding to grand jury subpoenas
- Advising the client concerning requests for interviews
- Addressing search warrants and seizures
- Conducting an independent investigation
- Reviewing financial, electronic, and documentary evidence
- Presenting information to prosecutors before a charging decision
- Preparing for a negotiated surrender when charges cannot be avoided
Fast Law has represented clients in federal investigations that concluded without criminal charges.
Federal Defense in SDNY and EDNY
Fast Law regularly represents clients in New York’s two principal federal criminal jurisdictions:
Southern District of New York — SDNY
The Southern District includes Manhattan, the Bronx, Westchester, and several surrounding counties. Federal criminal cases are heard primarily in Manhattan and White Plains.
Eastern District of New York — EDNY
The Eastern District includes Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau County, and Suffolk County, New York. Criminal cases are generally heard in either the Brooklyn or the Central Islip Courthouse.
Our federal practice also extends beyond New York. We handle matters in other federal jurisdictions where admitted and work with local counsel when appropriate.
Direct Communication in Russian
Federal criminal cases can involve thousands of pages of discovery, recorded calls, text messages, financial records, electronic devices, cooperating witnesses, expert evidence, and complicated sentencing issues.
The client must understand more than what happened at the last court appearance.
Decisions may involve:
- whether to speak with investigators;
- whether to provide information to prosecutors;
- whether to file particular motions;
- how the Federal Sentencing Guidelines affect potential exposure;
- whether to accept or reject a plea agreement;
- whether to testify;
- whether to proceed to trial; and
- whether to appeal.
Those decisions belong to the client.
For a Russian-speaking client, being able to discuss them directly with counsel in Russian can eliminate a significant barrier. Elena Fast is fluent in Russian and can communicate directly with Russian-speaking clients without an interpreter.
Working With Russian-Speaking Families
Federal cases frequently affect an entire family, particularly after an arrest.
Family members may be trying to determine where the defendant is being held, whether the government will seek detention, when the next court appearance will occur, or what they can do to assist with a release proposal.
Subject to the client’s authorization, attorney-client confidentiality, and the circumstances of the case, Elena can communicate with Russian-speaking family members in Russian and explain the federal process.
That can be particularly important during the first days after an arrest, when families are trying to understand an unfamiliar federal court system.
Representation From Investigation Through Appeal
Fast Law handles federal criminal matters throughout the life of the case, including:
- Federal investigations
- Target letters and grand jury subpoenas
- Arrest and surrender
- Initial appearances
- Bail and detention hearings
- Arraignment
- Discovery
- Motion practice
- Plea negotiations
- Jury trials
- Sentencing
- Post-trial motions
- Federal appeals
Different cases require different strategies.
Sometimes the objective is preventing charges before an indictment is filed. Sometimes the central dispute is resolved through motion practice. Sometimes the evidence and circumstances favor a negotiated resolution. And sometimes the defense requires a jury trial.
The strategy should follow the case, not the other way around.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Elena Fast speak Russian?
Yes. Elena Fast is fluent in Russian and regularly represents Russian-speaking clients. She can communicate directly with clients in Russian about the evidence, defense strategy, plea negotiations, sentencing exposure, and trial decisions without an interpreter.
Does Fast Law handle federal criminal cases?
Yes. The attorneys at Fast Law have handled more than 200 federal criminal matters at stages ranging from investigation and pretrial proceedings through trial and appeal.
Do you represent clients in SDNY and EDNY?
Yes. Fast Law regularly represents clients in the Southern District of New York and Eastern District of New York.
Can you represent me before federal charges are filed?
Yes. Fast Law represents clients during federal investigations as well as after indictment. Early representation can be particularly important when a client receives a target letter or subpoena, is approached by federal agents, or learns that a federal investigation is underway.
What should I do if I receive a federal target letter?
Speak with experienced federal criminal counsel before contacting prosecutors or federal agents yourself. Counsel can determine the nature of the investigation, communicate with the government, assess your potential exposure, and advise you before you make statements or provide information.
What should I do if FBI agents want to interview me?
You have the right to speak with an attorney before deciding whether to participate in an interview. Do not lie to federal agents or obstruct an investigation, but you do not have to answer questions simply because agents ask them.
Does Fast Law handle federal fraud and money laundering cases?
Yes. The Firm handles serious federal financial cases, including wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, financial fraud, money laundering, securities matters, healthcare fraud, and related conspiracy charges.
Does Fast Law handle federal narcotics and firearms cases?
Yes. Fast Law represents clients in federal narcotics prosecutions, drug conspiracies, firearms cases, and charges under statutes including 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).
Do you actually try federal criminal cases?
Yes. Elena Fast has tried more than 25 federal and state criminal cases to verdict as lead counsel. The attorneys at the Firm have collectively handled more than 70 cases to verdict.
Fast Law may also join an existing defense team when additional trial counsel is needed.
Can you represent a Russian-speaking client outside New York?
Potentially. Fast Law handles federal criminal matters throughout the United States, subject to admission requirements in the particular federal court and, when necessary, association with local counsel.
Speak Directly With a Russian-Speaking Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are under federal investigation, have received a target letter or subpoena, or have already been charged with a federal offense, contact Fast Law to discuss the matter.
Elena Fast is fluent in Russian and can speak with Russian-speaking clients directly, without an interpreter.
Fast Law represents clients in serious federal criminal matters from investigation through trial and appeal.