Federal Charges in Queens Explained
Federal charges are typically more severe than state-level offenses and often come with harsher penalties. A federal indictment can threaten everything you’ve worked for—your career, your reputation, your family and your future.
Federal investigations can be far-reaching, often involving multiple agencies like the FBI, DEA, IRS, ATF or U.S. Secret Service. That’s why we approach every case with the urgency and dedication it deserves.
At The Fast Law Firm, P.C., we know that facing federal charges in Queens can be overwhelming and frightening. We’re here to guide you through the complexities of the federal justice system and fight effectively for your rights and freedom.
In this discussion, we’ll break down the types of federal charges commonly seen in Queens and explain why having an experienced defense team is crucial.
Types of Federal Offenses Prosecuted in Queens
Here in Queens, we frequently see cases involving:
- Drug Trafficking: The distribution or intent to distribute large quantities of controlled substances across state lines or international borders.
- White-Collar Crimes: Complex financial crimes such as embezzlement, securities fraud, tax fraud or money laundering that often involve sophisticated schemes or means.
- Fraud: This can include wire fraud, mail fraud, healthcare fraud, or identity theft schemes that cross state lines, use federal systems or violate federal laws
When you’re facing federal charges in Queens, your reputation, career, and future are all at stake – even an investigation, or an arrest for a case that later gets dismissed can have lasting consequences. Convictions often carry mandatory minimum sentences, which can mean years or even decades in federal prison.
We bring our federal defense experience directly to your side. We understand the nuances of federal law and the strategies that work in the Eastern District of New York If you’re under investigation or have been charged with a federal crime in Queens, don’t wait. Contact The Fast Law Firm, P.C. today for a confidential consultation.
We will together to build your defense and take control of your case before the prosecution does.
Why You Need a Queens Federal Defense Attorney
When facing federal charges in Queens, the stakes couldn’t be higher. At The Fast Law Firm, P.C., we understand the complexity of federal law and the unique challenges of navigating the legal landscape in this borough. Our team brings deep experience and local knowledge to your defense, giving you the edge you need when your freedom is on the line.
Federal cases are different from state-level charges. The prosecutors are often more experienced, the resources at their disposal are vast, and the potential penalties can be severe.
When comparing federal prosecutions to state prosecutions, the federal prosecutors (U.S. Attorney’s Office) have a 98% conviction rate, while the state prosecutors in New York hover around 90%. This is why having a seasoned Queens federal defense attorney by your side is not just beneficial—it’s crucial.
We know the federal court system inside and out. Our experience in the Eastern District of New York, which covers Queens, gives us invaluable insights into how federal cases are handled in this jurisdiction. In fact, one of our attorneys, Lawrence Gerzog, is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney out of the Eastern District of New York.
We don’t just understand the law—we understand Queens federal cases. We know the local dynamics, the judges, and the prosecutors in both the Brooklyn Courthouse and in Central Islip Courthouse. This local knowledge, combined with our federal defense experience on both sides of the aisle, allows us to craft strategies tailored specifically to your case and this jurisdiction.
Federal investigations move fast, and so do we. From the moment you engage our services, we’re working tirelessly to protect your rights and build a robust defense. We analyze every piece of evidence, challenge the prosecution’s case at every turn, and leverage our knowledge of federal law to your advantage. Yet, in addition to all the work we do on your case, we also remain in constant contact with you getting up to speed on the case and also answering whatever questions may come up.
Remember, in federal cases, early intervention can make all the difference. If you’re under investigation or have been charged with a federal crime in Queens, don’t wait. The prosecution is already building their case—you need a team that’s ready to fight back immediately.
At The Fast Law Firm, P.C., we bring the aggressive defense and federal court experience you need to face these serious charges head-on. We’re not just lawyers—we’re your advocates, your strategists, your confidantes and your shield against the full force of federal prosecution.
What To Look for in a Federal Defense Attorney
When facing federal charges, your choice of attorney can make a critical difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s what you should look for when selecting a federal defense attorney:
Extensive Federal Case Experience
Federal cases demand a specific skill set and deep knowledge of federal procedures. The Firm you hire needs to either solely or mainly do federal criminal defense matters. You cannot afford to hire a generalist attorney or even a generalist state criminal defense attorney. We bring years of experience navigating the federal court system to your defense. Our team has handled a wide range of federal cases, from white-collar crimes to RICO, sex crimes, homicides, and complex drug distribution charges.
Proven Track Record of Success
While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, a strong track record is a good indicator of an attorney’s capabilities. We recommend that you visit our reviews to get more insight on our clients’ feedback. We’re proud of our history of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients in federal cases. We’ve successfully negotiated plea deals, won dismissals, obtained non-prosecution and/or deferred prosecution agreements, and secured (partial) acquittals in high-stakes federal trials.
Deep Understanding of Federal Law
Federal laws are constantly evolving, and staying current is crucial. Our team dedicates significant time to ongoing education and stays abreast of the latest changes in federal statutes and case law. This commitment ensures that we’re always prepared to leverage the most up-to-date legal strategies in your defense.
Strong Investigative Skills
Federal cases often involve extensive evidence and complex paper trails. We excel at thorough investigation and evidence analysis. Our team works tirelessly to uncover every detail that could strengthen your defense, from challenging the validity of search warrants to identifying procedural errors in the prosecution’s case.
Negotiation and Trial Experience
While we always prepare for trial, we also recognize the value of skilled negotiation. Our attorneys are adept at both, giving you the flexibility to pursue the best possible outcome for your case. Whether it’s negotiating with federal prosecutors for reduced charges or a non-prosecution or a deferred prosecution agreement, or presenting a compelling case before a jury, we’re prepared to fight for you at every stage.
Client-Focused Approach
We believe in personalized defense strategies. We take the time to understand your unique situation, concerns, and goals. Our approach isn’t one-size-fits-all; we tailor our defense to your specific case and needs.
The consequences of inadequate defense strategies in federal cases can be severe. This underscores the critical importance of choosing a federal defense attorney with the right experience, skills, and commitment to your case.
At The Fast Law Firm, P.C., we bring all these qualities to your defense. We understand that facing federal charges is overwhelming, but you don’t have to face this challenge alone. Our team is ready to act swiftly, think strategically, and fight aggressively to protect your rights and your future.
How a Queens Federal Defense Attorney Can Help You
We know that facing federal charges can be overwhelming and frightening. When your freedom is on the line, you need an experienced legal team that moves fast and fights hard to protect your rights. That’s exactly what we do for clients across Queens and the greater New York City area.
As federal defense attorneys, we employ a range of powerful strategies to defend clients against even the most complex federal charges:
- Thorough Case Analysis: We meticulously examine every detail of the government’s case against you, looking for weaknesses and problematic areas.
- Aggressive Pre-Trial Motions: Our team files strategic motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or limit the scope of the prosecution’s case whenever possible.
- Skilled Plea Negotiations: When appropriate, we leverage our federal court experience to negotiate favorable plea deals that minimize penalties.
- Powerful Trial Advocacy: If your case goes to trial, we bring our extensive courtroom expertise to present a compelling defense and challenge the prosecution at every turn.
- Sentencing Mitigation: Even after a conviction, we fight to secure the most lenient sentence possible through strategic arguments and evidence presentation.
We understand that federal cases often move quickly, with prosecutors wielding significant resources. That’s why we act fast to get ahead of the investigation, working to protect you from the moment you become aware of potential charges.
Common Cases We Handle
Our team has deep experience navigating the intricacies of the federal court system in the Eastern District of New York, which covers Queens. While every case is unique, our federal defense work often involves charges such as:
- Drug trafficking and drug conspiracy,
- White-collar crimes like fraud and embezzlement,
- Racketeering (RICO) violations,
- CP and Sex Trafficking charges,
- Murder and Murder for Hire,
- Cybercrime and identity theft, and
- Federal firearms offenses
At The Fast Law Firm, P.C., we’re prepared to challenge evidence from any source, working to protect your rights at every stage of the process. While we can’t guarantee a specific outcome, we can promise this: we’ll fight tirelessly to protect your rights and pursue the best possible resolution for your case.
Whether that means aggressively pushing for a dismissal, negotiating a favorable plea deal, or presenting a powerful defense at trial, we’re prepared to do whatever it takes within the bounds of the law.
The Legal Process for Federal Cases in Queens
When facing federal charges in Queens, understanding the legal process is crucial. At The Fast Law Firm, P.C., we guide our clients through every step, fighting to protect their rights and their future. Here’s what you can expect:
Arrest and Initial Appearance
The process typically begins with an arrest, either through a warrant or during an ongoing investigation. If you are arrested on a weekday, you’ll have your initial appearance before a federal magistrate judge the same day. If you are arrested early enough on Saturday morning, you will appear before a federal magistrate that same day If you are arrested on Sunday, your initial appearance will most likely be adjourned to Monday morning. We ensure you understand the charges against you and argue forcefully for your release if appropriate.
Arraignment and Plea
Usually, the initial appearance is combined with the arraignment on a complaint. Sometimes, the arraignment happens before a District Court Judge, especially if you are being arraigned on an indictment Here, the formal charges are read, and you enter a plea. Usually, a plea of “not guilty” is entered, as at this point neither the attorney nor the client have seen any of the discovery. Throughout the case, we counsel you on the best possible approach—whether that’s pleading not guilty to maintain all defense options, negotiating a plea deal, or challenging the validity of the charges.
Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions
In federal court, discovery is governed by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 16. At the arraignment,the Judge sets a schedule for the discovery to be released to the defense. Sometimes, the parties enter into a protective order if there is a request from the prosecution for one. After reviewing the discovery, we file motions to suppress evidence obtained illegally. Our team works tirelessly to build a strong defense, often uncovering key details that can turn the case in your favor.
Trial Preparation and Proceedings
If your case goes to trial, we prepare extensively—interviewing witnesses, gathering expert testimony, and crafting a compelling and alternative narrative. During the trial, we cross-examine the government’s witnesses, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and pursue a “not guilty” verdict.
Sentencing (If Convicted)
If a conviction occurs, we continue to fight for you by presenting mitigating factors and pursuing alternative sentencing options whenever possible. We spend a lot of time on preparing you for the Pre-Sentence Investigation Interview, working with your family and your loved ones on the letters of support and dedicating a lot of time and effort to the defense sentencing submission.Appeals Process
If necessary and not prohibited by your plea agreement, we’re ready to take your fight to the appellate level. In Queens federal matters, that is the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit . We craft compelling legal arguments, seek to overturn convictions or reduce sentences based on legal errors, and exhaust every avenue to protect your rights.
Every case is unique, and the specific process can vary. But one thing remains constant: our commitment to fighting effectively for your rights at every stage.
Start Your Defense Today
Time is critical when you’re facing federal charges. We understand the urgency of your situation and the importance of acting swiftly to protect your rights and future. Every second you wait gives the prosecution more time to strengthen its case. We move fast so that you can stay ahead.
We’re ready to:
- Immediately assess your case and develop a strategic plan
- Work tirelessly to protect your rights and freedom
- Leverage our deep knowledge of federal law and U.S. Sentencing Guidelines to your advantage
- Provide aggressive representation at every stage of your case
By securing strong legal representation early, you give yourself the best possible chance at a favorable resolution. Don’t face this challenging time alone. Let The Fast Law Firm, P.C., stand by your side and fight for your future.
Take the first step toward protecting yourself. Contact us now for a confidential consultation. Our team is standing by, ready to listen to your story and begin crafting your defense strategy immediately. Book your consultation with The Fast Law Firm, P.C. today. Your freedom is too important to wait.