A: If you’ve received a federal target letter, it’s important to stay calm but not ignore what it says. This means that you are under federal investigation and could be facing an indictment soon. Get in contact with a skilled federal defense attorney as soon as possible so that they can help you take early action and prevent formal charges or argue for a favorable cooperation agreement.
Nashville Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
Federal Criminal Defense Attorney In Nashville, TN
If you believe you’re under investigation by any federal agent, the stakes are extremely high. Federal charges can come with stricter penalties, more complex procedures, and longer prison time in comparison with state cases. If you believe you’re being targeted in a federal investigation, or if you’ve been arrested or indicted, it’s crucial to call a Nashville federal criminal defense lawyer from Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC.
At Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC, our dedicated team of attorneys has in-depth experience representing people and businesses throughout Middle Tennessee, including Davidson County, who are facing serious federal charges. Whether you’ve been charged with conspiracy, drug trafficking, or wire fraud, we know crucial stakeholders like federal judges, U.S. attorneys, and local law enforcement, and can help you fight back.
Understanding Crime Trends in Nashville
According to 2023 data from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), there have been major shifts in criminal activity in the Nashville area. 5,058 cases of fraud were reported, up 11.26% from the year before, with an astonishingly low clearance rate of 3.74%.
There were 6,538 cases of aggravated assault reported, up 0.51% from 2022, with a clearance rate of only 40.2%. Furthermore, 98 murder cases, 1,182 robbery cases, and 2,898 burglary cases were reported. Charges like fraud and assault can commonly be escalated to the federal level, especially if they involve the following elements:
- Use of weapons.
- Interstate or international commerce or communications.
- Significant financial losses.
- Organized gangs or conspiracies.
- Use of federal systems, such as wire systems or the mail.
- Violation of U.S. laws or the U.S. Code.
A local arrest can become a federal case when agencies like Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are involved. Such cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee, located in downtown Nashville.
Types of Federal Criminal Charges We Can Help You Fight Back Against
Our law firm has decades of combined experience successfully helping clients defend themselves against serious federal charges or allegations. We can support you in fighting back against the following:
- Drug offenses. Drug crimes we can help you fight against include offenses related to importation, conspiracy, trafficking, or prescription fraud.
- White collar crimes. White collar federal crimes commonly include fraud, mail fraud, healthcare fraud, mortgage fraud, bank fraud, and tax evasion. Identity theft and cybercrime are also common white collar crimes in Nashville.
- Violent crimes. Violent crimes that our dedicated firm can help you fight back against that may be charged on the federal level include assault on federal property or employees, federal firearms offenses, and murder, carjacking, robbery, or aggravated assault.
- Weapons charges. ATF-led investigations and other joint task force operations with MNPD can quickly lead to weapons or firearm charges. We can help you defend against a variety of weapons charges, including gun trafficking, illegal sales, felon in possession of a firearm, and use of a firearm in a drug crime or violent offense.
- Conspiracy and RICO. Conspiracy and RICO charges are very serious offenses that require experienced and skilled criminal defense. We can help you push back against any organized crime or gang-related indictments.
We can also help you navigate the appeals and post-conviction process, pushing for modifications and sentencing, submitting habeas corpus petitions, and challenging any federal decisions.
Local Law Enforcement & Federal Partnerships
Charges in Nashville commonly start off with the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) or the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), but can involve federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, IRS Criminal Investigation Division, and ATF.
Many operations are based on joint task forces that target activities like fraud, gang operations, or weapons and drugs. If you believe you are being investigated by one of these agencies or if you’ve recently been arrested, it is crucial to contact a federal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
We Can Help You Fight Back
Although federal charges are much more serious than those brought on at the state level, it’s important not to lose hope and remember that you have options. A skilled attorney from our firm can help you challenge any unconstitutional searches and seizures, dispute any sentencing enhancements or decisions about what your role was in the crime, and push to demonstrate any mitigating factors that could minimize your charges or sentencing.
From pursuing pretrial diversion to early negotiations, we can help optimize your case outcomes and push for your rights and freedoms.
FAQs:
Q: What Happens If I’m Indicted in Federal Court?
A: If you are indicted in federal court, you will be arrested or summoned and taken before a U.S. Magistrate Judge for your arraignment hearing. During this time, they will let you know what your rights are, prompt you to enter into a plea, and decide whether you should be detained or released pending trial. From day one, we can fight to challenge probable cause, secure your bond, and start building up a strong defense strategy.
Q: Are Federal Sentences Always Harsher?
A: Yes, generally, U.S. sentencing guidelines are stricter than Tennessee law. Even those facing charges for drug offenses of a non-violent nature could be going up against mandatory minimum sentences in prison, depending on the involvement of firearms and the amount of drugs linked to the crime. An attorney from our firm can help you fight to minimize your charges and sentencing.
Q: Can Local Assault Charges Become Federal?
A: Yes, local assault charges can become a federal offense if they are committed on federal property, are part of a conspiracy, or involve a federal employee. One of the most common violent crimes on record in Nashville in 2023 was aggravated assault, with over 6,500 cases being reported. If you are facing assault charges at the federal level, an experienced attorney from our firm can support you.
Call a Nashville Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Now
Whether you are scared that you are under investigation or facing federal charges, it’s crucial to act right away. Call 844-235-8588 or contact us online to schedule your consultation with a Nashville federal criminal defense lawyer from Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC.