Tennessee Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
Federal Criminal Defense Attorney In Tennessee
Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC is the oldest law firm in Murfreesboro, bringing an unmatched legacy of litigation in criminal defense cases on the federal level across Tennessee. If you are facing federal criminal charges from drug trafficking to white collar crimes to fraud to conspiracy, we have the courtroom experience and strategic insight required to aggressively safeguard your future and freedom. Engage a Tennessee federal criminal defense lawyer today.
Our experienced law firm is made up of seasoned trial attorneys, with Luke Evans having extensive experience successfully defending clients during federal defense cases. We offer a client-focused approach, getting to know you and your case details, immediately addressing any concerns you may have and designing and implementing a legal strategy that reflects your situation and the charges you’re facing.
Understanding Why Criminal Defense Lawyers Don’t Take Federal Cases
For a variety of reasons, many criminal defense lawyers do not take federal cases. Here’s why:
- Federal laws, rules, and procedures are complex
- The U.S. Attorney’s Office has high-quality personnel and tremendous financial resources
- Those charged with federal offenses face a 95 percent chance of conviction
- Fines and prison sentences are more severe than in state courts
- Early parole is not an option
- Plea bargains are seldom offered
The Solution? Finding an Experienced Criminal Defense Team.
Located in Murfreesboro at Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC, we are a premier litigation firm with an established track record of achievement. Since 1975, we have built a reputation for handling serious cases for those in Middle Tennessee and throughout the state. Our experience includes:
- White collar crimes, including embezzlement, kickbacks, extortion, piracy, corporate fraud
- Fraud: health care and Medicare fraud, mortgage fraud, bank fraud, tax fraud, wire and mail fraud
- Weapons charges, including felon in possession, sale to a juvenile or felon, weapons used in connection with the drug trade
- Federal drug crimes, including trafficking, manufacturing, distribution, cultivation, conspiracy, sale to a minor
- Money laundering in connection with other charges, such as drug trafficking, gambling, racketeering, and many types of fraud
- Crimes of violence, including homicide, non-negligent manslaughter, aggravated assault, rape, robbery, burglary and kidnapping
- Racketeering, including wiretapping, organized crime activities, and RICO cases
- Sex crimes, including aggravated sexual abuse, repeat offenders, human trafficking, and sexual abuse resulting in death.
Understanding the Federal Sentencing Guidelines
Sentencing for federal crimes is laid out by U.S. sentencing guidelines. This is a complicated framework that considers criminal history and the level of offense to determine the sentencing range for recommendation. For federal sentencing recommendations, there are specific key considerations, such as:
- Base offense level, which changes depending on the type of crime, such as monetary loss from fraud or the quantity of involved drugs.
- Enhancements or reductions, which may be determined based on specific crime details, such as whether weapons were involved and the role the defendant played in the crime.
- Defendants who have had prior convictions can face a significantly escalated sentencing recommendation.
- There are certain types of offenses – especially crimes involving drugs and firearms – that come with mandatory minimum prison sentences.
An experienced attorney from our firm can help you meticulously get ready for sentencing advocacy. This is arguably one of the most important moments in a federal case, and we are sure to deliver. We can help you champion your case by fiercely negotiating with prosecutors, crafting thorough mitigation packages, and, when justified, fiercely arguing for downward departures.
Tennessee Law Enforcement Agencies Investigating Federal Crimes
Criminal cases in Tennessee on the federal level commonly start with investigations that are carried out by specific units of local and state law enforcement who collaborate with federal agencies. One of the leading investigators is the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) – specifically, the Criminal Investigation Division (CID).
The TBI reports that as of June 30th, 2023, 626 active major investigations were open. They also reported assisting with 681 investigations, meaning that they were substantially supporting local, state, or federal efforts. They also reported 196 intelligence investigations, 151 arrests, and 819 closed cases out of 1,246 that were handled that fiscal year.
This demonstrates just how far-reaching coordinated law enforcement efforts are, with many federal cases starting at the local or state level. After initial investigations, the case may be escalated to federal jurisdictions if a federal statute has potentially been breached. Agents at the TBI commonly support the following federal agencies:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
- Department of Homeland Security.
- IRS Criminal Investigation Division.
- S. Marshals Service.
The Importance of Legal Support
If you believe that you are under investigation by any state or federal agencies, it is crucial to immediately contact an experienced federal defense attorney. Ideally, you should collaborate with a legal representative who understands both federal legal processes and the investigative landscape in Tennessee.
Tennessee Federal District Courts
In Tennessee, federal criminal charges are handled in one of the state’s federal judicial districts, which are:
- Middle District of Tennessee. This is our home district, covering Murfreesboro, Nashville, and surrounding regions. In this area, we have long-standing relationships with stakeholders like investigators and prosecutors, as well as extensive courtroom experience.
- Western District of Tennessee. This district covers the major cities of Memphis and Jackson, among others.
- Eastern District of Tennessee. This district covers Chattanooga, Knoxville, and the Tri-Cities areas.
It’s important to note that each district has its own procedural tendencies, federal judges, and U.S. attorneys. The attorneys at our firm are licensed in all federal districts in Tennessee and practice statewide, giving us a strategic advantage no matter where your case is being filed.
More About Our Leading Criminal Defense Lawyer
Our leading criminal defense attorney, Luke Evans, has a record of success unmatched by many criminal defense attorneys. Mr. Evans has defended individuals accused of complex federal charges. From Hobbs Act violations to possession of a controlled substance in a protected area to marijuana grow operations, he has handled complex cases.
He has tried numerous cases before juries and received several acquittals. Most recently, he received a not-guilty verdict for an individual accused of sex trafficking.
Accolades
Luke Evans is a member of the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) panel of the Eastern and Middle Districts of Tennessee, a select group of attorneys appointed to handle federal criminal cases in those districts.
He is admitted to practice in the United States District Courts for the Middle, Eastern, and Western Districts of Tennessee and the United States Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit.
Mr. Evans has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star, and The National Trial Lawyers has also listed him as one of the top 100 trial lawyers in his region.
A Thorough Understanding of Your Constitutional Rights
Federal charges very often rely on wiretap evidence, co-conspirator statement evidence, and evidence obtained from confidential sources.
However, the United States Constitution provides for protections to those facing charges. Mr. Evans has extensive knowledge of Constitutional Law, particularly the 4th, 5th, and 6th amendments involved with these types of cases.
Many of his cases have been dismissed because he was able to prove that authorities illegally seized evidence or utilized unlawful wiretapping procedures.
What to Do If You Are Facing Federal Criminal Charges in Tennessee
If you’re facing federal criminal charges in Tennessee, it’s crucial to take immediate action to protect your rights and interests. The federal system differs dramatically from state courts, with prosecutors having significant resources, investigations being more thorough, and sentencing being significantly stricter.
If you even have a small suspicion that you are under investigation, or if you’ve received a subpoena or target letter or been arrested by a federal agency such as the FBI, it’s essential to take the following steps:
- Exercise your right to remain silent. As any statements you make could be potentially used against you in a court of law, you should politely decline to answer any questions from investigators until legal representation is present. Even if you believe you are innocent, having a seemingly harmless conversation can ultimately be used against you.
- Immediately hire a skilled federal defense attorney. When facing federal criminal charges, it’s important to have a lawyer who has specific federal court experience and not general criminal defense experience alone. At Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC, our attorneys are highly skilled in dealing with complicated federal matters across Tennessee.
- Collect and preserve evidence. If your case is related to financial issues, fraud, or business, you should store all relevant records, contracts, and emails. It’s crucial not to try to alter or delete anything, as this could lead to further criminal charges, such as obstruction of justice.
- Follow court conditions. If you have been released on bond, it’s crucial to strictly follow all orders. You should stay in close contact with your attorney, go to all required hearings, and proactively participate in the defense process.
- Be prepared for a long road. As federal cases commonly include months of investigatory actions, plea deal discussions, and pretrial motions, it’s important to build a robust defense strategy early on.
The faster you take action, the greater your chances are of avoiding mandatory minimums, minimizing your charges, or even getting out of an indictment. A dedicated Tennessee federal criminal defense attorney from Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC is eager to support you, providing the required courtroom experience and skill needed to champion your case.
How to Connect With Us
When your freedom is in jeopardy, be cautious of cheap criminal defense fees or promises of quick resolutions. At Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC, our track record speaks for itself. We use skilled investigators and professionals, and we have the resources to fight to achieve the most optimal result possible.
If you or a loved one is facing any of the above federal criminal charges and is serious about protecting your future, contact us to find out how our team can help. Call 844-235-8588 or 844-235-8588. You can also send us a confidential email.