Austin Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

A federal criminal charge is not like a state case. The penalties are harsher, the investigations run longer, and there is no automatic right to bail. If federal agents have contacted you or made an arrest, the single most important step is to stop talking and call an Austin federal criminal attorney. What you say in the next 48 hours can shape the entire outcome of your case.

At Marc Chavez Law Firm, we defend clients facing federal charges throughout Austin and Central Texas. With 18 years of legal knowledge and a former prosecutor who spent 12 years inside the system, we know how criminal cases are built and how to take them apart. Call us at (512) 337-9774 for a free consultation, or contact us online.

Why Choose Marc Chavez Law Firm for Federal Defense?

Before founding Marc Chavez Law Firm, Marc spent 12 years as an Assistant District Attorney in Travis County and Lubbock County, prosecuting cases from traffic violations to capital murder, including the SXSW capital murder trial. That background means we anticipate how federal prosecutors build their cases, where they overreach, and which evidence they lean on hardest. When you work with our firm, you work with Marc directly. We offer bilingual services in English and Spanish so clients can communicate clearly and confidently at every stage of their case.

Early in his career, Marc was recognized as a Rising Star. For the last four years, he has been named a Super Lawyer, a distinction awarded to the top five percent of Texas attorneys through Thomson Reuters.

Federal Criminal Charges

Our criminal defense team represents clients in Austin in federal cases involving:

• Drug Trafficking and Conspiracy: Investigations by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), alleged distribution networks, and charges carrying mandatory minimum sentences.
• White-Collar Crimes: Allegations of fraud, embezzlement, wire fraud, and money laundering investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
• Weapons Offenses: Charges involving unlawful possession of firearms, firearms trafficking, and investigations by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
• Cybercrimes and Healthcare Fraud: Identity theft, online financial fraud, fraudulent medical billing, and unlawful prescription-related conduct.
• Immigration Violations: Investigations conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Each category of offenses carries its own federal statutes and sentencing guidelines.

What Are the Penalties for Federal Criminal Charges in Texas?

Federal sentencing operates under the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which calculate recommended sentence ranges based on offense level and criminal history. Many federal offenses carry mandatory minimum sentences with no possibility of parole. Certain federal drug trafficking charges carry mandatory minimum sentences of five or ten years, depending on the alleged quantity and prior history. Fraud convictions based on losses over $1 million regularly produce sentences of five years or more.

The Western District of Texas processed approximately 6,800 criminal filings in 2023, making it one of the busiest federal courts in the country. Beyond prison, federal convictions carry additional potential consequences:

• Possible firearm restrictions
• Immigration consequences
• Asset forfeiture

There is no traditional state-style probation following a federal prison sentence. Supervised release follows any prison sentence with strict conditions.

What Is the Federal Criminal Court Process in Austin?

Federal cases in the Austin Division are heard at the United States Courthouse at 501 West Fifth Street, covering Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, and surrounding counties. The process follows a predictable path:

• Investigation: Federal agencies build cases for months or years before an arrest. Grand jury subpoenas and witness interviews often signal an active investigation.
• Indictment: A grand jury of 23 citizens reviews evidence behind closed doors and decides whether probable cause exists to charge you.
• Initial Appearance and Detention: Under the Bail Reform Act (18 U.S.C. § 3142), there is no automatic bail. The government can argue for pretrial detention.
• Discovery and Motions: Your defense team reviews evidence, files motions to suppress, and challenges the prosecution’s case.
• Trial or Plea: About 90 percent of federal cases resolve through plea agreements. Cases must go to trial within 70 days of indictment under the Speedy Trial Act, though extensions are common.
• Sentencing: The judge determines the sentence using the Sentencing Guidelines and a pre-sentence report from the U.S. Probation Office.

Defense Strategies in Federal Criminal Cases

Federal prosecution is methodical, and your defense needs to match. Our defense lawyers at Marc Chavez Law Firm will build strategies around the specific facts of your case, not use a template approach.

When a case is still under investigation, pre-indictment intervention can sometimes prevent charges entirely. We respond strategically to subpoenas and present evidence to the grand jury when appropriate. After charges are filed, we challenge government evidence through motions to suppress and attack witness reliability.

Prosecutors negotiate differently with attorneys they know will go to trial. We prepare every case for trial, giving clients leverage whether the case resolves through a plea or goes before a jury.

What to Do If You Are Under Federal Investigation

If federal agents contact you, show up at your door, or serve a subpoena, take these steps immediately:

• Do Not Speak to Agents Without an Attorney: You have the right to remain silent. Federal agents are trained to build cases through interviews.
• Do Not Destroy Documents or Devices: Destruction of evidence in a federal investigation is a separate felony carrying up to 20 years.
• Call a Federal Defense Attorney Immediately: Early representation can shape the investigation before charges are filed.
• Preserve Your Records: Financial documents and communications related to the investigation should be secured and provided to your attorney.

FAQ: Federal Criminal Defense in Austin

How Long Does a Federal Criminal Case Usually Take?

Federal cases often last several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the investigation and the amount of evidence involved. Continuances, motion practice, and plea negotiations frequently extend the timeline beyond the 70-day Speedy Trial Act framework.

What Is a Federal Plea Agreement and Can It Reduce Mandatory Minimums?

A federal plea agreement is a negotiated resolution between the defense and prosecutors that may reduce charges or limit sentencing exposure. In some cases, cooperation or specific legal provisions can allow a sentence below an otherwise mandatory minimum.

What Does It Mean to Be a Target of a Federal Investigation?

A target is someone prosecutors believe has committed a federal offense and may seek to indict. Being labeled a target signals serious exposure and makes early legal representation critical before formal charges are filed.

Contact An Austin Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Today

You should not face the federal government alone. Marc Chavez Law Firm has the trial preparation and prosecution insight to fight for your rights at every stage of a federal case. Whether you are under investigation or already facing an indictment, we will work to protect your future. Call us at (512) 337-9774 to speak with an Austin federal criminal defense lawyer in a free consultation, or contact us online today.