Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer in Indianapolis
Federal charges are a different fight. You need a lawyer who knows the system.
Call Wynn. (317) 832-1182
Free consultation · Calls answered 24/7
Federal cases are investigated longer and charged more carefully than most state cases, and they carry harsher penalties. I served as a panel lawyer for the federal community defenders, representing people charged in federal court. I know how these cases are built and how to take them apart.
Where federal cases are heard
I defend clients in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, which has courthouses in Indianapolis, Terre Haute, Evansville, and New Albany. Cases from Marion, Hamilton, Monroe, and the surrounding counties are heard in Indianapolis.
If federal agents contact you
Do not talk to agents without a lawyer. Lying to a federal agent is a separate federal crime. If you get a "target letter," you are a likely defendant. Call before you do anything else.
How a federal case moves
Investigation. Often months or years before anyone is charged.
Charges. A complaint, or an indictment by a grand jury.
First appearance and detention hearing. In many drug and gun cases, the law presumes you should be held until trial. We have to come forward with evidence to rebut that.
Evidence and motions. I get the government's evidence and challenge searches, statements, and the indictment itself.
Trial. I prepare every federal case for trial.
Sentencing. A probation officer writes a presentence report, and we can object to it before the judge decides.
Federal sentencing, in plain words
The judge starts with the Sentencing Guidelines but is not bound by them. The sentence must be "sufficient, but not greater than necessary."
Some drug and gun charges carry mandatory minimums.
The "safety valve" can let some people charged with drug offenses go below the mandatory minimum if they meet strict requirements.
There is no parole in the federal system. Good conduct credit is up to 54 days per year, and some people can earn First Step Act time credits.
Federal charges I defend
Drug trafficking and conspiracy
Felon in possession and other gun charges
Carrying or using a gun during a drug crime or crime of violence
Wire and mail fraud
Other federal offenses
Facing a state drug charge instead? Learn about drug charge defense.
Related: state criminal defense, warrants.
Don't face federal charges alone
Call Wynn. (317) 832-1182
Get your federal defense started
Federal cases move on the government's timeline. If agents have contacted you, you received a target letter, or you have been charged, tell me what is happening and I will reach out to set up your free consultation.