Principal Office
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
Dallas, TX 75248
(972) 233-5700
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
Dallas, TX 75248
(972) 233-5700
Years Defending Texans
Cases Dismissed
Criminal Cases Handled
Counties Served Across Texas
Available | Serving All of Texas
Unlike state charges, federal cases involve aggressive prosecutors, extensive investigations, and harsh sentencing guidelines. You may feel like the system is stacked against you, with federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, or IRS working to build a case that could result in years behind bars.
The stress of facing the unknown—potential prison time, financial ruin, and the impact on your family—can feel unbearable.
But ignoring the problem or hoping for the best isn’t an option.
Federal charges often come with mandatory minimum sentences, meaning even a first-time offense can lead to devastating consequences. A conviction could mean lengthy federal prison time, six-figure fines, asset forfeiture, and a permanent criminal record that destroys your future. The federal government has unlimited resources to prosecute you—and without an aggressive defense strategy, your chances of avoiding the worst outcomes are slim.
This is where our firm steps in. At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we understand what’s at stake.
Our Dallas federal criminal defense lawyer is prepared to fight for you at every stage—challenging the evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, and defending your rights in federal court.
With our knowledge of federal law and our experience handling complex cases, we’ll build the strongest possible defense to protect your freedom, your finances, and your future. Call us today at (972) 528-0481 for a consultation.
Federal criminal defense involves legal representation for individuals accused of violating federal laws, which are prosecuted in U.S. District Courts rather than state courts.
Unlike state crimes—such as DUI or simple assault—federal offenses typically involve violations of national laws, crimes that cross state lines, or offenses committed on federal property.
Federal cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and investigated by powerful agencies such as:
These agencies have extensive resources, meaning federal investigations are often more thorough and strategic than state-level cases.
Because federal crimes carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and steep fines, it’s critical to have an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer who understands the complexities of the federal justice system.
We have the knowledge and experience to take on the federal government and fight for your rights.
Counterfeiting U.S. currency and government-issued documents is a serious federal crime investigated by the Secret Service. This includes producing fake money, forging government bonds, or falsifying official identification such as passports.
Cybercrime includes offenses such as identity theft, hacking, and internet fraud. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Secret Service investigate these crimes.
Drug crimes are some of the most commonly pursued cases in federal court. With an increase in federal drug offenses looming, Congress passed the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) of 1970, banning substances like marijuana, cocaine, and heroin. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) enforces these criminal laws and can override state cases to prosecute drug activity on a larger scale.
Healthcare fraud involves submitting false claims to Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurers. This can include billing for services not provided, falsifying medical records, or kickback schemes. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the DOJ aggressively prosecute these cases.
Human trafficking involves the illegal transportation, harboring, or exploitation of individuals for labor or commercial sex acts through force, fraud, or coercion. These cases fall under federal jurisdiction when they cross state or international borders. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FBI handle these investigations.
Federal immigration laws make it illegal to enter the U.S. unlawfully, engage in immigration fraud, or transport undocumented individuals across borders. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) handle these cases.
Money laundering involves concealing the origins of illegally obtained money through a series of transactions. These cases are often linked to drug trafficking, organized crime, or fraud.
Some sex crimes are prosecuted at the federal level, especially those involving interstate travel for illegal sexual criminal activity or offenses committed in federal facilities (e.g., prisons or military bases). Online solicitation of minors, child pornography, and sex trafficking also trigger federal jurisdiction.
Tax evasion occurs when an individual or business deliberately avoids paying taxes owed to the government. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) investigates these offenses.
Federal weapons charges often involve the illegal possession, trafficking, or use of firearms. Cases involving firearms near schools, airports, or federal facilities automatically fall under federal jurisdiction. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigates these offenses.
White-collar crimes typically involve financial deception and are often charged under federal fraud statutes.
The federal criminal justice system is more complex, more resource-intensive, and often far less forgiving than state-level cases.
State courts handle most local crimes, such as DUI, assault, or burglary, whereas federal courts prosecute offenses that involve federal laws, cross state lines, or occur on federal property.
Federal cases are handled in U.S. District Courts, with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, and IRS leading investigations. Unlike state prosecutors, federal prosecutors, known as Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs), often spend years building airtight cases before filing charges.
Federal sentencing laws are generally stricter than state sentencing laws, especially for drug offenses, fraud, and violent crimes. Many federal crimes come with mandatory minimum sentences, meaning judges have little discretion in reducing penalties.
For example:
Since federal sentences are governed by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, defendants often face lengthier prison terms than they would for the same offense in a state court.
Because federal cases move quickly and carry severe consequences, working with our Dallas federal criminal defense attorney is imperative.
Call us today at (972) 528-0481 to discuss your federal charges and build a strong defense.
Federal criminal cases follow a structured legal process, and each stage can significantly impact your outcome. Understanding these steps can help you prepare for what’s ahead.
Facing federal charges can be overwhelming and life-altering—but you don’t have to navigate the legal system alone.
A skilled federal criminal defense attorney from our law firm will provide critical legal support at every stage of your case, working to protect your rights, fight back against the prosecution, and seek the best possible outcome.
Here’s how our firm can help:
The moment you realize you’re under federal investigation, every action you take—or don’t take—can affect your case.
Federal agents like the FBI, DEA, or IRS often conduct extensive investigations before making an arrest, and they may try to question you or search your property.
Speaking to investigators without a lawyer can be a costly mistake. Even if you believe you have nothing to hide, anything you say can be twisted and used against you.
We intervene immediately to ensure you don’t unknowingly waive your rights or make statements that could damage your defense. By handling all communications with federal authorities, we protect you from self-incrimination and potential missteps that could strengthen the prosecution’s case.
Federal prosecutors do not file weak cases—by the time charges are brought, they often have substantial evidence against you. This makes a strong defense strategy essential.
Our team analyzes every detail of your case, from how the investigation was conducted to whether your constitutional rights were violated. We look for weaknesses in the government’s case, such as
Whether through challenging the prosecution’s evidence, filing motions to dismiss charges, or negotiating for reduced penalties, we develop a defense tailored to your situation. Our goal is to weaken the government’s case and improve your chances of a favorable outcome—whether that means dismissal, reduced charges, or acquittal.
In federal cases, plea deals are common, but they’re not always in your best interest. Federal prosecutors often offer deals with strict conditions, sometimes requiring you to testify against others or serve a lengthy sentence anyway.
We assess whether a plea deal is the best path forward based on the strength of the government’s evidence and the potential penalties you face. If negotiating a lesser charge or reduced sentence is in your best interest, we fight for terms that minimize your punishment and protect your future.
If going to trial is the better option, we build a strong defense, challenge evidence, cross-examine government witnesses, and present compelling arguments to create reasonable doubt in the jury’s mind.
Whether we negotiate or fight in court, our priority is always your best outcome.
A conviction in federal court doesn’t mean your fight is over. If you have been wrongfully convicted or received an excessive sentence, you have options for post-conviction relief.
We handle appeals, sentence reductions, and habeas corpus petitions, challenging errors made during your trial or sentencing. If your rights were violated, new evidence emerged, or sentencing guidelines were misapplied, we work to overturn convictions, reduce sentences, or seek a retrial.
Your future is at stake—but you don’t have to face federal charges alone.
Call us today at (972) 528-0481 to schedule a consultation and start building your defense.
When facing federal criminal charges, your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line. The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy have a proven track record of aggressively defending clients in complex criminal cases, securing dismissals and favorable outcomes when it matters most.
With over 35 years of experience, we have successfully defended clients against serious criminal charges, including felonies, drug crimes, and weapons offenses. Whether your case involves federal fraud, drug trafficking, or white-collar crime, we are prepared to build the strongest possible defense.
While many attorneys talk about their experience, our results speak for themselves. Some of our past case wins in high-stakes felony matters include:
These successful dismissals and charge reductions demonstrate our ability to challenge the prosecution, weaken their case, and negotiate the best possible outcome for our clients—whether at the state or federal level.
Federal prosecutors do not bring weak cases—they often spend months or years building their case before filing charges. We take a customized approach to each case, analyzing every detail of the investigation, evidence, and potential constitutional violations.
Our team crafts strategic defenses that exploit weaknesses in the prosecution’s case to give you the best chance of avoiding conviction or minimizing penalties.
Federal criminal cases move swiftly, and the penalties can be severe—including lengthy prison sentences, massive fines, and asset forfeiture. The earlier you get an experienced defense lawyer involved, the stronger your defense will be.
Don’t wait—your future is on the line. Contact us today to start building your defense.
If you believe you’re under federal investigation, do not speak to federal agents without a lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you, even if you’re innocent. Contact our federal criminal defense lawyer immediately to protect your rights, assess your legal risks, and develop a strategy to prevent charges.
Cooperating with federal agents does not guarantee that charges will be dropped. In fact, speaking without legal counsel can strengthen the case against you. Before making any decisions, consult with our federal defense lawyer who can negotiate on your behalf and determine whether cooperation is truly in your best interest.
Federal sentences are based on the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which consider the offense level and criminal history of the defendant. Judges also weigh aggravating and mitigating factors, but many federal crimes carry mandatory minimum sentences, limiting judicial discretion.
No, most federal cases end in plea agreements rather than trials. However, plea deals are not always the best option, as they often involve severe penalties. Our federal defense attorney can assess your case, negotiate with prosecutors, and determine whether trial or a plea deal is the better path forward.
Whether you're facing a felony charge or fighting a traffic ticket, every case deserves serious attention. Get an experienced defense team in your corner now.
