San Francisco Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers

Suppose you're facing federal criminal charges in San Francisco, Oakland, Hayward, San Mateo, or anywhere else in the Bay Area. In that case, you're already confronting a unique and serious legal challenge with potentially long-term implications for your life.

Federal crimes come with unique processes, unparalleled scrutiny, and significantly higher penalties than state offenses. Navigating federal court requires not just any attorney but one with extensive, specialized experience. The need for such specialized legal help is urgent and cannot be overstated.

Phillip Burton Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, 450 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102.

Federal prosecution presents potentially significant consequences. Whether you are a corporate CEO, physician, healthcare professional, or high-level business executive, you can face prison time, huge fines, bankruptcy, or revocation of licensure. These consequences can have a profound impact on your personal and professional life, making it crucial to have a strong defense.

When it comes to federal investigations, time is crucial. No matter the type of federal criminal investigation or stage of allegations you are facing, our competent defense counsel at our law firm can assist you.

At Eisner Gorin LLP, we have successfully defended clients in federal courts, including the Northern District of California, against a wide range of serious accusations. Our extensive experience in federal criminal defense should give you confidence in our ability to handle your case.

Our San Francisco federal criminal defense attorneys bring many years of experience, providing skilled representation when your life, freedom, and future are on the line. We will guide you through the complex federal court processes, protect your rights, and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Our federal criminal defense law firm has a nationwide presence that offers clients throughout California legal representation in litigation and federal court involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The Phillip Burton Federal Building and United States Courthouse is located at 450 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102, and the phone number is (415) 522-2000.

Federal Crimes Commonly Prosecuted in San Francisco

San Francisco is a hub of business, technology, and trade, making the region a focal point for federal law enforcement agencies investigating a variety of white-collar and other serious crimes. Below are some of the most common federal offenses prosecuted in San Francisco and the broader Bay Area:

White-Collar Crimes

White-collar crimes are a primary focus for federal prosecutors, especially in a tech-driven region like the Bay Area. Common charges include:

Fraud: Allegations of wire fraud, mail fraud, or bank fraud often involve claims of deception to gain financial benefit. Agencies like the FBI or the SEC aggressively pursue these cases.
Insider Trading: Accusations of illegal trading based on confidential, non-public information are investigated heavily in the tech and finance industries.
Money Laundering: Federal agencies may accuse individuals of disguising proceeds from illegal activities to move funds through legitimate businesses.
Embezzlement: Whether from corporations, nonprofits, or financial institutions, embezzlement cases attract significant federal attention.
Theft and counterfeiting.
Conspiracy or attempt.
Internet and computer crimes.
Public corruption and bribery
Tax evasion or other federal tax violations.

The Northern District of California often handles white-collar criminal cases, given its jurisdiction over Silicon Valley, a global hub for financial and technological innovation. If you are accused of such a crime, you need an attorney well-versed in federal financial regulations and investigatory practices to mount an effective defense.

Beyond White-Collar Crimes

Federal authorities also prosecute other serious crimes across the Bay Area, such as:

Drug Trafficking: The Bay Area's position as a transit point makes it susceptible to large-scale narcotics cases prosecuted under federal law.
Kidnapping: Cases involving transporting victims across state lines automatically fall under federal jurisdiction.
Child Pornography or Exploitation: Federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security prosecute these crimes with significant resources and severe penalties.
Firearms Offenses: Federal prosecutors frequently handle cases involving unlawful firearm sales, possession by prohibited individuals, or weapons trafficking.
Federal Gun Crimes, including violations of arms export laws
Cybercrimes, such as hacking or identity theft

Regardless of the federal offenses, we have the experience and resources to challenge allegations and protect your rights at every stage of the process.

Our commitment to protecting your rights will provide you with the reassurance and support you need during this challenging time. We have successfully employed defense strategies to secure favorable outcomes for our clients.

Investigating Federal Criminal Cases

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the main federal law enforcement agency responsible for investigating cases involving computer crimes, internet crimes, public corruption, drug crimes, and terrorism. The FBI regularly collaborates with additional federal and state law enforcement entities to prosecute individuals or organizations suspected of federal criminal activity.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) functions as the law enforcement branch of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Its main responsibility is preserving the integrity of HHS initiatives along with safeguarding the recipients of health and welfare programs. It targets fraudulent healthcare providers suspected of Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, and Department of Labor regulatory infractions.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the federal government's most highly-publicized entity. The IRS has a criminal enforcement division that pursues individuals and corporations committing tax fraud and associated crimes implicating the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). It also deals with cases involving allegations of money laundering, securities, Medicare fraud, and similar financial wrongdoings are often handled by the IRS in conjunction with other federal law enforcement groups.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) handles all federal investigations related to suspected federal drug crimes, including manufacturing and distribution of controlled substances (cocaine, methamphetamine. heroin, etc.) and prescription medications. The DEA's priority is diversion control and preventing the illegal distribution of opioids and prescription drugs.

How Federal Court Cases Differ from State Criminal Cases

For those unaccustomed to the federal criminal justice system, the differences between federal and state cases can be overwhelming. Understanding these distinctions is critical for mounting an effective defense.

Procedures in Federal Court

Federal criminal cases often begin with thorough investigations by powerful agencies, such as the FBI, DEA, or IRS. These organizations devote significant time and resources to build cases before charges are even filed.

Unlike state courts, federal cases go through U.S. District Courts, including the Northern District of California, which serves San Francisco and neighboring areas such as Fremont, San Jose, and Richmond. These courts have procedural rules that differ significantly from state courts, and cases are overseen by federal judges who demand strict adherence to these rules.

Higher Stakes and Penalties

Federal sentencing guidelines tend to impose harsher penalties compared to state law. Mandatory minimum sentences are common for serious offenses, as are penalties for parole violations. This means prison time is often unavoidable if you are convicted without a strategic defense.

Investigative Agencies and Prosecutorial Power

Federal agencies have vast resources to investigate complex cases and build strong evidence against defendants. Agencies like the SEC, ATF, or Homeland Security Investigations collaborate with federal prosecutors to secure indictments. Navigating these challenges requires an attorney with a deep understanding of how these agencies operate.

How We Defend You in Federal Court

Effective defense in federal court goes beyond simply responding to charges-it involves proactive measures to weaken the government's case and protect your rights at every stage.

Our federal criminal defense attorneys employ the following strategies to defend clients accused of federal crimes in San Francisco and the Bay Area:

Pretrial Motions: Federal prosecutors often use evidence obtained during lengthy investigations. We examine every detail of your case and challenge improper evidence through pretrial motions. Whether the evidence was obtained without a valid warrant or in violation of your constitutional rights, we fight to suppress it so it can't be used against you.
Plea Negotiations: Many federal cases are resolved out of court, typically through plea deals. When appropriate, we work to negotiate a plea agreement that minimizes or even avoids the most severe penalties. Effective negotiation at this level requires knowledge of federal sentencing guidelines and a deep understanding of prosecutorial priorities.
Trial Defense: If your case proceeds to trial, our experienced attorneys provide aggressive courtroom representation. We challenge unreliable witnesses, expose flaws in the government's case, and present compelling defense evidence to safeguard your rights.
Sentencing Alternatives: If a conviction is inevitable, we work to achieve sentencing alternatives to federal incarceration wherever possible, including probation, home confinement, or participation in diversion programs.

Suppose you are facing federal criminal charges from the FBI, OIG, IRS, or DEA, or you believe you are the subject of a federal investigation. In that case, you need to contact our federal criminal defense law firm, Eisner Gorin LLP, based in Los Angeles, CA.

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