San Jose Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
Whether you live in San Jose, Cupertino, Milpitas, or any of the other 15 municipalities in the Santa Clara Valley, facing federal criminal charges is a serious matter that requires immediate and skilled legal representation.
Unlike state-level offenses, federal crimes involve distinct procedures, highly complex laws, and significantly higher potential penalties. These penalties can include lengthy prison sentences, often in federal prison, and steep fines that can financially cripple you. The gravity of these consequences underscores the urgent need for skilled legal representation.

If you're accused of a federal crime in this area, your best hope of a favorable outcome is to hire an experienced San Jose federal criminal defense lawyer.
Eisner Gorin LLP, a premier California criminal defense law firm, has extensive experience defending clients in federal court, including the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. Our team has successfully handled numerous federal cases, securing favorable outcomes for our clients.
We understand the high stakes involved and can navigate the intricacies of federal court to get you the best outcome possible.
Simply put, if you are under federal investigation or facing federal charges in San Jose, you need an experienced federal criminal defense attorney. The government has a team of special agents and prosecutors with unlimited resources working to convict you.
To have the best chance at a favorable outcome, you need experience on your side. We know what it takes to keep you out of prison and what it takes to resolve your case without criminal prosecution. When we were involved prior to federal indictment, we helped our clients avoid charges in many cases.
Our federal defense practice represents clients in healthcare and other white-collar criminal matters. We represent physicians, pharmacists, executives, business owners, and other individuals and entities in San Jose and nationwide.
The Robert F. Peckham Federal Building and United States Courthouse is located at 280 South 1st Street, San Jose, CA 95113. The clerk's office is located on the 2nd floor, and the phone number is (408) 535-5363.
Common Types of Federal Crimes
Federal criminal cases encompass a wide range of offenses, many of which are prosecuted aggressively by federal authorities. Below are some of the most common types of federal crimes we defend against:
White-Collar Crimes
White-collar crimes are among the most frequently prosecuted federal offenses due to their complexity and the significant financial harm they often cause. These crimes involve deceit or fraud rather than physical violence and are often subject to extensive federal investigations. Examples include:
- Fraud, including wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, insurance fraud, or securities fraud.
- Healthcare fraud, including Medicare, Medicaid, or Tricare fraud.
- Insider trading and violations of securities laws.
- Tax evasion and other IRS-related offenses
- Money laundering and embezzlement.
- 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 frequently 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 an offense, you need an attorney well-versed in federal financial regulations and investigatory practices to mount an effective defense.
Other Serious Offenses
While white-collar crimes dominate federal court dockets, other serious offenses can just as often draw the attention of federal prosecutors. These include:
- Drug trafficking Federal authorities like the DEA focus on large-scale or interstate drug trafficking operations, making these cases particularly severe.
- Federal drug charges, including prescription drug charges.
- Kidnapping and hostage-taking crimes crossing state lines.
- Federal gun crimes, including violations of arms export laws
- Cybercrimes, such as hacking or identity theft
These cases are also prosecuted vigorously due to the perceived threats to public safety.
Regardless of the charges, 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.
Investigating Federal Criminal Cases
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigates a range of federal crimes, from criminal conspiracies and organized crime to identity theft and healthcare fraud. We have decades of experience in pre-filing negotiations to avoid criminal charges during FBI investigations.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) enforces the criminal provisions of the Controlled Substances Act against individuals and organizations. In the healthcare context, DEA investigations and prosecutions often focus on physicians' and pharmacists' prescription drug practices, with an emphasis on alleged prescription drug diversion.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is the law enforcement division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). It investigates healthcare fraud and prosecutes healthcare providers suspected of illegal practices, including:
- Offering and accepting "kickbacks" and
- Submitting false claims for Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does more than collect taxes every year. Its criminal enforcement division targets individuals and organizations suspected of tax evasion and other tax crimes. The IRS often collaborates with other agencies in large-scale takedowns and other law enforcement initiatives.
Defense Strategies We Use
Successfully defending against federal charges requires a proactive strategy, detailed preparation, and knowledge of federal prosecutorial tactics. We use a range of defense methods depending on the details of your case, including, as discussed below.

Pretrial Motions. One of the first steps we may take is filing pretrial motions to suppress inadmissible evidence or challenge procedural violations by federal agents. For example, if evidence were obtained through an unlawful search and seizure, we would move to exclude that evidence, potentially weakening the prosecution's case.
Negotiating Plea Deals. While taking a case to trial can sometimes be necessary, avoiding trial altogether may be in your best interest. In fact, most federal criminal cases are resolved out of court, often through plea agreements. We work to negotiate favorable plea deals with federal prosecutors when doing so could lead to reduced charges or lesser penalties, such as probation, instead of federal prison time.
Trial Advocacy. If a trial is unavoidable, our firm is prepared to advocate for you in court aggressively. We excel in crafting impactful legal arguments, cross-examining government witnesses, and presenting compelling evidence to raise doubts about the prosecution's case.
Mitigating Sentences. Even if a conviction occurs, our attorneys do not stop fighting. We will present mitigating factors to the court during sentencing to advocate for the most lenient punishment possible based on the circumstances.
Given the complexity of federal prosecutions, having the right legal strategy can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Our record of success, including helping our clients avoid charges in most cases when involved prior to federal indictment, speaks to our commitment to securing the best result for our clients.
This successful track record should give you hope for a positive outcome in your own case.
Why You Need a San Jose Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
When dealing with federal charges in the San Jose area, working with an attorney who understands the local legal landscape gives you a greater advantage and better odds of success. We bring regional experience to every case, along with a strong working knowledge of federal law and court processes.
Some of the advantages we bring to the table include:
- Familiarity with the Northern District of California: Our attorneys have a deep understanding of the court system, judges, and prosecutors in this region. This gives us unique insights into how to approach each case.
- Experience with the U.S. Attorney's Office: We know what tactics federal prosecutors commonly use against defendants. With this knowledge, we can anticipate their moves and counter them effectively.
- Resources for Investigating Your Case: Federal investigations often involve multiple agencies and extensive resources. Our firm has access to experts who can analyze evidence, give compelling testimony, and help build a strong defense on your behalf.
For more information, contact Eisner Gorin LLP, a federal criminal defense law firm based in Los Angeles, CA.
Related Content: