Minnesota Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Federal cases are different from typical state charges. Federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, IRS, ATF, Homeland Security, and others often spend months or years gathering records, conducting surveillance, and building a detailed case before anyone is ever arrested. Once federal prosecutors file charges, they typically have large amounts of documents, recordings, and digital evidence ready to use against you. At Davis Defense, we understand the pace and pressure of federal prosecutions. We focus on getting in early, analyzing the government’s case, pushing back against overreaching charges, and working to avoid mandatory minimums and harsh guideline sentences whenever possible.

Federal prosecutions are often more formal, more structured, and less flexible than typical state cases. Sentencing is heavily influenced by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which assign offense levels and criminal history scores to produce a recommended sentencing range. Many offenses also carry mandatory minimum sentences, especially drug and certain weapons charges. A conviction can mean years in federal prison, large fines, strict supervised release conditions, immigration consequences for non-citizens, and a permanent felony record. That’s why it is critical to work with a defense lawyer who knows how to calculate guideline exposure, identify grounds for departures or variances, and argue for the lowest possible sentence or fight for a dismissal or acquittal where the evidence allows.

The choices you make early in a federal investigation can shape the entire outcome of your case. If you suspect or know that you’re being investigated:

1. Do not talk to federal agents, investigators, or prosecutors without an attorney present even if they say they “just want to clear something up.”
2. Avoid discussing the situation by text, email, social media, or recorded jail calls; assume anything you say may be reviewed later.
3. Gather and preserve any documents, messages, or records that may help your defense, but do not destroy or alter anything the government might request.
4. Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately so your rights are protected before charges are filed.
5. Follow your lawyer’s advice closely about appearing for interviews, responding to subpoenas, and handling contact with co-defendants or witnesses.

If you have already been indicted or received notice of federal charges, time is critical. You may be facing mandatory minimums, guideline enhancements, or the possibility of both state and federal prosecution for the same conduct. Davis Defense will walk you through each stage of the process from investigation, indictment, and detention hearings to motion practice, plea negotiations, trial, and sentencing. Our goal is straightforward: protect your rights, limit your exposure, and fight for the best possible result in an environment where the government has significant advantages. Before you answer questions, sign paperwork, or make decisions that could affect the rest of your life, talk to us about your options.

Federal sentencing is driven by a combination of statutes, the United States Sentencing Guidelines, and the specific facts of each case. Judges consider things like the alleged loss amount, your prior record (if any), your role in the offense, and whether you accepted responsibility. Small changes to these factors can add or subtract years from a potential sentence. Andrew carefully analyzes the guideline calculations, challenges enhancements that do not apply, and highlights mitigating factors such as work history, family responsibilities, health issues, and community contributions. In many cases, the real work of federal defense is done long before the sentencing hearing ever begins.