Federal Criminal Defense

Federal Defense Attorney M. Shawn Matlock defends citizens accused of crimes and regulatory offenses in Federal Courts throughout Texas and the nation. Although located in Fort Worth, Texas, the Matlock Law Firm represents those accused of federal crimes in virtually any federal court in the United States.

Being charged with a crime in Federal Court is a daunting experience. A defendant facing a federal prosecution needs an attorney that not only is a zealous advocate for the client, but also is well-versed in Federal Criminal Defense.

In a time of increased Federal power, it is not unusual for a person to find themselves in the midst of a Federal investigation. Whether it be the FBI, DEA, IRS, DHS, ATF, or the Secret Service, the Federal government is increasingly investigating people for their alleged roles in any number of activities. Federal investigations typically are lengthy and extremely comprehensive. It is important to have effective representation at this stage of the case to ensure any possibility of not being charged. If that is not possible, the next step is zealously defending the charged crime.

There are a myriad of Federal crimes with which a person might be charged. Federal prosecutions can include Weapons crimes, Drug crimes, RICO Act crimes, Bank Fraud, Mortgage Fraud, Mail Fraud, Terrorism crimes, Immigration crimes, Money Laundering, or even Environmental crimes. The most prevalent Federal crimes are Weapons crimes and Drug crimes. However, there has been a significant increase in other crimes charged, such as Mortgage Fraud, Terrorism crimes, and Healthcare Fraud.

The Federal Criminal Process

The Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure mandate a strict set of time requirements for Federal prosecutions. For example, a defendant must be charged, either by indictment or information, within 30 days after arrest. 18 U.S.C. § 3161(c). Furthermore, a trial must commence within 70 days after the filing of the information or indictment, or the defendant’s first appearance before the judicial officer, whichever is later. 18 U.S.C. § 3161(c)(1). As a result, a federal prosecution progresses at a much more rapid pace than a prosecution in State court.

If a defendant is convicted, there is still considerable work to be done from the defense perspective. The United States Sentencing Guidelines can potentially mandate a mandatory minimum prison sentence. The Guidelines are an extremely complicated system by which the Federal District Judge sentences a defendant. It is extremely important to have an attorney that can strongly advocate for the proper application of the Sentencing Guidelines to ensure a correct sentence.

In addition to the defense of the accused at the trial court level, aggressive representation is also needed at the appellate level. The Federal Appeals process can be a difficult realm within which to practice for even the most seasoned defense attorney. With strict timelines and briefing requirements, Federal Courts of Appeals are no places for the inexperienced.

At the Matlock Law Firm, attorney M. Shawn Matlock has the extensive experience needed to ensure the most aggressive representation of those charged in Federal Court, whether it be in the investigatory stage, proceedings before a United States District Court, or on appeal before a United States Court of Appeals. Aggressive representation is the hallmark of the Matlock Law Firm. If you or a loved one has a criminal charge in Federal Court anywhere in the country, contact attorney M. Shawn Matlock.

Federal Criminal Defense Attorney/ Federal Appellate Lawyer/ National Federal Defense

The Purpose of the Firm

Federal Criminal Defense

Texas Criminal Defense

Federal Appeals

Texas Appeals

Post-conviction Writs

Practice Areas