A federal criminal defense lawyer in New Orleans, LA represents clients in complex legal battles within the federal criminal justice system – with potential outcomes like incarceration, financial ruin, and irreversible reputational damage.
Federal criminal cases in New Orleans, LA differ significantly from typical state-level prosecutions: they’re more aggressive, more procedurally demanding, and handled by seasoned federal prosecutors.
Whether you’ve been indicted, targeted by a grand jury, or are under active investigation, now is the time to act. Federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, or IRS may already be building a case against you – and once they act, they want to move fast.
This isn’t something you should try to handle on your own, Combs Waterkotte‘s New Orleans, LA federal criminal defense lawyers offer strategic counsel from day one, backed by real-world federal court expertise – built on decades of courtroom knowledge and a history of defending our clients’ freedom. The sooner you call, the more we can do, and the sooner you can move on with your life.
Cases Handled
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Article Summary
- Federal crimes are charged in federal court when they involve national interests, cross borders, or trigger involvement from agencies like the FBI or IRS.
- Common federal charges include drug trafficking, wire fraud, firearm violations, financial fraud, computer-related crimes, and tax offenses.
- Federal cases differ from state cases due to their stricter rules, longer sentences, and federal prosecutorial teams.
- The federal legal process moves from covert investigations through indictment and into plea bargaining or trial, followed by sentencing.
- Early legal intervention is critical – especially if you’ve been contacted by federal agents, received a grand jury subpoena, or believe you may be under investigation.
- Our firm provides aggressive, experienced federal defense in New Orleans, LA and can begin protecting your rights immediately with a free consultation.
Free book
Facing Federal Criminal Charges? Why They’re Different and How to Win
Combs Waterkotte, Missouri and Southern Illinois’s leading federal criminal defense law firm, has handled over 10,000 cases successfully. This ebook guides you through the federal criminal defense process, how federal charges are different, and how to win.
What Makes a Crime in New Orleans, LA “Federal”?
The Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution generally leaves criminal law to the states. That’s why crimes such as DUI, assault, or theft are usually tried in state court.
But when a crime affects national interests, crosses state lines, or involves federal property or agencies, it falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government.
Criminal charges become federal when any of the following apply:
- It violates a federal statute such as laws related to fraud, narcotics, or financial crimes.
- It involves multiple states or influences economic activity between multiple jurisdictions.
- It happens on federal property (like federal land, courthouses, or national parks).
- It targets the federal government, involving crimes against institutions like the IRS, federal courts, or elected officials.
- It involves serious, complex, or national-level criminal activity where national security, federal oversight, or coordinated enforcement applies.
Key takeaway:
What makes a crime federal isn’t just who’s involved — it’s how the entire legal system changes around it. The federal legal process differs in rules, sentencing, and procedural structure from LA’s state court cases. If you’re facing federal charges, you need a federal criminal defense lawyer in New Orleans, LA who understands that system inside and out.
Common Federal Charges We Defend in New Orleans, LA
The federal system handles an array of serious offenses — from large-scale fraud schemes to trafficking cases that span jurisdictions. Each charge carries its own risks, but all share one thing in common: the federal government brings massive resources to the table.
At Combs Waterkotte, our federal criminal defense attorneys in New Orleans, LA represent individuals facing charges like:
- Federal drug trafficking and distribution
Includes the manufacturing, sale, or transportation of controlled substances, especially when crossing state or national borders. - Federal wire fraud and federal mail fraud
Involves schemes that use email, phones, or postal services to carry out fraud – frequently tied to corporate or financial misconduct. - Federal money laundering
Involves structuring or layering financial activity to hide the unlawful origin of assets. - Federal tax evasion and financial crimes
Includes fraudulent filings, income concealment, or false deductions — frequently paired with other financial misconduct. - Federal weapons offenses
Involves violations of federal gun laws, often tied to drug conspiracies or violent offenses. - Federal child exploitation and federal child pornography offenses
Prosecuted aggressively in federal court, these cases require sensitive but strategic legal representation. - Federal cybercrimes
Includes online offenses like hacking, phishing, or digital fraud that cross state or national boundaries. - Federal public corruption and bribery
Allegations involving misuse of public office, influence peddling, or illegal financial contributions. - Immigration-related offenses
Includes illegal reentry, document fraud, or harboring undocumented individuals – often triggered by ICE or DHS investigations.
To compare:
A theft case in state court may be resolved quickly by local authorities, but federal fraud charges can trigger complex investigations involving the FBI, expert analysts, and a grand jury. Everything from the timeline to the legal approach shifts dramatically in federal court.
How the Federal Criminal Process Works in New Orleans, LA
Being charged in federal court is a completely different experience from state-level prosecution. Often, the federal process starts behind the scenes — sometimes months before charges are filed.
Here’s how a typical federal criminal case unfolds:
Step 1: Investigation
Federal law enforcement investigations typically begin quietly and last for months. Agencies like the FBI, DEA, or IRS can spend months or even years gathering evidence before moving forward with an arrest.
Most common mistake: Waiting until formal charges are filed to hire a federal crimes defense attorney in New Orleans, LA. The earlier we’re involved, the more we can do to protect you.
Step 2: Indictment
Prosecutors seeking to file formal charges bring the matter to a federal grand jury for review.
An indictment signals that charges have been authorized, and for many, it’s the first sign they’re being targeted by the government.
Step 3: Arraignment and Pretrial Motions
The defendant is required to appear before a federal judge and enter a formal plea. This is where a skilled New Orleans, LA federal criminal defense lawyer begins shaping the case – by challenging evidence, filing suppression motions, and negotiating favorable conditions for release.
A proactive defense at this point can lead to full dismissal of charges before trial.
Step 4: Plea Negotiations or Trial
Many federal cases end in a plea agreement, but not all. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, and we’re ready to present your defense when that day comes.
Trials in federal court demand sharp advocacy skills and an intimate knowledge of the Federal Rules of Evidence.
Step 5: Sentencing (if applicable)
In federal court, sentencing is determined under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines — with factors like criminal history and financial impact playing major roles.
Certain offenses come with non-negotiable minimum prison sentences.
Step 6: Appeals (if applicable)
You may have the right to challenge your conviction or sentence in the federal appellate courts – a process that requires meticulous legal arguments and deep familiarity with federal law.
In summary:
Federal prosecutions operate on tight timelines and rigid legal frameworks. You need someone ready to match the federal government’s resources with experience, strategy, and relentless advocacy.
How Our New Orleans, LA Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Approach Federal Cases
Successfully handling a federal case takes more than knowing the law – it requires timing, strategy, and the ability to respond to an aggressive and complex system.
At every stage, we emphasize fast action, deep analysis, and tailored legal advocacy designed around your needs.
Step 1: Early Intervention
Don’t wait until it’s too late — the right time to get legal help is before you’re formally charged. A target letter, subpoena, or visit from federal authorities usually means the government is preparing to charge you.
From day one, we engage prosecutors, protect your interests, and look for early opportunities to shift the course of your case.
Step 2: Strategic Investigation
We take initiative — not direction — when it comes to gathering evidence. Our team works with professional investigators, digital forensic experts, and other specialists to uncover mitigating evidence, challenge assumptions, and build a defense based on the full picture, not just the government’s version of events.
Step 3: Realistic Negotiation
In many cases where the state’s evidence is strong, especially where mandatory minimums apply, negotiating a smart plea deal is key to avoiding disastrous outcomes.
Even during plea talks, we continue preparing for trial — because leverage comes from being ready to fight.
We provide the guidance, but you make the final call — fully informed and fully supported.
Step 4: Trial Readiness
If trial becomes unavoidable, you’ll have a team with real federal jury trial experience — not just negotiation skills. We develop persuasive narratives, challenge government witnesses, and present your case clearly and forcefully to a federal jury.
Step 5: Sentencing Advocacy
If your case results in a conviction, our work isn’t over. Through thorough documentation and advocacy, we push for sentencing reductions that reflect your full story and circumstances.
Free book
How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Charged with a crime? The lawyer you hire matters. Combs Waterkotte, recognized for top-tier criminal defense in Missouri and Southern Illinois, created this guide to help you find the right attorney. Learn what to look for, key questions to ask, and red flags to avoid.
Why Choose Combs Waterkotte as Your New Orleans, LA Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers?
Not every New Orleans, LA federal criminal defense lawyer is equipped to handle federal charges, and not every law firm understands the pressure you’re under when the federal government comes after you. Our New Orleans, LA federal criminal defense lawyers do. Clients throughout New Orleans, LA, have trusted us to defend them against aggressive federal investigations and devastating legal threats.
What makes our approach different:
- Focused federal experience
Our team has handled federal cases in the New Orleans, LA area, and knows how to navigate the local judges, rules, and courtroom dynamics. - Serious strategy, not surface-level support
From grand jury subpoenas to trial advocacy and sentencing mitigation, we tailor every step of your defense to the unique realities of federal prosecution and the facts of your case. - Responsive, personal service
To us, you’re not just a file — you’re a person who deserves access, clarity, and commitment. We stay in touch, answer questions promptly, and make sure you always know what’s happening. - Results that matter
Our track record includes dropped charges, smart plea deals, and not-guilty verdicts — real outcomes that have changed lives.
Take Action Now – Call a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer in New Orleans, LA Now
If you’re being investigated or have been charged with a federal crime in New Orleans, LA, there is no time to wait. One wrong move early on can make your defense harder — but early legal action gives you power and control.
Get a free, discreet consultation — no pressure, just answers about where you stand and how we can help. Don’t wait until court is around the corner — our New Orleans, LA federal defense team is prepared to act immediately on your behalf.
Call (314) 900-HELP or connect online — and let’s start fighting for your future now.
