A federal criminal defense lawyer in San Bernardino, CA helps people and businesses facing serious legal jeopardy in the federal court system – with potential outcomes like incarceration, financial ruin, and irreversible reputational damage.
Federal criminal cases in San Bernardino, CA follow an entirely separate path than cases in state court: the stakes are higher, the procedures are stricter, and the prosecutors have more resources at their disposal.
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.
You don’t have to go through this alone, Combs Waterkotte‘s San Bernardino, CA federal criminal defense lawyers are ready to step in early with proven federal defense experience – backed by deep knowledge of the federal court system and a track record of protecting our clients’ rights. Every day counts — let us help you take back control.
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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 in terms of law, procedure, penalties, and who prosecutes them.
- The federal legal process follows a multi-step path: investigation, grand jury indictment, pretrial stages, courtroom litigation, and 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 San Bernardino, CA 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 San Bernardino, CA “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.
Crimes that touch federal land, violate federal law, or span multiple states fall under the control of the federal justice system.
Your case may be prosecuted federally under the following conditions:
- It violates a federal statute passed by Congress (like wire fraud or drug trafficking).
- It involves multiple states or crosses state lines, impacting commerce between states.
- 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:
Federal crimes are not just more serious because of who investigates or prosecutes them. They’re governed by a system of law that is often different from CA’s state law. If you’re facing federal charges, you need a federal criminal defense lawyer in San Bernardino, CA who understands that system inside and out.
Common Federal Charges We Defend in San Bernardino, CA
Federal charges include everything from white-collar financial fraud to drug offenses and violent crimes involving multiple states. What unites all federal cases is the fact that the U.S. government prosecutes them aggressively, using its full legal and investigative power.
At Combs Waterkotte, our federal criminal defense attorneys in San Bernardino, CA 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
Using electronic communications or mail to defraud individuals or institutions – often charged in business or investment-related cases. - Federal money laundering
Involves structuring or layering financial activity to hide the unlawful origin of assets. - Federal tax evasion and financial crimes
Underreporting income, failing to file returns, or defrauding the IRS — often accompanied by related white-collar offenses. - Federal weapons offenses
Includes unlawful possession, trafficking, or use of firearms – especially by prohibited persons or in furtherance of a drug or violent crime. - 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
Handled by federal prosecutors and often initiated by Homeland Security or ICE investigations.
To compare:
State-level charges often involve routine police work and local courtrooms, while federal charges like wire fraud can draw intense scrutiny from federal agencies and a federal grand jury. The stakes – and the strategies – are entirely different.
How the Federal Criminal Process Works in San Bernardino, CA
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 investigations are often extensive and conducted in secret. Agencies like the FBI, DEA, or IRS may monitor bank accounts, intercept communications, or build a case over months – even years – before making an arrest.
Most common mistake: Waiting until formal charges are filed to hire a federal crimes defense attorney in San Bernardino, CA. Early representation can change the course of a federal case before it ever reaches court.
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
You’ll appear in court to enter a plea. At this stage, your attorney begins building your defense — potentially suppressing evidence, contesting the charges, or securing better pretrial conditions.
Strong early motions and investigations can sometimes result in charges being dropped.
Step 4: Plea Negotiations or Trial
A plea deal is common in federal court — but it’s not the only path. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, and we’re ready to present your defense when that day comes.
Successfully navigating a trial takes mastery of federal evidence rules, strategic litigation planning, and strong courtroom presence.
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)
If convicted, you may be able to appeal — but the process demands precision and thorough knowledge of federal appellate rules.
In summary:
Federal criminal cases move quickly and follow strict procedural rules. The government has already spent time preparing its case – and you deserve a federal criminal defense lawyer in San Bernardino, CA who will not back down from a fight, even against the might of the federal government.
How Our San Bernardino, CA Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Approach Federal Cases
Federal defense isn’t just about statutes — it’s about knowing when to act, how to apply pressure, and how to navigate a system built for the prosecution.
We focus on intervening early, investigating every angle, and building a relentless, client-first defense strategy.
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. Any contact from federal agents — whether it’s a subpoena or a target letter — signals that prosecution is likely on the horizon.
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. Using experts and seasoned investigators, we challenge the government’s narrative and uncover evidence that supports your defense.
Step 3: Realistic Negotiation
When the evidence is stacked and mandatory minimums loom, negotiating a favorable plea can prevent catastrophic sentencing.
We know how to navigate plea discussions while preserving leverage, and we always prepare for trial – whether we expect to go to one or not.
We give you all the information you need and leave the ultimate decision in your hands.
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
A guilty verdict isn’t the end — we shift focus to minimizing the impact. We prepare detailed sentencing memoranda, present mitigating factors, and argue for the lowest possible penalties under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines (or outside of them when appropriate).
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 San Bernardino, CA Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers?
When the federal government targets you, the last thing you need is a defense lawyer who isn’t familiar with the system or the stakes. Our San Bernardino, CA federal criminal defense lawyers do. Clients throughout San Bernardino, CA, have trusted us to defend them against aggressive federal investigations and devastating legal threats.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Focused federal experience
Our team has handled federal cases in the San Bernardino, CA 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
We pride ourselves on being accessible and responsive — we talk like people, act fast, and give your case the attention we’d want if we were in your shoes. - Results that matter
From reduced charges to trial wins, our results have helped clients avoid prison and move forward with confidence.
Take Action Now – Call a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer in San Bernardino, CA Now
If you’re being investigated or have been charged with a federal crime in San Bernardino, CA, there is no time to wait. Every moment matters, from what you say to investigators, to how your defense is structured before trial even begins.
Our consultations are private, informative, and designed to help you understand what’s happening and how to respond. Whether you’re under federal investigation, have received a target letter, or are already facing indictment, you want Combs Waterkotte’s San Bernardino, CA federal criminal defense lawyers to start protecting your rights and your future immediately.
Call (314) 900-HELP or connect online — and let’s start fighting for your future now.
