Irving Federal Crime Lawyer

If you or someone you love has been charged with a federal crime in Irving, Texas, the clock is already running. Federal investigations often start long before an arrest is made, and by the time agents are knocking on your door, prosecutors may have been building their case for months or even years. This is not the time to wait and see how things play out.

At Garcia, Garcia & Mullen, our Irving federal crime lawyers understand what is at stake when you face the full weight of the federal government. We represent clients across Dallas County and North Texas who are under investigation or have been charged with serious federal offenses. Our team knows how federal prosecutors operate, how federal courts work, and, most importantly, how to build a defense that can make a real difference in your case.Contact us today for a free consultation.

How Our Irving Federal Crime Lawyers Can Help

Federal cases are different from state cases in almost every way, the rules, the prosecutors, the courts, and the potential penalties. You need an attorney who has experience on this level, not just someone who handles an occasional federal matter.

When you hire Garcia, Garcia & Mullen, we go to work immediately. Our legal team will:

• Conduct an independent investigation into the charges and how they arose
• Review how federal agents gathered their evidence, including whether any searches or seizures violated your Fourth Amendment rights
• Shield you from making statements that could be used against you, and guide you through any interactions with federal agents or prosecutors
• Challenge the government's evidence at every stage, from grand jury proceedings through trial
• Negotiate with federal prosecutors when a favorable plea agreement is in your best interest, or fight your case aggressively before a federal judge and jury

The federal government has enormous resources and seasoned prosecutors. Our job is to level the playing field and pursue the best possible outcome for you.

What Makes a Crime "Federal"?

A crime becomes federal when it violates Title 18 of the United States Code, the federal criminal code, or another federal statute. Federal charges can also arise when:

• The alleged offense crossed state lines
• A federal agency such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, IRS Criminal Investigation, or Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted the investigation
• The offense occurred on federal property or involved a federal official
• The crime involved interstate commerce, wire communications, or federal financial institutions

Irving's location in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, a major commercial and transportation hub, means federal law enforcement agencies are active here. If a federal agency was involved in your case at any stage, you should assume federal charges are possible and speak with an attorney right away.

Federal Crimes We Handle in Irving, TX

There are hundreds of offenses that can be prosecuted as federal crimes. At Garcia, Garcia & Mullen, we defend clients against the full range of federal charges, including:

• Drug Trafficking and Distribution — Federal drug charges under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 841) carry severe mandatory minimum sentences based on drug type and quantity.
• White-Collar Crimes — Including wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343), mail fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341), bank fraud, and securities fraud.
• Money Laundering — Under 18 U.S.C. § 1956, money laundering charges can be layered on top of underlying offenses and carry up to 20 years in federal prison.
• Federal Weapons Charges — Illegal possession of firearms by a prohibited person under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) can trigger federal prosecution even when state charges are not filed.
• Drug Crimes — Possession with intent to distribute, drug conspiracy charges, and importation offenses.
• Identity Theft and Fraud — Aggravated identity theft under 18 U.S.C. § 1028A carries a mandatory two-year consecutive sentence on top of any underlying conviction.

Our firm handles a wide range of federal offenses beyond the charges listed above. Contact us to discuss your case and learn how we can help.

Federal vs. State Charges: Why the Difference Matters

Many people who face federal charges for the first time assume the process will look similar to a state criminal case. It does not. Here is what you need to understand:

Federal prosecutors are highly specialized. Assistant United States Attorneys handle only federal cases, often focusing on specific types of offenses. They are experienced, well-resourced, and do not take cases they are not confident they can win.

The rules are different. Federal criminal procedure is governed by the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, which differ significantly from Texas state court procedures. Sentencing is guided by the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which calculate recommended sentences based on offense severity and criminal history.

Cases are heard in federal court. In the Dallas area, federal cases are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, located in Dallas. Judges in federal court have different expectations than state court judges.

Sentences are often longer — and must be served. Federal law eliminated parole for offenses committed after November 1, 1987, under the Sentencing Reform Act. Defendants must serve at least 85% of their federal sentence.

Federal Sentencing: What You Could Be Facing

Federal offenses are classified as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties set by statute and the Sentencing Guidelines. The classes work as follows:

Federal Misdemeanors:

• Class A: 6 months to 1 year in federal prison
• Class B: 30 days to 6 months
• Class C: 5 to 30 days

Federal Felonies:

• Class E: 1 to 5 years
• Class D: 5 to 10 years
• Class C: 10 to 25 years
• Class B: 25 years to life
• Class A: Life imprisonment or death

Beyond incarceration, a federal conviction can bring steep fines, supervised release (federal probation), asset forfeiture, and a permanent felony record. Non-citizens may face deportation. Federal convictions can also affect professional licenses, the right to own firearms, eligibility for federal benefits, and the ability to find work or housing long after the sentence ends.

The only way to avoid these consequences is to fight the charges. Our Irving federal crime attorneys are ready to do exactly that.

Your Constitutional Rights in a Federal Case

No matter how serious the charges, you have constitutional rights that must be protected. Our firm is committed to enforcing those rights at every stage.

Fourth Amendment: Protection from Illegal Searches

Under the Fourth Amendment, federal agents generally need a valid warrant supported by probable cause to search your home, vehicle, or electronic devices. Evidence obtained through an unlawful search may be suppressed, meaning it cannot be used against you at trial.

Fifth Amendment: Right to Remain Silent

You are never required to answer questions from federal agents or prosecutors. Under the Fifth Amendment, you cannot be compelled to incriminate yourself. Exercise this right immediately and call an attorney.

Sixth Amendment: Right to Counsel

The Sixth Amendment guarantees your right to an attorney at all critical stages of your case — beginning at the point of arrest. Do not speak to investigators without your lawyer present.

Common Defenses in Federal Criminal Cases

Every federal case is different, and the right defense strategy depends on the specific facts and charges. That said, some of the most effective defenses our team uses include:

• Suppression of illegally obtained evidence — If federal agents violated your Fourth Amendment rights during a search or seizure, we can move to exclude that evidence from your trial.
• Lack of intent — Many federal offenses require the government to prove criminal intent ("mens rea"). If they cannot establish that you knowingly and willfully committed the offense, the charge may fail.
• Entrapment — If a federal agent induced you to commit a crime you would not have otherwise committed, entrapment may be a valid defense.
• Insufficient evidence — The government must prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Gaps, inconsistencies, and unreliable witnesses all create opportunities to undermine the prosecution's case.
• Mistaken identity — Eyewitness misidentification and the misinterpretation of electronic evidence are more common than people think.
• Affirmative defenses — Including duress, necessity, and good-faith reliance on legal advice in certain cases.
• Constitutional violations — Beyond unlawful searches, we look for Miranda violations, due process issues, and prosecutorial misconduct.

We review every detail,  how the investigation started, how evidence was collected, what agreements (if any) were made, and whether federal agents followed the law at every step.

Why Choose Garcia, Garcia & Mullen for Your Federal Case

When your freedom, your career, and your future are on the line, you need a legal team that treats your case with the seriousness it deserves. At Garcia, Garcia & Mullen, we bring:

Local knowledge and courtroom experience. Our attorneys know the federal courts in the Northern District of Texas and how federal cases are handled in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including Irving.

A thorough, hands-on approach. We do not hand your case off to a junior associate. Our attorneys work directly with clients from the first consultation through the resolution of the case.

Experience with both state and federal cases. As your Irving criminal defense lawyers, we handle criminal matters at every level, which means we understand the full picture when charges overlap or escalate to the federal level.

A commitment to clear communication. Federal cases can be long and complicated. We make sure our clients understand where their case stands, what their options are, and what to expect at every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Our Irving Federal Crime Attorneys Today

Facing a federal charge is one of the most serious legal situations a person can encounter. Federal prosecutors are skilled, federal penalties are severe, and the process moves on a timeline you may not be prepared for.

Garcia, Garcia & Mullen is here to help. Our Irving federal crime attorneys have the experience, the knowledge, and the dedication to fight for you from the first conversation through the final resolution of your case. We serve clients in Irving, Dallas, Fort Worth, and throughout North Texas.

Call us at 214-214-1000 to schedule your free consultation. The sooner you call, the sooner we can start protecting your rights.