Washington, D.C. Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Facing federal charges in the heart of the nation’s capital? The stakes couldn’t be higher. Washington, D.C. is unique – the laws are complex, the courts are demanding, and the consequences of a conviction can be severe. You need a legal team that not only understands federal law but also knows the intricacies of the D.C. legal landscape. At Padula Law, you’ll find exactly that. 

Why Choose Padula Law?

• Inside Knowledge, Your Advantage: Attorney Michael Padula isn’t just a defense attorney; he’s a former prosecutor who has worked within the Department of Justice. This means he knows how the “other side” thinks, builds cases, and negotiates. This insider perspective is invaluable when crafting your defense strategy.
• Dedicated to D.C. Defense: We focus exclusively on federal criminal defense in Washington, D.C. We’re not a general practice firm dabbling in federal cases. We know the judges, the prosecutors, and the specific challenges that arise in D.C. federal courts.
• Your Rights, Our Priority: From the moment you walk through our door, your rights and your future become our focus. We provide aggressive representation, personalized attention, and clear, honest communication every step of the way.

Michael Padula: Your Advocate in the Capital

Michael Padula combines his prosecutorial background with a deep commitment to defending the accused. He’s a skilled litigator, a strategic negotiator, and a fierce advocate for his clients. When you’re facing the immense power of the federal government, you need someone like Michael in your corner.

Common Federal Crimes in Washington D.C.

Washington, D.C.’s status as the center of the U.S. government attracts a wide range of federal crimes, many with unique implications.

While we handle all federal offenses, some of the most common we encounter in D.C. include:

• White Collar Crimes: D.C. is a hub for finance, politics, and lobbying, making it a prime location for white-collar offenses. We defend against charges such as:
• Public Corruption: Bribery, extortion, and influence peddling by government officials.
• Financial Crimes: Embezzlement, money laundering, insider trading, and securities fraud.
• Tax Evasion: Complex tax fraud schemes and willful failure to pay taxes.
• Drug Trafficking: Given D.C.’s proximity to major transportation routes, drug trafficking, particularly involving opioids and fentanyl, is a significant issue. We handle cases involving:
  • Possession with Intent to Distribute
  • Drug Conspiracy Charges
  • Interstate Drug Trafficking
• Firearms Offenses: D.C. has strict gun laws, and federal charges related to firearms are common. We defend against charges involving:
  • Illegal Possession of a Firearm
  • Felon in Possession of a Firearm
  • Firearms Used in the Commission of a Crime
• Fraud: Fraud takes many forms in D.C., and we have experience defending against:
• Healthcare Fraud: False billing, kickbacks, and fraudulent medical claims.
• Government Contract Fraud: Schemes to defraud government agencies through contracts and procurement.
• Identity Theft: Stealing personal information for financial gain.
• Cybercrime: With numerous government agencies and private companies handling sensitive data, cybercrime is a growing threat. We defend against charges involving:
  • Hacking and Data Breaches
  • Cyberstalking and Online Harassment
  • Intellectual Property Theft

Understanding the Federal Court System in D.C.

Navigating the federal court system in D.C. can be daunting. Here’s a breakdown:

• U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia: This is where your case begins. It’s the trial court for all federal criminal cases in D.C. We are intimately familiar with the judges, procedures, and local rules of this court.
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit: If you’re convicted in District Court, you have the right to appeal your case to this court. We have extensive experience handling appeals and presenting persuasive arguments to appellate judges.
• Supreme Court of the United States: The highest court in the land, the Supreme Court hears a limited number of cases involving significant legal issues. While reaching this level is rare, we have the knowledge and expertise to pursue all available avenues of appeal.
• U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia: This office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in D.C. We have a strong understanding of their procedures, priorities, and prosecutorial styles.

How Could the Federal Sentencing Guidelines Impact My Case?

Federal sentencing guidelines are complex. They involve a point system that considers the severity of the offense, your criminal history, and other factors to determine a recommended sentencing range. However, judges have some discretion in sentencing.

We work tirelessly to:

• Minimize Your Guideline Range: We investigate every aspect of your case to identify mitigating factors and argue for the lowest possible guideline range.
• Present Compelling Arguments for Leniency: We prepare comprehensive sentencing memorandums and present persuasive arguments to the judge to advocate for a sentence below the guidelines.
• Challenge Enhancements: We fight against any attempts by the prosecution to unfairly increase your sentence through enhancements.
• Address Mandatory Minimums: Certain federal crimes carry mandatory minimum sentences. We explore all legal options to challenge or mitigate the impact of these mandatory minimums.

Can Federal Criminal Charges Cause Security Clearance Issues?

In D.C., many people work in positions requiring security clearances. A federal criminal charge, even an arrest, can put your clearance at risk. We can help you:

• Proactively Protect Your Clearance: We work with you to mitigate the potential damage to your clearance by addressing the underlying issues and presenting a strong case to your agency.
• Defend Against Revocation: If your clearance is revoked or suspended, we represent you in administrative hearings and appeals to fight for its reinstatement.
• Navigate Security Clearance Investigations: We guide you through the often-confusing security clearance investigation process and ensure your rights are protected.

Who Investigates Federal Crimes in Washington, D.C.?

Federal investigations are often complex and can last for months or even years. Key agencies active in D.C. include:

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Investigates a wide range of federal crimes, from terrorism to white-collar crime.
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Focuses on drug trafficking and related offenses.
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF): Investigates firearms offenses, explosives, and arson.
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Investigates tax evasion and other financial crimes.

What To Do If You’re Under Investigation

• Don’t speak to investigators without an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you.
• Contact us immediately. We can advise you on your rights, communicate with investigators on your behalf, and begin building your defense.
• Preserve evidence. Gather any documents or information that might be relevant to your case.

How Can Padula Law Help if My Case Goes to Trial in Federal Court

If your case goes to trial, you need an experienced trial lawyer by your side. We will:

• Meticulously Prepare Your Defense: We thoroughly investigate the facts, analyze the evidence, and develop a strong legal strategy tailored to your case.
• Select a Jury: We carefully question potential jurors to ensure a fair and impartial jury.
• Cross-Examine Witnesses: We effectively cross-examine government witnesses to challenge their credibility and expose weaknesses in their testimony.
• Present a Compelling Case: We present evidence and arguments to persuade the jury of your innocence.

Don’t face federal charges alone. Contact Padula Law for a confidential consultation. Call (202) 953-4720 today.

Frequently Asked Questions For Our Washington, D.C. Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer