Federal Practice

As a qualified and experienced Sacramento criminal defense lawyer, Michael Chastaine of The Chastaine Law Office is often appointed by the court to represent people accused of federal criminal offenses.  The firm accepts private clients in this area as well, and based upon its skills and experience, is able to provide competent and effective defense in the federal courts and in negotiations with federal agencies.  The firm's representation typically falls into four main areas:

Please note: the information contained below is not intended to be legal advice and may not apply in all cases or situations.  It does not establish a client-attorney relationship, and is intended ONLY to be used as a guideline of some of the possible considerations.

Drug Offenses

The Controlled Substances Act prohibits the manufacture, distribution, and possession with intent of a lengthy list of substances, from street drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine (speed), LSD, and heroin, to prescription medication like morphine or oxycontin and other substances which have a high potential for abuse.  The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and other drug interdiction agencies operate a vast network from small towns to big cities with immense resources to funnel toward ferreting out suspected drug trafficking.  These law enforcement activities often cast a wide net and catch many people who are not professional drug dealers.  Unfortunately, federal sentences are harsh.  One bad mistake can have serious repercussions.

Gun Offenses

A host of federal laws deal with weapons violations, including who can own firearms and ammunition, what types are legal, and how they may be bought or sold.  In addition, nearly every federal crime, from bank robbery to drug trafficking, includes significant enhanced penalties if a firearm was used in the commission of a crime.  These penalties are further increased if the firearm is "brandished," discharged, or if anyone is injured during the incident.  These penalty enhancements have been applied to accidental discharges of firearms, or when an injury occurs due to law enforcement using their weapons.

Despite these harsh penalties, the judge has no discretionary power.Depending upon the facts of the case and the defendant's criminal history, a skilled defense lawyer may be able to argue for a minimum sentence or lesser charge where acquittal is not a realistic possibility.

Child Pornography

The federal government is very serious about its child pornography laws.

The penalties for child pornography crimes have recently been significantly increased at the federal level, including new mandatory minimum sentences and increased maximum sentences, including life imprisonment in a case with prior convictions for child sexual exploitation.Child Pornography cases are very difficult and many attorneys simply either won’t or don’t know how to deal with such cases.  Here at the Chastaine Law Office we have represented persons charged with all manner of sex offenses, including possession and distribution of child pornography.  We know how to address these cases and can provided the best defense available.

Prostitution

For over one hundred years, the federal government has outlawed human trafficking or traveling across state lines for the purpose of prostitution.  One could be arrested for prostitution or pimping without the government proving that any sexual activity took place, but merely that one crossed state lines for that purpose.

Put Our Skill and Experience on Your Side

Often, federal cases are built over months or even years, involving in-depth investigations, including surveillance and interviews with persons who may help the Government build a case.  Sometimes these interviews are directed at the suspects themselves, where the police hope to obtain incriminating evidence from the person's own statements when they have not gathered sufficient evidence to arrest otherwise.  There is sometimes a fine line between protecting your right against self-incrimination and being charged with obstruction of justice for refusing to cooperate with police.  Much depends upon whether you are a targeted suspect at the time of the questioning.  Regardless, you always have the right to consult with an attorney before answering any questions, and you should always exercise that right (see Arrests & Investigations FAQ).

When the vast resources of the federal government are brought to bear against you, you need a strong, aggressive, and experienced criminal defense lawyer to level the playing field.  If you have been arrested for a federal crime in one of the above categories, or for a white collar crime such as fraud or tax evasion, contact The Chastaine Law Office before you do anything else.