Filter by

star star star star star
08 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Ms. Gause and her partner, Ms Robinette, will work tirelessly to get the truth out in defense of their client. Our son was falsely accused by his disgruntled teenage daughterof raping her. The first trial ended in a mistrial (not defended by Ms Gause). When the accuser realized how Ms. Gause would defend our son (by demanding counseling records and more), the accuser dropped all the charges. If it had not been for Ms Gause and her excellent work our son would probably be in prison now for crimes he absolutely did not commit. She kept us informed of everything she was doing in his defense and was available to us by text or phone at any time. I would recommend her to anyone in need of a criminal defense lawyer.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
15 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Emily and Laura will fight tooth and nail and advocate for their clients to the maximum of their abilities. They are truly spectacular and will amaze you with their skills. My family and I deferred to their judgement completely, and felt safe doing so. Emily and Laura understand that their client's futures are in their hands, and they do not take this lightly one bit. Emily and Laura make the best team one can ask for, and will go to war for you for any kind of issue. They are passionate and truly believe in the work that they do. I will always remember Emily and Laura, and they hold a very special place in my heart.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
26 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Emily Gause and Laura Robinett are the best of the best super lawyers in Washington State. I was falsely accused of something I did not do. Before the accusations, I was at the top of my career with great reputation. I was successful through hard work, innovation, and being kind & generous. Unfortunately, I had the misfortune of teaching an immature ethically questionable student clinician who I caught lying, broke rules, and was late for work multiple times. When I counseled this struggling intern, she broke down, cried, and gained my sympathy. Over time, she called me her mentor and acted as though she could improve professionally and ethically. I was wrong. At the end of her training, to benefit her and her future patients, in her grading form, I wrote an honest feedback that she needed to improve professionally and ethically. She got murderously angry, but I didn’t know that she would retaliate the very next day with false accusations. She even lied to law enforcement officers. My boss told me to go with the special agents and answer their questions. *If law enforcement special agents want to ask you questions and accuse you of something that you did not do. Stop the interview. Tell them you want to invoke your 5th US Constitutional Rights. Then, call an attorney stat - Call Emily or Laura ASAP. If you don’t, you will be in a legal nightmare.* Most people believe law enforcement officers are helpful and are unbiased neutral enforcers of the law, and from my experience, this is true. However, when it comes to special agents who are trained as interviewers/interrogators, it seems, these officers will do what it takes, getting you tired, stressed out, shocking you, taking things out of context, using indirect threats, implied promises, hypothetical questions, repeatedly asking the same questions, denying your answers, cutting you off from answering, putting words that they want you to say right after asking a question, tricking you to wrongly remember, tricking you to miss speak, to get you the suspect to “go along” with their line of questioning, and much more. Then, they will write a one-sided mentally biasing report that contain only the pieces of the whole story in order to get you prosecuted. When the human brain is in a mental shock or stressed, it cannot process information correctly. The Special Agents are trained to trigger the stress hormone in your brain. The longer you talk with them, the more likely the stress hormones will make you wrongly remember. Eventually, you will miss speak. This is self-incrimination. Fact is, the law enforcement special agents have qualified immunity when they are interviewing suspects. This means, they can legally lie to you without problems. In my case, the interrogators used all their interrogation tactics with the guise of a neutral interview. In hindsight, I realize now, the special agents didn't care about the actual facts. They just wanted to get me to wrongly remember and miss speak in order to take things out of context to get me prosecuted. It is their job. They are good at their job. Please note: the special agents had evidence the accuser had lied to them. But, the special agents never mentioned this fact in their investigation report. Why wouldn’t they? Remember, their job is to get subjects prosecuted. Investigators will publicly say they are supposed to be unbiased and neutral. But, from my experience, this isn’t true. In the beginning of my case, I had incompetent prior lawyers. Only after Emily Gause and Laura Robinett took my case and pointed out to the prosecutor the non-credible evidence of the accuser and the mischaracterization of the special agent’s report, did the prosecutor offered me a guaranteed way, an SOC, to get my charge dismissed with prejudice. Emily and Laura explained all my legal options and risks, and I am grateful. I most highly recommend both Emily Gause and Laura Robinett above all other defense lawyers in Washington State.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
01 Sep, 2024 by Glen
Natalie represented my special needs adult son in a criminal manner. She had the patience to gain his trust, which isn't easy. She had the foresight to obtain specific services for my son to help his case. Most important, she worked diligently during the entire process for her client.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
28 Mar, 2024 by William
Natalie saved me in a timely manner. She was able to respond quickly when I needed help with my cases on short notice. She took a lot of stress off my shoulders by representing me due to me not being able to speak in front of people. She took the time to make sure there was nothing missing and everything was accurate. As a result, I won both of my cases.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
20 Mar, 2024 by Drew
With my particular case It was hard choosing who to go with making sure who I chose wasn’t going to just treat it like another case when we talked she gave me 100% of her attention and strategized on the spot what the best steps were moving forward I had tons of anxiety speaking with some lawyers and that turned me off from them she was respectful calming and made it feel ok which you need anytime you need to deal with a lawyer absolutely no regrets choosing her and will if I ever need to again
Read more Avvo
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What a Federal Crime Lawyer Can Do for You

A federal crime lawyer specializes in defending individuals or organizations accused of violating federal laws. These lawyers have experience navigating the complex federal criminal justice system, which includes higher penalties, stricter sentencing guidelines, and a different court system than state-level crimes. Federal crime lawyers defend clients against a wide range of charges, such as drug trafficking, white-collar crimes, fraud, conspiracy, gun violations, and more. They assist in every phase of the legal process, from investigation to trial and appeals, ensuring their clients' rights are protected.

If you’re facing federal criminal charges, a federal crime lawyer can provide the necessary defense and expertise to navigate the complexities of federal law and achieve the best possible outcome.

When Should I Hire a Federal Crime Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a federal crime lawyer in any situation where you are under investigation or have been charged with a federal crime. Key scenarios include:

  • Charged with a federal crime: If you’ve been charged with a federal offense, such as drug trafficking, wire fraud, money laundering, or conspiracy, hiring a federal crime lawyer is essential to ensure your defense is tailored to federal court procedures and laws.
  • Target of a federal investigation: If you are being investigated by federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, ATF, or IRS, it’s crucial to retain a lawyer early on. A lawyer can help you avoid self-incrimination and build a defense strategy to counter the investigation.
  • White-collar crimes: If you’ve been accused of federal white-collar crimes such as securities fraud, embezzlement, or insider trading, a lawyer can help defend you against charges brought by federal prosecutors and regulatory agencies like the SEC.
  • Drug-related charges: If you’re facing federal drug charges, such as possession, distribution, or trafficking of controlled substances, a lawyer can represent you in federal court and negotiate plea deals or challenge the prosecution’s case.
  • Gun-related offenses: If you’ve been charged with federal gun crimes, including illegal possession, trafficking, or using a firearm during a violent crime, a federal crime lawyer can help defend against harsh federal penalties.
  • Immigration-related crimes: Federal charges involving immigration violations, such as human trafficking, smuggling, or illegal re-entry after deportation, require specialized legal knowledge of both federal criminal law and immigration law.
  • Appeals: If you’ve been convicted of a federal crime and are seeking to appeal the conviction or sentence, a federal crime lawyer can assist with the appeals process, focusing on legal errors or issues that may have occurred during the trial.

Hiring a lawyer as soon as you know you are under investigation or charged with a federal crime gives you the best chance of protecting your rights and building a strong defense.

What Does a Federal Crime Lawyer Do?

A federal crime lawyer provides a wide range of legal services to defend individuals and organizations accused of federal crimes. Their responsibilities often include:

  • Defending clients in federal court: Federal crime lawyers represent clients in all stages of federal criminal proceedings, including pre-trial motions, plea negotiations, trials, and sentencing hearings.
  • Building a defense strategy: Lawyers thoroughly investigate the charges, review the prosecution’s evidence, and develop a defense strategy tailored to the unique aspects of federal law and sentencing guidelines.
  • Negotiating plea deals: In some cases, a lawyer may negotiate with federal prosecutors to reduce charges or penalties, potentially avoiding a lengthy trial and reducing sentencing.
  • Handling federal investigations: If you are the subject of a federal investigation, a lawyer will guide you on how to interact with federal agents, respond to subpoenas, and handle potential interrogations, ensuring your rights are not violated.
  • Filing pre-trial motions: Federal crime lawyers can file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or challenge the legality of the investigation or arrest, aiming to weaken the prosecution’s case before trial.
  • Representing clients in appeals: If you’ve been convicted, a federal crime lawyer can represent you in the appeals process, focusing on legal errors, misconduct, or constitutional issues that may have affected the trial’s outcome.
  • Managing sentencing and post-conviction matters: Lawyers also help clients during the sentencing phase, arguing for leniency or alternatives to imprisonment, and assist with post-conviction matters such as parole or supervised release violations.

How Are Federal Crime Lawyers Paid?

Federal crime lawyers typically charge for their services in various ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the expected time commitment. Common payment structures include:

  • Hourly rate: Many federal crime lawyers charge by the hour, with rates typically ranging from $300 to $1,000 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience, the case complexity, and geographic location.
  • Flat fee: For specific services, such as negotiating a plea deal or representing you during the initial stages of a federal investigation, some lawyers offer a flat fee. Flat fees for federal criminal defense cases often range from $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the scope of the work.
  • Retainer: In complex federal cases, a lawyer may require a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers a portion of the legal work. The lawyer then bills against this retainer as they work on the case. Retainers typically range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the case.
  • Payment plans: Some federal crime lawyers may offer payment plans, especially if the case involves extended litigation or lengthy appeals. This can help make legal fees more manageable over time.

It’s crucial to discuss fees with your lawyer upfront to understand the total cost of representation and how payments will be handled throughout the case.

How Much Does a Federal Crime Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a federal crime lawyer depends on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the time required to resolve the case. General cost estimates include:

  • Hourly rates: Federal crime lawyers generally charge between $300 and $1,000 per hour. For example, if a lawyer charges $500 per hour and spends 50 hours on your case, the total cost would be $25,000.
  • Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as negotiating a plea deal, flat fees can range from $5,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on the seriousness of the charges and the lawyer’s experience.
  • Retainers: In more complex or ongoing cases, a lawyer may require a retainer of $10,000 to $100,000, depending on the case’s scope and complexity.
  • Appeals: If you’re appealing a federal conviction, legal fees for an appeal can range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the issues being raised and the length of the appellate process.

In addition to legal fees, you may also need to cover additional costs such as court filing fees, expert witness fees, and investigation expenses.

Top Questions to Ask a Federal Crime Lawyer

Before hiring a federal crime lawyer, it’s essential to ask key questions to ensure they have the necessary experience and qualifications to handle your case. Key questions to ask include:

  1. What experience do you have with federal cases?
    Ensure the lawyer has extensive experience handling federal criminal cases, particularly those similar to yours, such as drug trafficking, white-collar crimes, or gun violations.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost of your defense.
  3. What are the possible outcomes of my case?
    Ask for an honest assessment of your case and the potential outcomes, including plea deals, dismissals, or trial strategies.
  4. What is your approach to defending federal cases?
    Ask how the lawyer plans to approach your defense, including potential pre-trial motions, negotiations with federal prosecutors, or trial strategies.
  5. Will my case go to trial?
    Ask whether the lawyer thinks your case will settle out of court through a plea deal or whether it’s expected to go to trial, and how the lawyer will prepare for either scenario.
  6. How long will my case take?
    Federal cases can take time to resolve, so ask the lawyer for an estimated timeline, from investigation to trial or settlement.
  7. What are the possible penalties if convicted?
    Ask about the potential penalties you could face if convicted, including prison time, fines, or other consequences, and how the lawyer plans to mitigate those penalties.

How to Check the Credibility of a Federal Crime Lawyer

To ensure you are hiring a reputable federal crime lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and experience:

  • Check their bar status: Verify with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed to practice law and has no disciplinary actions or complaints.
  • Look for federal crime experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in federal criminal defense and have successfully handled cases like yours.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about their experience with the lawyer.
  • Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on federal cases.
  • Check for federal court admissions: Make sure the lawyer is admitted to practice in federal court, as federal criminal cases are handled in federal district courts.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first consultation with a federal crime lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:

  • Information about the charges or investigation: Provide any documents related to the charges against you, such as indictments, subpoenas, or notices of investigation. This helps the lawyer assess the severity of the charges and the potential defense strategy.
  • Details of previous interactions with federal agents: If federal agents have contacted you or conducted searches, provide a detailed account of those interactions, including search warrants, interrogations, or evidence seized.
  • Questions about your case: Prepare a list of questions regarding the legal process, potential outcomes, and how the lawyer plans to defend you.
  • Relevant financial information: If your case involves financial crimes or assets that may be at risk, bring relevant financial records, such as bank statements, business records, or tax returns.
  • Previous legal history: If you have a prior criminal record or have been involved in federal investigations before, bring details about those cases.

By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and provide the best possible legal defense for your federal case.

Scroll to top