Federal Criminal Defense Attorney in Fort Washington

Serious Federal Charges Require Immediate Action—Call Gracia & Mintz

Learning that you are under federal investigation or have been charged in federal court is overwhelming. The rules, agencies, and potential penalties in a federal case are different from what most people expect in state court. If prosecutors are looking at you or a loved one, you may have very little time to make important decisions.

At Gracia & Mintz, we represent people in the Fort Washington area who are facing federal criminal accusations. Our firm is based in Prince George’s County, and our attorneys bring backgrounds as former prosecutors and a former deputy sheriff to every case we handle. We use that insight to respond quickly, protect your rights, and guide you through each step.

We know you may need help at any hour, so we are available 24/7 to respond when agents appear at your door, when an arrest occurs, or when you receive a target letter. To speak with our team now about your federal case, call (301) 842-8584 or reach out online now.

Navigating Federal Criminal Law

A crime becomes "federal" when it violates U.S. statutes (the United States Code), involves federal property, or crosses state lines. In Fort Washington, federal charges are often investigated by the FBI, DEA, ATF, or IRS. These agencies spend months, sometimes years, building a "paper trail" before an indictment is ever unsealed.

Common federal charges we defend include:

• White-Collar Crimes: Including wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering.
• Drug Trafficking: Federal drug charges carry notoriously harsh mandatory minimum sentences. The 2026 guidelines include new enhancements for offenses involving fentanyl-related substances and synthetic analogues under the HALT Fentanyl Act.
• Firearms Offenses: Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person or the use of a weapon during a "crime of violence" or drug trafficking offense can trigger severe federal enhancements.
• Cybercrimes and Identity Theft: These often involve complex digital forensics. Our firm stays ahead of the curve on federal privacy laws and digital evidence suppression.

Federal criminal cases are often built by agencies that have significant resources, such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, and IRS. These investigations can last months or even years before charges are filed, and the government typically enters court with a detailed plan. You need a federal defense team that understands how that plan was created and how to challenge it effectively.

The Federal Criminal Process in Maryland

Federal cases move with a calculated precision that can be intimidating. Our firm guides you through every phase:

1. The Investigation and Target Letter: Often, a case begins with a "Target Letter" or a visit from a federal agent. This is the most critical time to secure counsel. We can often engage in pre-indictment negotiations with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to prevent charges from being filed or to secure a more favorable "information" charge rather than an indictment.
2. The Indictment and Arraignment: If a Grand Jury finds probable cause, an indictment is issued. Your arraignment will take place before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. Unlike state court, there is no cash bail in the federal system. You are either released on "personal recognizance" with conditions or detained under the Bail Reform Act.
3. Discovery and Motions: Federal discovery is extensive. We comb through thousands of pages of documents, digital data, and wiretap transcripts. We file Motions to Suppress if federal agents overstepped their bounds—for example, by conducting a search without a valid warrant or violating your Fifth Amendment rights during an interrogation.
4. Plea Negotiations or Trial: If a trial is necessary, you need a team with extensive federal trial experience. As former prosecutors, we know how to cross-examine federal agents and challenge the credibility of "cooperating witnesses" (informants) who are often incentivized to provide testimony in exchange for their own leniency.

Why Choose Our Federal Defense Team

Our firm is led by attorneys who previously worked as prosecutors and who have law enforcement experience as a former deputy sheriff. We have seen how federal agents gather evidence, how charging decisions are made, and how prosecutors approach plea negotiations and trial strategy. We now use that experience on the defense side, focusing on finding weaknesses in the government’s case and protecting our clients from unfair pressure.

Gracia & Mintz has received recognition at both the national and local levels for the quality of our criminal defense work. That recognition reflects the preparation, analysis, and advocacy we bring to every matter. It does not guarantee specific outcomes in any case, but it does show that our peers and community trust us with serious legal problems.

We also understand that many people feel pushed toward quick plea agreements in federal court. Our attorneys work carefully through the evidence, explain sentencing exposure in plain language, and advise you on the risks and benefits of each option. We refuse to accept unjust plea deals or settlements, and our goal is always to move you toward the most favorable result the facts and law allow.

How We Handle Federal Criminal Cases in Fort Washington

Federal criminal cases require careful planning from the earliest stages. At Gracia & Mintz, we can assist even before charges are filed, reviewing subpoenas or letters and advising on how to respond to protect your rights. When appropriate, we may communicate with federal prosecutors to gauge their view of the investigation and limit unnecessary exposure. Early guidance can make a significant difference in how a case develops.

After charges are filed, we prepare for initial appearances and detention hearings, gathering details about employment, family, and community ties to argue for release or the least restrictive conditions. We also review discovery materials from the government and conduct independent investigations to identify gaps, challenge improper procedures, and protect constitutional rights. This approach helps ensure that any evidence presented is scrutinized and that your defense is comprehensive.

Throughout the case, we provide guidance on plea offers and potential sentencing, including how the United States Sentencing Guidelines may affect exposure. If the case goes to trial, our courtroom experience, including insights from former prosecutorial work, allows us to effectively cross-examine witnesses and present evidence. At every stage, we communicate clearly with you and your family, explaining options, developments, and strategies to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

What to Do If You Face Federal Charges in Maryland

Federal investigations and charges affecting people in Fort Washington can begin in many ways. You might receive a visit from agents asking to talk, a target letter from the United States Attorney’s Office, a grand jury subpoena, or an arrest followed by an initial appearance in federal court. In each situation, what you do next can significantly affect your case.

Federal crimes often carry lengthy prison terms, substantial fines, and supervised release. A conviction can also affect employment, professional licenses, immigration status, and family life. Because federal cases usually move on strict schedules, waiting to involve counsel can limit your options and make it harder to correct early mistakes.

If you are contacted by federal agents or believe you are a target, these steps can help protect you:

• Avoid giving statements or interviews without an attorney present.
• Do not destroy, hide, or alter documents, devices, or other potential evidence.
• Keep any letters, subpoenas, or paperwork you receive from agents or the court.
• Write down details about contacts with law enforcement, including names and dates.
• Reach out promptly to our federal criminal defense lawyer in Fort Washington to discuss your situation in a confidential setting.

We know it can be tempting to try to “clear things up” with investigators on your own. In reality, statements made early in an investigation are often used against people later in court. When you contact our firm quickly, we can communicate with the government on your behalf, help you understand what is really at stake, and start building a defense plan that takes the full picture into account.

Talk With Our Fort Washington Team About Your Federal Case

If you or someone you care about in Fort Washington is facing a federal criminal investigation or charges, you do not have to navigate the process alone. Our attorneys draw on former prosecution and law enforcement experience to assess the case, answer your questions, and build a strategy tailored to your circumstances.

We are available around the clock and based in Prince George’s County, so you can reach us when it matters most. When you contact our firm, you can expect a straightforward conversation about what you are facing and how we can help, without pressure and without unrealistic promises.

Call (301) 842-8584 or reach out online to speak with our team about your federal case.