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Federal Criminal Defense

We represent people accused of federal crimes throughout North Carolina.

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Experienced Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers in Raleigh, North Carolina

Just the thought of a federal criminal prosecution is terrifying. Reputations can be destroyed, livelihoods can be lost, and assets can be depleted. And, above all, prison can be a real possibility.

If you are looking for skilled and experienced lawyers who handle federal cases, don’t take chances and contact Blue LLP right away. On a strictly confidential basis, we will discuss your problem, explain the legal process, and talk about our approach. If we move forward, we will immediately begin work on your case.

North Carolina Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys

Blue LLP is a law firm whose attorneys who have achieved substantial successes for our clients in the federal criminal justice system. We are committed to providing the highest level of advocacy, service, and results for our clients.

Our lawyers have experience representing clients facing the toughest moments of their lives. We represent people from all walks of life, and are keenly aware of the unique challenges experienced by professionals who are facing criminal prosecution. Our clients trust us with their reputations. livelihood, and most of all, their freedom.

Don’t take unnecessary chances, and call us to learn how we can help.

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Tested Federal defense attorneys with a record of success

We have successfully represented people who have been accused of federal crimes during every step of the process, from target letters, through indictments, trials, and appeals. We will stand with you every step of the way.

Indictment Dismissed

Conspiracy to traffic opioid indictment dismissed after using expert toxicologist to help present case of actual innocence.

Indictment Dismissed

Drug conspiracy indictment dismissed after a successful motion to suppress evidence of an illegal search and seizure.

Sentence Vacated

New sentencing hearing granted after successfully arguing on appeal that statute of conviction was unconstitutional.

Criminal Investigation Terminated

State Medicaid fraud investigation terminated without criminal prosecution.


Call us when everything is at stake.

If you have been accused of a federal crime or suspect that you are in trouble, call us today to see how we can help. The call is free and confidential. We only take on clients who we believe we can help.

Why an Experienced Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Matters.

The federal criminal justice system is substantially different than North Carolina’s state court system. The criminal code is different. The rules of procedure and evidence are different. And, most importantly, in most cases, the stakes are different.

Federal cases often involve lengthy and meticulous investigations by agencies like the FBI or Department of Homeland Security. Attorneys with federal experience understand the intricacies of these investigations, enabling them to identify potential weaknesses, procedural errors, or constitutional violations that can be incorporated into a powerful defense strategy.

Blue LLP’s white collar criminal defense lawyers are experienced and tested.

All in all, we have a wealth of experience and a proven track record to show for it. Our federal criminal defense lawyers work tirelessly on each and every case to achieve the best outcome possible.

How Does a Federal Criminal Prosecution Begin?

In the federal criminal justice system, a prosecution typically begins one of three different ways:

Criminal Complaint.  One way is for a law enforcement agent to file a criminal complaint. A criminal complaint is a sworn statement by a law enforcement officer that accuses a suspect of breaking a federal law. The sworn statement is presented to a United States Magistrate judge who, upon making a preliminary finding of probable cause, signs the complaint and issues a warrant for the suspect’s arrest.

Indictment. Another way to begin a federal criminal case involves the return of an indictment by a grand jury. The grand jury, which meets in secret, reviews evidence, and if it determines that there is probable cause that a federal crime has occurred and the accused committed it, it will return an indictment.

Information.  A third way involves the negotiation of a plea agreement before a criminal complaint is sworn or indictment is returned. In these instances, a defendant usually hires (or is appointed) counsel after receiving a target letter, agrees to the allegations contained within a charging document called an information, and enters a guilty plea at an arraignment.

What Will Happen if I am Charged With a Federal Crime?

When a defendant is arrested (or surrenders) on federal charges, he or she is brought before a federal Magistrate judge for an initial appearance. At the initial appearance, the magistrate will advise the defendant of the charges against him, the penalties he may face (including potential imprisonment), and certain rights, including the right to counsel.

When a defendant first appears, the Magistrate judge can order (1) the release on personal recognizance or an unsecured bond, (2) release subject to certain conditions imposed by the judge, (3) temporary detention of the defendant to permit deportation, exclusion, or the revocation of a previous order of conditional release, or (4) temporary detention of the defendant pending the outcome of a detention hearing.

In most federal cases that involve crimes of violence, terrorism, drug charges that can be punished by a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years or more, recidivist criminal conduct, crimes punishable by life imprisonment (or the death penalty), or other serious felonies, the federal government, represented by an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA), will ask the Magistrate to enter a temporary order for the defendant’s detention. Such orders are routinely granted. The Magistrate judge also has the authority to order temporary detention for these types of cases. Additionally, for these cases, there typically is a rebuttable presumption that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the defendant’s appearance and the safety of the community.

In other types cases, such as those involving non-violent white-collar offenses, the government will seek detention if there is a risk that the defendant will flee the jurisdiction or will obstruct or attempt to obstruct justice by injuring or threatening a witness.

Will I Go to Jail if I am Charged With a Federal Crime?

If a defendant is detained following arrest, at the initial appearance the Magistrate judge will schedule a full detention hearing. The purpose of the hearing is for the Magistrate to determine whether any condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the appearance of the defendant at the proceedings as well as the safety of any other person and the community.

At the hearing, the defendant has the right to be represented by counsel, the right to testify (though typically not advisable), the right to present witnesses on his behalf, the right to cross-examine the government’s witnesses, and the right to present any other relevant information by proffer, i.e. a showing by counsel.

Excluding the most serious cases, the government has the burden of producing evidence that the defendant should be detained. In any event, once the burden shifts to the defendant (either through a presumption or the government satisfying its own burden of production), the defendant may produce credible evidence demonstrating the reasonable assurance of appearance and/or that the defendant is not a danger to the community.

In the Eastern District of North Carolina, defendants most frequently rebut the presumption through the testimony of third party custodians. A third party custodian is someone with whom the defendant will live while he or she awaits resolution of the case. If the Magistrate judge agrees to release the defendant pursuant to specific conditions, the custodian must be willing to inform a probation officer if the defendant violates the terms of release. Even with a custodian however, a defendant can still be detained pending trial.

We Have Successfully Represented Clients in Federal Cases Throughout North Carolina

As criminal defense attorneys, we have represented clients in white collar prosecutions, investigations, and civil regulatory enforcement actions brought by the U.S. Department of Justice, the North Carolina (and other states’) Attorney General, the Federal Trade Commission, and multiple state regulators. As a result, our federal criminal and civl defense lawyers in Raleigh have the experience to handle complex prosecutions that involve several defendants and claims.

Our approach, as criminal defense lawyers, is to prepare every case as though it were going to trial. To that end, we critically examine the government’s evidence so that we can advise our clients to make decisions that are in their best interest.

We understand the fears that any person facing a federal white collar investigation may face. The most immediate is always what the outcome could might be. If convicted, prison, fines, and asset forfeiture are just some of the potential consequences. As a result, in every single case, we work diligently to help our clients fully understand the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and how they might impact the decision-making process.

What Should I Do if I am Approached by an Investigator?

Someone can easily be in the midst of a white collar federal criminal investigation and not be aware of it. The substantial increase in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud investigations and prosecutions is a perfect example.

Anyone from corporate counsel to investigators may try to learn whether an individual is willing to share information that incriminates that person, the company, or someone else. For these reasons, anyone approached by an investigator or corporate counsel should, at the very minimum, consult an experienced criminal defense attorney who has experience with white collar cases and federal crimes.

Conversations with corporate counsel have to be handled delicately. Although the company’s in-house lawyer might seem like just another co-worker, his or her client is the company itself and not the employee. This means that the company can waive the attorney-client privilege and divulge anything the employee says to the attorney. Therefore, prudent executives and employees should consult with their own white collar criminal defense attorney to advise them on whether and how to communicate with the company’s lawyer.

Likewise, anyone should exercise extreme caution if approached by an investigator. Suspects in criminal investigations are not under any legal obligation to talk to law enforcement. Moreover, lying to law enforcement is a criminal offense that is frequently prosecuted. As the saying goes, it’s not the crime, it’s the coverup.

We Have Helped Clients Avoid Prosecution or Prison in State and Federal Criminal White Collar Cases

  • Represented the owner-practitioner of a behavioral health care company in a years-long Medicaid fraud investigation. The investigation was terminated without criminal prosecution.
  • Represented an owner-physician in a civil False Claims Act and Medicare / Medicaid fraud investigation. We negotiated a civil settlement on our client’s behalf and avoided criminal prosecution.
  • Represented a U.S. Postal Service employee after he was indicted on federal charges for embezzlement and conspiracy to use the mail to distribute a controlled substance. Negotiated a probationary sentence resulting in no prison.
  • Represented an individual accused of conspiring to smuggle contraband cigarettes by failing to pay excise taxes. We negotiated a probationary sentence.
  • Represented the owner of a family restaurant business accused of willful failure to pay state payroll taxes. We negotiated a probationary sentence.

How Do I Hire Blue LLP?

Complete the form below or call (919) 833-1931 for a free consultation.

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Some of the Types of Federal Criminal Cases We Handle

We represent people who have been accused of bank fraud in all of its various forms. Our attorneys understand the complexities and nuances that can lead to an ill-targeted prosecution. As with every single case, we will conduct a thorough investigation of all of the allegations against a defendant, scrutinize the evidence presented, and work to build a strong defense that is tailored to each client’s specific circumstances.

Our law firm represents people who have been accused of conspiring with others to commit any number of federal criminal offenses. The federal conspiracy statutes are among the most commonly used criminal laws that allow suspected individuals to be charged and punished as though they committed the underlying offense. Our attorneys have substantial trial and appellate experience in conspiracy cases, and will work to achieve the best outcome possible in each and every case.

We represent individual employees and companies in internal investigations. For companies, we work with both inside or outside counsel to analyze risks and recommend actions in the best interest of the company. We also have extensive experience representing individual employees and executives when their interests and the company’s are not necessarily aligned. In either scenario, we work to help our clients to obtain the best outcomes possible.

Mail fraud is a serious federal offense that can result in up to 20 years in federal prison. Blue LLP represents people who have been accused of using the U.S. Postal Service and/or private carriers to engage in mail fraud. Contact one of our experienced attorneys today to learn more about how we can help.

Small business owners and medical practitioners facing criminal charges for Medicare and Medicaid fraud risk not only paying substantial fines and restitution but also prison. Our lawyers have represented people accused of Medicare and/or Medicaid fraud, and have defended against civil and criminal investigations. Contact us to learn more about our experience with these types of cases.

We represent clients facing federal wire fraud charges. Wire fraud is a serious federal offense that can carry significant penalties, including prison sentences and fines. We have extensive experience defending clients against wire fraud charges and other federal criminal offenses. Our team will work closely with you to develop a legal strategy tailored to your unique situation and goals.


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