Laredo, Texas Lawyer Handling Federal Criminal Charges
Federal Criminal Defense | Laredo, Texas
Facing Federal Charges? Call Joey First.
Federal investigations and prosecutions move quickly. Former Chief Prosecutor Joey Tellez provides direct, experienced representation to people facing serious federal charges in Laredo and the Southern District of Texas.
Do not speak with federal agents, sign documents, or make decisions about your case before understanding your rights and the consequences.
Do Not Wait
Federal Investigations Can Begin Long Before an Arrest.
A visit from federal agents, a target letter, a subpoena, a search warrant, or questions about another person may signal that an investigation is already underway.
Early legal representation gives your attorney time to evaluate the situation, protect your rights, preserve information, and communicate with investigators on your behalf.
A Different System
Why Federal Criminal Cases Require a Different Approach
Federal cases often involve lengthy investigations, multiple agencies, extensive electronic evidence, strict procedural rules, and sentencing issues that differ from Texas state court.
Federal Agencies
Investigations may involve agencies such as the FBI, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, Border Patrol, ATF, IRS, or other federal authorities.
Grand Jury Process
Charges may follow months of investigation, subpoenas, witness interviews, surveillance, document collection, and grand jury proceedings.
Federal Sentencing
Potential sentencing may involve advisory guideline calculations, statutory penalties, criminal history, offense characteristics, and mitigation evidence.
Federal Charges We Defend
Federal Criminal Defense in Laredo and South Texas
Drug Trafficking & Importation
Federal allegations involving controlled substances, importation, possession with intent to distribute, and conspiracy.
Alien Smuggling & Immigration Offenses
Charges involving transportation, harboring, conspiracy, illegal reentry, and other federal immigration-related allegations.
Weapons & Firearms Charges
Federal firearms allegations, trafficking, export offenses, possession restrictions, and weapon-related enhancements.
Money Laundering & Financial Crimes
Wire fraud, bank fraud, identity theft, money laundering, embezzlement, and other financial investigations.
Conspiracy Charges
Multi-defendant cases in which the government alleges an agreement to participate in a federal offense.
Federal Investigations
Representation before arrest or indictment when a person receives a subpoena, target letter, search warrant, or request for an interview.
Experienced. Local. Direct.
Why Choose Joey Tellez for a Federal Case?
Joey's former-prosecutor background gives him perspective on how the government organizes evidence, evaluates witnesses, and builds a criminal case.
Clients receive direct access to Joey, clear explanations, and a defense strategy based on the facts—not generic promises.
Tellez Law is based in Laredo and understands the practical realities of federal criminal cases arising in the border region and the Southern District of Texas.
What Happens Next
The Federal Criminal Case Process
01
Investigation or Arrest
The matter may begin with interviews, surveillance, subpoenas, a search warrant, arrest, or a request to surrender.
02
Initial Appearance & Detention
The court addresses the charges, representation, release or detention, and other immediate conditions.
03
Discovery & Evidence Review
The defense reviews reports, recordings, searches, digital evidence, witness information, and the government's theory.
04
Motions, Negotiations, or Trial
The case may involve pretrial motions, negotiations, trial preparation, and decisions based on the evidence and risks.
Protect Yourself Early
What to Do if Federal Agents Contact You
Do not guess, explain, or try to talk your way out of the situation. Even statements that seem harmless may later be interpreted differently or compared against other evidence.
Remain calm, do not obstruct agents, and clearly state that you want to speak with an attorney before answering questions.
Keep any subpoena, warrant, letter, business card, or paperwork you receive and contact counsel promptly.
470 5-Star Google Reviews
What Clients Say About Tellez Law
“Joey made me feel welcome, heard, and cared for. He paid close attention to every detail of my case and showed genuine compassion for what my family and I were going through.”
— Joseph
“Joey Tellez helped me with my case. He made a stressful situation much easier to handle. Glad I hired him.”
— Mark C.
Past client experiences do not guarantee a similar result.
Common Questions
Federal Criminal Defense FAQs
Should I speak with federal agents if I have nothing to hide?
You should understand your rights and the purpose of the interview before answering questions. A lawyer can communicate with investigators, clarify whether you are a witness, subject, or target, and help you avoid statements that may be misunderstood or used against you.
What is a federal target letter?
A target letter generally indicates that prosecutors believe there is substantial evidence connecting the recipient to a federal offense. The exact meaning and next steps depend on the language of the letter and the surrounding investigation.
Can a federal charge be dismissed?
A dismissal may be possible in some cases, but no result can be promised. The defense may examine the evidence, searches, statements, witness credibility, charging decisions, and whether the government can prove every required element.
What happens at a federal detention hearing?
The court considers whether a person should remain detained or may be released under conditions while the case is pending. The issues and available arguments depend on the charge, history, community ties, and other case-specific factors.
How are federal sentences determined?
Federal sentencing may involve the statute of conviction, advisory sentencing guidelines, criminal history, offense characteristics, mitigating information, and the factors the court is required to consider. The calculation is case-specific.
Talk to Tellez Law
Under Federal Investigation or Facing Charges? Call Joey First.
Speak directly with Joey Tellez about the investigation, charges, court process, and the decisions ahead.
Call (956) 717-8200 Request a Confidential Consultation
This page provides general information and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case depends on its own facts and circumstances.