Federal Crimes Lawyer Fort Wayne

Serious Federal Charges Call For Focused Defense

If you are facing a federal investigation or have been charged in federal court, you are dealing with a system that has significant power and resources. As a criminal defense attorney based in Fort Wayne, I defend people accused of serious offenses, including matters that may move into the federal courts serving this part of Indiana.

Federal prosecutors often come into a case after an extended investigation, and the penalties can include lengthy prison sentences, strict supervised release, and a permanent record that affects work and family life. My role is to step in as early as possible, protect your constitutional rights, and begin building a defense that responds to what the government is actually doing in your case.

If you need to speak with a federal crimes lawyer in Fort Wayne, you can contact Gregory A. Miller at (260) 833-7249 to discuss your situation.

Why Federal Charges Are Different

Many people are familiar with state criminal cases in county courts, but federal cases follow different rules and involve different agencies. Federal prosecutions may grow out of investigations by agencies such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, or Homeland Security, and they are brought in the federal court that serves this region of Indiana. The charging documents, sentencing rules, and procedures do not look the same as a typical state case in Allen County.

Sentencing in federal court is influenced by the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which consider factors such as the type of offense, the amount of loss or drugs involved, and a person’s prior record. Judges are not required to follow those guidelines in every case, but they pay close attention to them. This means a federal drug or fraud charge can carry a range of potential prison time that may be different from what you expect based on state penalties.

Federal investigations also tend to be document-heavy. Agents may use wiretaps, electronic records, controlled buys, or detailed financial analysis before an arrest occurs. When I am retained in a case that may go federal, or that already has, I focus on learning how the investigation was conducted, what the government believes it can prove, and where the weak points may be. My goal is to give you realistic guidance so you can make informed choices about the path forward.

How I Defend Federal Cases

When you come to me about a possible or existing federal case, I start by learning how you first came into contact with federal authorities. Some clients have received a target letter, some were interviewed by agents, and others were arrested without much warning. Each of those situations calls for a different response, and early decisions can affect the entire case.

I carefully review the charging documents, the discovery, and any reports or recordings that the government provides. In many cases, this includes search warrants, interviews with witnesses, surveillance, and laboratory or digital evidence. I pay close attention to whether agents respected constitutional limits on searches and seizures and whether any statements were truly voluntary. If there is a legal basis to challenge part of the government’s evidence, I work to raise that issue with the court.

My work as a public defender has given me significant time in courtrooms, arguing motions, and handling contested hearings. That experience helps me evaluate how judges may approach questions about detention, evidence, or sentencing. As a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, I stay connected to developments in criminal defense practice, which supports the strategies I bring to federal cases.

I also understand that many people want to know how a lawyer can help at specific points in the process. Here are some ways I work to protect you in a federal criminal case:

• During investigations: Advise you before any contact with agents, and speak for you so you are not questioned alone.
• At the first court appearance: Prepare for the initial hearing and any detention hearing, and argue for conditions that may allow you to stay in the community when possible.
• While reviewing discovery, examine how evidence was obtained, compare reports with recordings, and look for gaps or inconsistencies.
• In negotiations: Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the government’s case with you, then communicate with prosecutors about possible resolutions when that is in your interest.
• Preparing for trial: File appropriate motions, prepare cross-examination, and organize exhibits so that your defense is presented in a clear and disciplined way.

Throughout this process, I work to keep you informed and involved. My goal is to offer a defense that is both thorough and grounded in the reality of your case, whether that means pursuing motions, preparing for trial, or considering a negotiated outcome.

Common Federal Charges I Handle

People contact me about a wide range of conduct that may lead to federal charges in or around Fort Wayne. Understanding the general category of your case can help you see what kinds of issues may matter in your defense. I take the time to connect those issues to the specific facts of your situation.

Federal drug and firearm cases are common in this region. These may involve allegations of drug distribution or conspiracy, sometimes connected to firearm charges when the government believes a gun was used or possessed in relation to the drug activity. In these cases, I look closely at how officers conducted searches, how traffic stops were handled, and whether confidential sources or controlled buys were documented accurately.

Fraud and financial cases, such as wire fraud, bank fraud, or misuse of government funds, often turn on electronic records and business documents. The government may claim that emails, bank statements, or contracts show criminal intent. Part of my role is to study those records carefully, consider alternative explanations, and evaluate whether the evidence actually proves what the indictment alleges.

Some federal offenses involve allegations of child exploitation or other internet-based crimes. These cases often include searches of computers and phones and technical reports from forensic examinations. When I handle this kind of matter, I focus on how warrants were obtained, how devices were searched, and whether the reports support the conclusions the government is drawing from them.

There are many other federal statutes that prosecutors may use, including offenses tied to federal property or federal programs. If your charge does not fit neatly into one of these categories, I can still review it with you and explain the issues I see. The important point is that each case requires a tailored approach that fits the specific law, facts, and goals you bring to me.

What To Do After Federal Contact

Federal cases often begin for the individual involved with a knock on the door, a visit at work, or a letter in the mail. Whether you have already been charged or agents have just asked to talk, the steps you take next can affect both your rights and the options available later. I encourage people to slow the situation down and get legal advice before making important decisions.

Sometimes agents will say that they only want to hear your side or that cooperation will help you. You may feel pressure to answer questions or sign forms quickly. It is important to remember that those agents already have a purpose for the interview, and anything you say can be used to build the case against you. Having counsel involved early helps you avoid making statements that are misunderstood or taken out of context.

If your case has moved further and you have already appeared in the federal court that serves this area, you may be dealing with conditions of release, deadlines, and contact from a probation officer. I can review what has happened so far, explain the process ahead, and work with you on a plan for responding to the charges.

If you have been contacted by federal agents or charged in federal court, consider taking these steps:

• Stay calm and avoid arguing with agents or officers.
• Do not consent to searches or provide statements without first speaking with counsel.
• Keep any paperwork, business records, or electronic information that may relate to the investigation in a safe place.
• Write down details about any contact with agents, including names, times, and what was said.
• Contact my office as soon as you can so we can talk about what happened and how to respond.

When you call, I will discuss with you what stage the matter is in and what options may be available. I aim to help you regain some control over a situation that can feel overwhelming.