Federal charges move fast, carry mandatory minimums, and are prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice in federal courts across Texas and nationwide - not your local D.A. John Teakell spent years as a federal prosecutor before becoming one of Texas's most decorated federal defense attorneys. He knows exactly how the government builds its case, because he used to build them.
Federal prosecutions are investigated by agencies like the FBI, DEA, IRS-CI, or Secret Service, tried in U.S. District Court, and sentenced under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The stakes - and the strategy required - are different from a state courtroom.
Every case below can be prosecuted federally in any of the four federal districts of Texas - or in courts nationwide. Select a charge to see how John approaches that defense.
Fraud, conspiracy, bribery, and complex financial prosecutions.
Learn More →Hacking, wire fraud, identity theft, and unauthorized access charges.
Learn More →Trafficking, distribution, and conspiracy under federal drug statutes.
Learn More →Felon in possession, illegal transfer, and federal firearms charges.
Learn More →Cross-border weapons trafficking and export violation defense.
Learn More →IRS criminal investigations, evasion, and false-return charges.
Learn More →Medicare and Medicaid fraud investigations and prosecutions.
Learn More →Federal charges involving misappropriation of funds or property.
Learn More →Asset seizure defense and professional license protection.
Learn More →Federal human smuggling and transportation charges.
Learn More →SEC investigations and State Securities Board enforcement actions.
Learn More →See the full range of criminal defense representation John provides.
Full List →That inside perspective means John anticipates how the government builds its case - its weaknesses, its pressure points, and where it overreaches - long before trial.
About John TeakellFederal cases follow a distinct sequence, and decisions made in the first weeks - often before you're even indicted - can shape the outcome.
Agents build a case, often for months, before charges are filed. Early counsel can limit exposure.
A federal grand jury reviews evidence and determines whether formal charges are warranted.
You're formally charged; the court decides whether you're released on bond or detained pending trial.
Evidence is exchanged; motions to suppress or dismiss can be filed to challenge the government's case.
Most federal cases resolve by plea agreement, but John prepares every case as if it's going to trial.
Federal Sentencing Guidelines and mandatory minimums apply - advocacy here can significantly change the result.
You won't be handed off to a junior associate. From the first call to the final verdict, you work directly with John - the same person who has represented clients in federal courts across Texas and around the country since 1985.
From the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas to federal courthouses across the country, John appears wherever your case is filed.
If a federal agency (FBI, DEA, IRS-CI, ATF, Secret Service, HSI) is involved, or your case crosses state lines, involves federal property, or is a federally regulated matter like securities or health care billing, it's likely federal. Your charging documents will list "United States of America" as the plaintiff.
Yes. The pre-indictment stage is often the most important window to influence whether charges are filed at all, and what they look like if they are. Waiting until after indictment gives up leverage.
Federal Public Defenders are skilled attorneys, but they carry heavy caseloads. A private attorney like John Teakell can dedicate more time to investigation, motion practice, and direct client communication on your case specifically.
Yes. He has represented clients in federal courts nationwide, in addition to all major divisions across the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas. See the full list of federal case locations.
Every day without counsel is a day the government keeps building its case. Get a free, confidential consultation and understand your options.
