About the Firm
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions people ask most when they are facing a federal investigation or criminal charges.
Answers From a Former Federal Prosecutor
Common Questions About Federal Criminal Defense
Every case is different, and the answers below are general information rather than legal advice. The fastest way to understand your own situation is a free, confidential consultation with John Teakell.
Getting Started
Before You Talk to Anyone
How do I know if my charge is federal or state?
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.
I'm under investigation but haven't been charged. Do I need a lawyer now?
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.
Can a private federal defense attorney do more than a public defender?
Federal Public Defenders are skilled attorneys, but they carry heavy caseloads. A private attorney can dedicate more time to investigation, motion practice, and direct client communication.
How much does a federal criminal defense attorney cost, and do you offer free consultations?
Fees vary depending on case complexity, stage, discovery volume, and trial likelihood. John offers a free initial consultation to review charges or investigations, explain the federal process, discuss preliminary case strategy, provide a U.S. Sentencing Guidelines overview, discuss potential outcomes, and explain fee structure. All consultations are confidential. Call (214) 523-9076 or submit the contact form.
Federal Charges
Common Federal Charges
What is federal white collar crime defense, and when do I need a federal white collar attorney?
White collar crime refers to non-violent federal offenses involving deception for financial gain. If you've been contacted by a federal agent, received a grand jury subpoena, or learned you're the target of a federal investigation, you need a federal white collar attorney immediately. John R. Teakell defends charges including wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, securities fraud, investment fraud, mortgage fraud, insurance fraud, insider trading, embezzlement, federal conspiracy, corporate fraud, and bribery. Early intervention often determines whether a case becomes an indictment or gets declined by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
What should I do if the SEC contacts me or I receive a Wells notice?
Do not speak with SEC staff, produce documents, or accept service of a subpoena without counsel. As a former SEC Senior Trial Counsel, John Teakell handles SEC enforcement actions, Wells notice responses, Texas State Securities Board matters, insider trading defense, securities fraud criminal charges, Ponzi scheme allegations, unregistered securities sales, parallel SEC and DOJ proceedings, broker-dealer enforcement, investment adviser investigations, and market manipulation allegations.
I've been charged with money laundering. What am I facing?
Federal money laundering charges under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1956 and 1957 carry up to 20 years per count plus forfeiture exposure. The government must prove you knew the money came from specified unlawful activity. John defends federal money laundering prosecutions, high-asset laundering cases, structuring (Bank Secrecy Act violations), bulk cash smuggling, money mule allegations, international wire transfer investigations, cryptocurrency laundering, parallel civil forfeiture, conspiracy to commit money laundering, source of funds challenges, CTR violations, and SAR investigations.
What happens in a federal drug case versus a state drug case?
Federal drug cases involve mandatory minimums (often 5, 10, or 20 years), the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, wiretap evidence, and DEA or FBI agents. A federal drug conspiracy charge means accountability for drug quantities you never personally touched. John handles federal drug conspiracy, drug trafficking, Continuing Criminal Enterprise cases, importation, DEA investigations, wiretap cases, mandatory minimum mitigation, safety valve eligibility, synthetic drug trafficking, prescription fraud, confidential informant challenges, and controlled substance analogue cases.
How is a federal firearms charge different from a state firearms charge?
Federal firearms charges carry much higher stakes. Felon in possession carries up to 10 years. Possession in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime adds a mandatory consecutive sentence of 5 to 25 years. The Armed Career Criminal Act triggers a 15-year mandatory minimum for defendants with three qualifying prior convictions. John defends felon in possession, § 924(c) cases, ACCA cases, unlawful firearms transfers, straw purchases, international firearms trafficking, ATF enforcement, National Firearms Act violations, unregistered firearms possession, firearms smuggling, use of firearm during crime of violence, and § 922(g)(9) domestic violence prohibitions.
What is qui tam, and why would I need a whistleblower defense attorney?
A qui tam lawsuit is filed under the False Claims Act by a private whistleblower alleging fraud against the federal government. The case stays sealed while DOJ investigates. If DOJ intervenes, the company faces treble damages plus per-claim penalties. John represents companies and executives on the defense side, handling False Claims Act defense, DOJ intervention defense, Healthcare FCA cases, defense contractor fraud, Anti-Kickback Statute violations, Stark Law violations, internal investigations, DOJ civil settlements, corporate compliance investigations, whistleblower retaliation defense, and parallel criminal and civil FCA proceedings.
Why Those Charged with Serious Crimes
Contact Criminal Defense Attorney John Teakell
Anyone charged with a Texas state felony or federal crime risks losing their freedom and livelihood. John R. Teakell has decades of experience as a federal prosecutor and defense attorney.
View Featured Case ResultsVenue & Location
Where Your Case Is Heard
Can I be federally prosecuted in a state where I don't live?
Yes. Federal venue is generally based on where the alleged crime occurred, not your home address. If any part of the conduct, a transaction, or a co-conspirator's actions touched another district, you can be charged there.
What if I'm not sure which federal district my case falls under?
Most people don't know until they're contacted by an agent or receive paperwork. Contact the Law Office of John R. Teakell and we'll help you figure out where your case stands.
Does John Teakell handle federal cases outside of Texas?
Yes. John Teakell has represented clients in federal courts nationwide, in addition to all major divisions across the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas.
Drug Cases
Drug Charges
What should I do if I’m being investigated for a drug crime?
If you find out you’re being investigated for a drug crime, it’s crucial to act quickly. Contacting John Teakell right away can make a big difference. He can help protect your rights and start building a strong defense for you. Waiting too long might give the other side a better chance to build their case against you.
How can John Teakell help if I’m charged with a drug crime near a school or church?
John Teakell has a lot of experience with drug crime cases, including those with extra penalties for happening near schools or churches. He looks closely at the evidence to get the best possible outcome for you, using his knowledge of the law to fight for your rights.
What makes John Teakell’s legal representation different from other lawyers?
John Teakell offers more than just showing up in court. He prepares thoroughly by looking at all the evidence against you and finding ways to challenge it. He’s experienced with Texas and Federal laws, which means he knows how to handle cases involving bigger, more complicated rules. John works closely with you, ensuring you’re ready for each step of your case.
After a Conviction
Appeals
Can I appeal a federal conviction or sentence?
Yes. After a federal conviction, you have 14 days to file a notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals (in Texas, the Fifth Circuit). After direct appeal, § 2255 motions allow collateral challenges. John handles federal criminal appeals, Fifth Circuit practice, § 2255 habeas corpus motions, § 3582 sentence reduction motions, compassionate release petitions, Sentencing Guidelines retroactive amendments, ineffective assistance claims, Brady/Giglio violations, resentencing proceedings, Bureau of Prisons designation challenges, First Step Act relief, and clemency and pardon applications.
Facing Federal Charges?
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Get a response within 24 hours. For immediate assistance, text or call (469) 628-4127.
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