WHAT ARE YOU CHARGED WITH?
CUSTOMIZED CASE STRATEGY
Every case begins with a conversation and a careful review of the evidence. From there, I build a plan with you, explaining your options and advising you on what to expect. But no two cases are the same: the right approach depends on the charges, the facts, and your input. Below you'll find the most common types of cases in San Diego. Contact my office to discuss in more detail.
DRUGS
21 U.S.C. sections § 841(a)(1), 846, 952, and 960
Most federal drug cases in San Diego are drug smuggling/importation across the border, drug transportation on the highway, and drug distribution. All federal drug crimes are serious and can carry very high sentences depending on the amount and type of drugs. Defenses to drug cases can include illegal search, not knowing the drugs were there, or being forced to commit the crime. Almost every drug case now involves cell phone evidence. I am trained in using software to review cell phone evidence and will be able to tell you whether the contents of your phone helps or hurts your case.
MONEY LAUNDERING
18 U.S.C. sections 1956(a)(1), 1956(a)(2), 1956(h), and 1957
Money laundering involves moving or using money tied to crime with the intent to hide it or help continue the crime. In recent years, the federal government has gotten very aggressive about prosecuting these cases. Sentences for money laundering can get very high depending on the amount involved. Strong defenses often turn on what you knew about the money and whether the transactions were ordinary spending rather than concealment. I dig into the bank records, test the government’s "tracing", and—when it makes sense—bring in trusted financial experts to analyze the numbers and build your defense.
ALIEN SMUGGLING
8 U.S.C. sections 1324(a)(1)(A)(i), 1324(a)(1)(A)(ii), 1324(a)(1)(A)(iii), and 1324(a)(1)(A)(iv)
Alien smuggling cases often begin at the border or with a traffic stop and turn on what you knew and how the stop was conducted. Penalties can rise with the number of people involved, financial gain, and safety risks. Strong defenses can include lack of knowledge that the person was in your car. Cell phone evidence and witness statements often tell a different story than the reports. I review the circumstances of the arrest, read agent reports, and interview the people being smuggled before we ever start talking about whether its best to take a deal or fight at trial.
FRAUD
18 U.S.C. sections 1343, 1341, 1344, 1028A, and 1348
Federal fraud cases often hinge on what was said or sent and whether there was a plan to deceive someone. The most common charges include wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, securities fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Penalties are driven by the amount of money involved and the number of victims. It matters whether you actually intended to commit fraud and whether your statements were actually false. Sentencing arguments in fraud cases are very complicated and require an attorney who's not afraid to dig into the numbers.
GUNS
18 U.S.C. sections 922(g), 924(c), 922(i), and 922(k)
Federal gun prosecutions are evidence-driven: a single traffic stop, a glove box, a shared bedroom—who actually possessed the firearm and what they knew becomes the whole case. I focus on the weak links in the government's case. Many defenses aren't flashy but win cases: no possession at all, no knowledge of prohibited status, or suppression when the search was improper. I build from the ground up, reviewing the lab work, and, if useful, bringing in experts to challenge DNA or other pieces of evidence.
OTHER CASES
Conspiracy, sex cases, RICO, bank robbery, false statements, computer crimes
Federal court sees a wide range of other charges, including conspiracy, sex cases, RICO, bank robbery, and false statements, and computer crimes. I handle these matters regularly and know the evidence they turn on. My approach is the same: start with a focused review, identify what the government must actually prove, and challenge weak links in the investigation. No matter the charge, I guard your rights and work relentlessly toward the best outcome.