Federal Cases Are
A Different Fight.
Federal cases are investigated longer, prosecuted harder, and sentenced more severely than state cases. If you are under federal investigation or have been charged in federal court, the stakes could not be higher, and the time to act is right now.
Federal conviction rates exceed 90% nationally
By the time federal charges are filed, the government has typically been building its case for months or years. Early intervention by an experienced defense attorney is the single most important factor in the outcome of a federal case.
Federal Charges
Federal Charges Require a Different Level of Defense.
Most people understand state criminal charges, a police officer makes an arrest, charges are filed, and the case moves through local courts. Federal cases work on an entirely different level. Federal investigators have more resources, more time, and more tools than local law enforcement. Federal prosecutors are among the most experienced in the country. And federal sentencing guidelines leave far less room for leniency than state courts.
State Case
Prosecuted by
County District Attorney
Investigated by
Local / state police
Investigation duration
Days to months
Conviction rate
Varies by jurisdiction
Sentencing
Judge has broad discretion
Parole
Available
Federal Case
Prosecuted by
U.S. Attorney's Office / DOJ
Investigated by
FBI, DEA, IRS-CI, HSI, ATF
Investigation duration
Months to years
Conviction rate
Over 90% nationally
Sentencing
Mandatory federal guidelines
Parole
No parole — 85% minimum served
Facing Federal Charges in Austin?
A federal charge is not something to wait and see about. Every day that passes without the right attorney in your corner is a day the government is building its case against you.
512-499-0007
Available 24 / 7 — Including Weekends
Travis, Williamson & Hays Counties
Bond Reduction Hearing Experience
Former Travis County Prosecutor
Free — No Obligation to Call
Why Call Richard First?
He knows the judges. Years of practice across Travis, Williamson, and Hays Counties means he knows who sets bond and how to argue in front of them.
One call covers everything. Jail release and the criminal defense that follows, handled together from day one.
He moves fast. Delays cost time in jail. Richard’s office mobilizes immediately when you call.
No judgment. Whatever happened, his job is to help, not to make you feel worse about a hard situation.
Cases Richard Handles
Federal Offenses in the Western District of Texas
Federal Drug Trafficking
Distribution and trafficking charges that cross state lines or involve federal jurisdiction carry mandatory minimum sentences that often exceed state penalties significantly.
Wire & Mail Fraud
Federal fraud charges arising from communications or mailings used in furtherance of a scheme to defraud, one of the most broadly charged federal offenses.
Bank & Mortgage Fraud
False statements to financial institutions or in mortgage applications are prosecuted aggressively at the federal level and carry substantial prison exposure.
Tax Evasion & Tax Fraud
IRS Criminal Investigation pursues tax fraud cases with significant resources. Early intervention by a defense attorney before charges are filed is especially critical.
Money Laundering
Federal money laundering charges frequently accompany other federal offenses and can significantly increase sentencing exposure under the federal guidelines
Federal Firearms Offenses
Unlawful possession, transfer, or use of firearms under federal law — including charges involving felons in possession — carry mandatory minimums in many circumstances.
Public Corruption & RICO
Bribery of public officials, racketeering, and organized crime charges are among the most complex federal prosecutions, requiring defense counsel with specific federal experience.
“In federal cases, the investigation phase is when the most can be done to shape the outcome. Once an indictment is handed down, the range of available options narrows significantly. The earlier I get involved, the more I can do.”
— Richard Gentry, Austin Criminal Defense Attorney
Warning Signs
You May Be Under Federal Investigation
Federal investigations are conducted covertly, often for months or years before a target is aware. These are the most common warning signs.
Federal agents contact you or visit your home
You receive a federal grand jury subpoena
Your associates or employees are questioned
You receive a target letter
Your financial records or accounts are subpoenaed
If You’re Under Investigation
What to Do
And What Not to Do
Do
- Contact a federal defense attorney immediately, before speaking to anyone else
- Preserve all documents, records, and communications.
- Exercise your right to remain silent if approached by federal agents
- Let your attorney handle all communications related to the investigation
Do Not
- Speak to federal agents without an attorney present — even casually
- Delete emails, texts, or documents — this can result in obstruction charges
- Contact witnesses, associates, or co-defendants about the investigation
- Move or transfer assets after learning of an investigation
Related Practice Areas
Drug Charges
Co-occurring charges in many domestic cases
Assault & Family Violence
Frequently overlapping or related allegations
DWI Defense
Often charged alongside assault after an incident
Free Case Evaluation
Ready to Talk About
Your Case?
Every case starts with a conversation. Richard personally reviews every inquiry and responds within one business hour. There's no obligation, just honest answers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out which jail someone is being held in?
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Each county maintains an online inmate search portal. For Travis County, search the Travis County Sheriff's Office website. For Williamson County, use the Williamson County jail roster. If you're unsure of the county, call our office. We can help locate the person in custody quickly and confirm the facility, charges, and bond status.
How quickly can someone be released after bond is posted?
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Once bond is posted, release typically takes between 2 and 8 hours depending on the facility, time of day, and how busy the jail is. Travis County Jail tends to process releases faster during daytime hours. Having an attorney who knows the system and the people in it can help move things along, and ensures nothing is missed that might cause a delay.
Can the bond amount be lowered after it's been set?
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Yes. A bond reduction hearing can be requested before the assigned judge. An attorney can argue that the initial bond was excessive based on the defendant's ties to the community, employment, lack of criminal history, and the nature of the charges. Bond reductions are not guaranteed, but an attorney who knows the judges in Travis, Williamson, and Hays Counties knows how to make the most compelling argument for one.
What conditions of release should I expect?
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Conditions vary by charge. Common conditions include regular check-ins with a pretrial services officer, travel restrictions, no-contact orders in assault or family violence cases, GPS monitoring, abstaining from alcohol or drugs, and surrender of passport. Violating any condition can result in immediate re-arrest and bond revocation. Your attorney will walk you through every condition so nothing is accidentally violated.
Does hiring an attorney for jail release also help with the underlying criminal case?
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Absolutely, and this is one of the most overlooked advantages of early legal representation. An attorney present at the initial magistration hearing can not only argue for a lower bond but can also begin assessing the charges, gathering early information, and starting the defense from day one. Getting someone out of jail and protecting their legal rights are not separate goals, they go hand in hand.
What if someone was arrested on a warrant rather than at the scene?
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Warrant arrests follow the same bond process — but if you know a warrant exists before the arrest happens, an attorney can sometimes arrange a voluntary surrender that results in more favorable bond conditions. If a warrant arrest has already occurred, the priority is the same: get legal representation before the magistration hearing so someone is in that room arguing for the best possible bond terms.
Get Started
Ready to Talk to Richard?
The consultation is free. The conversation is confidential. Whether you’ve just been charged or you’re already deep in the process, it’s not too late to get the right attorney involved.
PHONE
Available for urgent matters
Office
1304 Nueces St.
Austin, Texas 78701
Email
Same day response