Federal Criminal Lawyer in Springfield, NJ
We Built Our Track Record in the Courtroom
- Free, confidential case review with an attorney
- Direct attorney access from first call through verdict and appeal
- Reachable around the clock
- Pre-indictment strategies aimed at preventing charges
The First 24 Hours
Matter Most
If federal agents have contacted you, served a subpoena, or you believe you are under investigation, the steps you take today will shape every plea offer, sentence, and trial outcome that follows. Once an indictment is filed, your best defensive options narrow quickly.
01Do not speak with federal agents.
You have the right to remain silent, and you should use it. Agents are trained to draw out admissions in conversations that feel informal. Politely decline to answer questions and call us before saying anything else.
02Do not destroy or alter any documents.
Obstruction and evidence-tampering charges are easier to prove than the underlying offense, and prosecutors charge them aggressively. Preserve every email, text, and file, and do not discuss the investigation on channels you do not control.
03Call a federal defense attorney before you do anything else.
The earlier we are involved, the more options remain on the table. Pre-indictment representation has, in case after case, made the difference between charges and no charges, between a guilty plea and a dismissal, between prison and probation.
04Protect your privilege.
Conversations with us are confidential. Conversations with friends, family, business partners, and coworkers are not, and they can be subpoenaed. Once you retain counsel, route every case-related communication through that channel.
Call now for a free, confidential consultation directly with an attorney. Phones are answered after hours and on weekends for federal matters, and there is no fee for the initial call. We'll provide honest guidance about where you stand and what comes next.
”Outstanding.”
“My case turned out to be long, requiring multiple appearances. In the end, I was extremely satisfied with the outcome, and I can wholeheartedly thank Dunne Law Firm — especially Chip — for their outstanding work and support.”
—Sami, 5-Star Review
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a federal and a state criminal case?
Federal cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office in U.S. District Court under federal law and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Investigations are handled by agencies like the FBI, DEA, IRS-CI, and HSI, which have substantially more resources than most state agencies. Procedures, plea practices, and sentencing exposure all differ from New Jersey Superior Court, which is why federal defense requires lawyers who work in that system regularly.
I received a target letter or grand jury subpoena. What should I do?
Call a federal defense attorney before doing anything else, including responding to the letter or producing a single document. A target letter means prosecutors believe you have committed a crime; a subject letter places you within their inquiry; a witness subpoena can shift to a target designation without warning. The response, timing, and any conversation with the AUSA need to be managed carefully. Ideally, it should be handled by counsel before you pick up the phone.
Do I need an attorney before I am formally charged?
In many federal cases, yes. The earlier you involve an attorney, the better. Pre-indictment representation gives us the chance to engage with prosecutors, present mitigating information, challenge the government's theory, and in some cases convince the office not to bring charges at all. Once an indictment is filed, those opportunities narrow quickly.
What are the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and why do they matter so much?
The Guidelines are an advisory framework federal judges use to calculate a recommended sentencing range based on offense conduct and criminal history. Even after a guilty plea, small factual disputes (drug quantity, loss amount, role in the offense, acceptance of responsibility) can move a sentence by years. Much of what an experienced federal defense attorney does happens at the Guidelines stage, long before sentencing.
Will my case go to trial?
The vast majority of federal cases resolve by plea. That said, the credible threat of trial is often what produces a fair plea offer in the first place. We prepare every case as if it is going to a jury, because that posture protects our clients whether they ultimately try the case or negotiate a resolution.
How much does a federal criminal defense attorney cost?
Fees depend on the charges, the stage of the case, the volume of discovery, and whether the matter goes to trial. We are upfront about cost from the first conversation, and the initial consultation is free. That way, you understand the scope of representation before committing to anything. That consultation is always with an attorney, not a sales representative.
Can you represent me if I live outside Springfield or Kearny?
Yes. We regularly represent clients throughout New Jersey and in the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York. We have offices in Springfield, Kearny, Avon-by-the-Sea, and Hoboken. We also offer virtual consultations.
