Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers
Strategic. Innovative. Tactical.
Bringing the caliber of a multi-million dollar defense team to your corner.
Control. Not Bluster.
You are the target of the most powerful government on earth. If you are reading this, you likely already suspect the truth: The federal government does not play fair. They do not file charges until they are 99% sure they can win. They have unlimited resources, the FBI, the DEA, and a conviction rate that hovers near 98%.
But they are not invincible. At Setra Law Firm, we bring the strategic, innovative, and tactical fight characteristic of elite defense teams—a level of representation once reserved for the ultra-wealthy, now available to you. Whether you have received a Target Letter, had your home raided by agents, or are facing a sealed indictment, we intervene with precision.
The Federal Difference: Why You Need a Specialist
A federal crime is not just a "serious" state crime. It is a completely different legal universe. State crimes are prosecuted by a local District Attorney. Federal crimes are prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office under the United States Code (U.S.C.).
A state lawyer cannot save you in federal court. The rules of evidence, the sentencing guidelines, and the judges are entirely different. You need a team federally licensed in the Western, Northern, Southern, and Eastern Districts of Texas.
The Government’s Playbook
The Feds do not "guess." They build their case for months, sometimes years, before you ever know they are watching.
1. The "Conspiracy Net"
They don't need to catch you holding the bag. Under 18 U.S.C. § 371, they only need to prove you agreed to the crime. They will use your friends and partners against you.
2. The Wiretap & Data Dump
In the Western District, agents routinely use Title III Wiretaps. We routinely see "Discovery" files containing terabytes of data—years of your digital life.
3. The "Target Letter"
This is their psychological weapon. A formal notice from the DOJ stating substantial evidence exists. Do not ignore this. It is our window to intervene.
The "Big Three": Statutes We Fight
We defend the full spectrum of federal offenses, but these three statutes form the backbone of federal prosecution in Texas.
Federal Conspiracy (18 U.S.C. § 371)
The Trap: You can be convicted even if you never touched the drugs or the money. If you were part of the "agreement," you are responsible for every crime committed by your co-conspirators.
Our Defense: We attack the "agreement." Mere presence is not a conspiracy. Knowing people who commit crimes is not a conspiracy. We isolate you from the pack.
Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343)
The Trap:"Wire Fraud" covers almost any financial scheme involving email, phone, or bank transfers. From PPP Loan Fraud to complex investment schemes.
Our Defense: Lack of Intent. Bad business decisions are not crimes. We prove you acted in "Good Faith," neutralizing the specific intent required for conviction.
Drug Trafficking (21 U.S.C. § 841)
The Trap: Federal drug charges carry Mandatory Minimums (5, 10, or 20 years). The sentence is driven purely by the weight of the substance, not your role.
Our Defense: We challenge the weight. We challenge the "search and seizure" (4th Amendment). We fight for "Safety Valve" relief to bypass mandatory minimums.
The Points System: Federal Sentencing
In state court, you bargain for years. In federal court, you are sentenced by a calculator. The United States Sentencing Guidelines (USSG) dictate your fate based on a mathematical score.
The "Booker" Variance Strategy
Since the Supreme Court case United States v. Booker , these guidelines are advisory, not mandatory. This is where Setra Law shines. We draft comprehensive Sentencing Memorandums arguing for a "Variance"—a sentence below the guidelines—based on your character, history, and the unique facts of your life.
Scenario Analysis: Real World Defense
Scenario A: The Dawn Raid (White Collar)
The Situation: You are a healthcare executive. At 6:00 AM, FBI agents raid your home, seizing laptops and phones.
The Mistake: You try to explain. "I didn't do anything wrong, let me show you." You just gave them the evidence they were missing.
The Setra Defense: We deploy immediately. We contact the AUSA to shut down all questioning. We demand the "Search Warrant Affidavit" to see why they raided you. We conduct a parallel investigation to prove your business practices were legitimate before the indictment is even filed.
Scenario B: The Traffic Stop (Drug Conspiracy)
The Situation: You are driving through El Paso. A Trooper stops you, finds cash, and claims a dog "alerted" to the vehicle.
The Mistake: You agree to cooperate without a lawyer, admitting guilt in the process.
The Setra Defense: We file a Motion to Suppress. If the traffic stop was prolonged illegally (beyond the time needed to write a ticket), the evidence is fruit of the poisonous tree. If the stop falls, the case falls.
Our Strategic Approach: A Multi-Faceted Defense
We do not rely on a single strategy. We adapt to the battlefield. While many lawyers wait for the Indictment to begin their work, we view that as only one phase of the operation.
Phase 1: The Pre-Indictment Window. This is the time to communicate directly with the prosecutor to kill the case or limit the scope. We present "Exculpatory Evidence" packets—binders of proof showing why a jury will never convict you.
Phase 2: The Litigation Engine. If charges are filed, we do not make frivolous challenges or file frivolous motions. We conduct a forensic review of every piece of evidence, every wiretap, and every search warrant. We file appropriate, targeted motions to suppress evidence that was obtained in violation of your Constitutional rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
I received a "Target Letter" from the DOJ. What does this mean?
Is the 98% federal conviction rate real?
Will I go to federal prison?
Why hire private counsel instead of a Public Defender?
What is a Federal Grand Jury?
What is a "Proffer" or "Queen for a Day" letter?
Will the government seize my assets?
Ready to Build Your Defense?
The government is already building their case. It is time to build yours.
40 NE Loop 410, Ste 100
San Antonio, TX 78216
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. All federal cases are unique and subject to the specific statutes of the United States Code. Adam Setra is the attorney responsible for the content of this page.