When federal agents show up at your door to say they are investigating you in connection with a crime, your life can change. You might feel anxious, embarrassed, or unsure about your future. If you or a loved one is facing charges like fraud, drug trafficking, or public corruption, this isn’t something you can fight alone.
The rules in federal court are different, and the stakes are much higher. At DMR Law, we build defense strategies for people accused of serious crimes in Puerto Rico. We bring nearly 60 years of combined experience, aggressive defense strategies, and a human touch to every case.
Our San Juan criminal defense lawyer team includes a former federal prosecutor who has handled some of the island’s most high-profile cases. We will use that inside knowledge to defend you. Call us to learn how our San Juan federal crimes defense lawyer can help you.
Our San Juan Federal Crimes Defense Attorney Will Build Your Defense
Federal crimes often carry harsh sentences, large fines, and long-term consequences. That’s why it is important to work with an experienced attorney who understands how the system works on both sides.
At DMR Law, attorney Maria A. Dominguez-Victoriano, Esq., brings rare experience to the table. She has served as a federal prosecutor and handled high-stakes corruption and narco-terror cases involving mayors, agents, and public figures in Puerto Rico and Florida. Today, she puts that same experience to work for the accused.
Our attorney for federal criminal investigations in San Juan helps with cases involving various federal offenses, such as:
- Drug trafficking and importation
- Money laundering
- Mail and wire fraud
- Bribery and corruption
- Healthcare and insurance fraud
- Federal gun charges
- Crimes involving federal agents or federal property
We understand how federal investigations work, from grand jury subpoenas to trial. We know what the U.S. Attorney’s Office is looking for and how to counter their claims with evidence, facts, and the law.
For a free legal consultation call (305) 548-8666
What Is a Federal Crime?
A federal crime is a crime that breaks a law made by the U.S. government, not just Puerto Rico’s local laws. These crimes are investigated by agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Homeland Security.
If you are accused of a federal offense, your case will go through the federal court system, which is very different from the local criminal court.
Examples of federal crimes include:
- Importing or selling illegal drugs across borders
- Committing fraud using mail, email, or the internet
- Lying on federal forms or to federal agents
- Using someone else’s identity in a federal investigation
- Stealing or damaging federal property
- Threats or crimes involving airports or national security
Some crimes, like drug or gun offenses, may be charged at the local and federal levels depending on the situation. However, if you are facing federal charges, everything moves quickly, and much more is at risk.
San Juan Federal Crimes Lawyer Near Me (305) 548-8666
What Are the Penalties for a Federal Crime?
Penalties for federal crimes are often much tougher than state-level offenses. Many charges carry mandatory prison time if you are found guilty. You could also face:
- Huge fines
- Asset forfeiture (losing your home, car, or bank accounts)
- Deportation if you are not a U.S. citizen
- Loss of your job or professional license
- Long-term damage to your reputation and future
The federal court also handles sentencing differently. Judges follow federal sentencing guidelines, which consider the type of crime and your record. This makes it even more important to have an experienced federal defense lawyer on your side to push back.
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What Should You Do if You Are Under Investigation?
You can start defending yourself before the authorities file charges. If federal agents show up at your home or workplace—or you receive a target letter—it means you are being investigated. What you do next matters.
Here’s how you can protect yourself:
- Don’t talk to agents alone: You have the right to remain silent. Exercise it.
- Don’t destroy or hide evidence: Doing so can make your situation worse.
- Call DMR Law immediately: Our federal crimes attorney in San Juan can speak for you and protect your rights from day one.
At DMR Law, we often get involved before charges are ever filed. We’ve been able to stop cases from moving forward, get charges reduced, or build strong defenses that lead to dismissals. To learn how we can help your case, call us for a private consultation.
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When Should You Hire a Lawyer to Represent You?
The sooner, the better. If you think you’re under investigation—or if you were already arrested—don’t wait. The U.S. government has likely already started building its case against you.
By hiring a lawyer early, you can:
- Avoid making statements that hurt your case
- Find out what the charges are based on
- Challenge illegal searches or evidence
- Show prosecutors you are serious about your defense
Having the right lawyer from the start can change the outcome of your case. At DMR Law, we stay steps ahead by using strategy, preparation, and legal skill to fight for you.
What Happens if You Don’t Get Legal Help?
Without the right legal support, you may:
- Be pressured into a guilty plea without knowing your options
- Miss key deadlines or lose the chance to challenge evidence
- End up with a harsh sentence that could have been avoided
Federal prosecutors are highly trained and aggressive. You deserve a team that knows how to match that power in court. DMR Law is that team.
Possible Defenses in a San Juan Federal Criminal Case
Every case is different, but common defenses in federal crimes cases include:
- You didn’t mean to break the law: Many federal crimes require that you meant to do something wrong. If you didn’t have criminal intent, you might not be guilty under the law.
- Entrapment: If a federal agent pressured or pushed you into committing a crime you wouldn’t have done on your own, we can argue that law enforcement set you up.
- Insufficient evidence: The government must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence is weak or the authorities obtained it illegally, the case could fall apart.
- Mistaken identity: If you were wrongly accused or misidentified, we can gather records or witnesses to prove it wasn’t you.
The team at DMR Law looks at every angle of your case. We talk with witnesses, study the evidence, and examine the handling of the investigation. We then build a defense designed to protect your freedom and future.
Preparing for a Federal Case in San Juan: What You Can Do
If you’re facing federal charges, here’s how you can help your case:
- Be honest with your lawyer. Tell them everything, even if it seems small.
- Keep copies of any documents related to the case.
- Write down what happened in your own words while it’s still fresh.
- Avoid talking about your case with anyone else, especially online or in texts.
The steps you take now can make a big difference later.
Facing Federal Charges in San Juan? Let DMR Law Defend You
Federal charges are serious, but so is your future. At DMR Law, our team includes a former federal prosecutor who knows how these cases are built and how to take them apart. Whether you’re facing charges or just found out you’re under investigation, we are ready to step in.
Our federal crimes defense lawyer in San Juan will guide you through every step and fight to protect your rights. Your defense starts now. Call us today for a private consultation.
Call or text (305) 548-8666 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form