A federal investigation tends to stay quiet until the day it does not. By the time agents arrive with a warrant or a target letter shows up in the mail, prosecutors have often spent months assembling their case.
Ambrosio & Associates is a Los Angeles federal criminal defense lawyer team that defends people charged or investigated in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, led by Ambrosio E. Rodriguez, a former Senior Deputy District Attorney with over 13 years of prosecutorial experience handling serious cases.
If you or someone close to you has been contacted by federal agents, the most useful thing you can do today is speak with counsel before speaking with anyone else. Call (213) 995-6767 for a free, confidential consultation, available 24/7.
Table of contents
- What Happens if You Are Charged With a Federal Crime in Los Angeles?
- Is My Case Going to Be State or Federal?
- Federal Charges We Defend in the Central District of California
- How a Federal Case Moves Through the Los Angeles Federal Courts
- How Does Federal Sentencing Work?
- Why Prosecution Experience Matters in a Federal Case
- Why Choose Ambrosio & Associates
- Federal Criminal Defense FAQs
- Get Ahead of the Government's Timeline
What Happens if You Are Charged With a Federal Crime in Los Angeles?
Your case is heard in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office, and sentenced under the federal sentencing guidelines. There is no parole in the federal system, so the sentence a judge imposes is largely the sentence served, reduced only by limited good conduct credit.
Federal court is a different system from Los Angeles County Superior Court, and the differences affect strategy from the first day.
| Issue | Federal case in Los Angeles | State case in Los Angeles County |
| Court | U.S. District Court, Central District of California, Western Division | Los Angeles County Superior Court |
| Prosecutor | U.S. Attorney's Office | L.A. County District Attorney or a city attorney |
| Typical investigators | FBI, DEA, HSI, IRS Criminal Investigation, ATF, Secret Service, postal inspectors | LAPD, L.A. County Sheriff's Department, local police |
| How felonies are charged | Grand jury indictment, or information if the right is waived | Complaint, then preliminary hearing, or grand jury indictment |
| Sentencing | Advisory federal sentencing guidelines, plus any mandatory minimums | California statutory ranges and enhancements |
| Parole | None; up to 54 days of good conduct credit per year of the sentence | Varies by sentence and credit rules |
Is My Case Going to Be State or Federal?
That depends on the agency that investigated, the law allegedly violated, and whether the conduct crossed state lines, used the mail or internet, or involved a federally regulated institution. Many offenses violate both California and federal law, and prosecutors in either system may file.
Under the dual sovereignty doctrine, which the U.S. Supreme Court reaffirmed in Gamble v. United States (2019), state and federal prosecutors may each bring charges for the same conduct without violating double jeopardy. In practice, the two offices often coordinate, and the choice of forum has a major effect on exposure.
Signs that a case is headed for federal court include:
- A federal agency, such as the FBI or HSI, executed the search warrant or made the arrest.
- You received a target letter or a subpoena to testify before a federal grand jury.
- The allegation involves interstate communications, federal funds, a bank, Medicare, or imported goods.
- Drug quantities or firearm allegations trigger federal mandatory minimum sentences.
- A state case was dismissed shortly before federal agents became involved.
Federal Charges We Defend in the Central District of California
The firm defends a wide range of federal offenses. Several of the most common also exist as California crimes, so each section below notes where the state version is covered in more detail.
Federal Child Pornography and Internet Sex Offenses
Federal law criminalizes possession, receipt, and distribution of images of minors under 18 U.S.C. sections 2252 and 2252A. Receipt and distribution carry a five-year mandatory minimum sentence, while possession carries a lower maximum without a mandatory minimum for a first offense.
Investigations often begin with a cyber tip, a peer-to-peer file-sharing investigation, or a device search at the border. The same conduct may be charged in state court under Penal Code section 311.11. Our page on federal child pornography charges covers forensic defenses and sentencing in depth.
Federal Drug Offenses
Most federal drug cases are charged under 21 U.S.C. section 841, often with a conspiracy count under section 846. Drug type and quantity drive the sentence, and specified amounts trigger five-year or ten-year mandatory minimums. Many Los Angeles cases grow out of wiretaps, parcel interdictions, or controlled buys coordinated with the DEA. For state and federal distribution cases, see our page on drug trafficking.
Fraud and Financial Crimes
Wire fraud and mail fraud under 18 U.S.C. sections 1343 and 1341 each carry up to 20 years. Health care fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering are also common federal charges in Los Angeles, and aggravated identity theft under section 1028A adds a mandatory two-year consecutive term. These cases turn on documents, intent, and loss calculations, which drive the guidelines range. Learn more about our defense of white collar crimes.
Federal Firearms Offenses
Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person under 18 U.S.C. section 922(g) now carries up to 15 years. Using or carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime or crime of violence under section 924(c) requires a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least five years. California's parallel offense, possession by a prohibited person under Penal Code section 29800, carries far less exposure, which is one reason the forum matters so much.
Conspiracy and Other Federal Charges
Federal prosecutors frequently add a conspiracy count under 18 U.S.C. section 371, which allows them to hold each participant responsible for acts of others in the scheme. The firm also handles federal violent crimes, false statements to federal agents, and obstruction allegations. For every charge the firm handles, visit all practice areas.
How a Federal Case Moves Through the Los Angeles Federal Courts
A federal case in Los Angeles usually moves from investigation to initial appearance, detention hearing, indictment, discovery and motions, then plea or trial, and finally sentencing. The earliest stages offer the most room to shape the outcome.
- Investigation. Agents gather records, interview witnesses, and may present evidence to a grand jury. A target letter means prosecutors consider you a likely defendant.
- Initial appearance. After a federal arrest, the accused is brought before a magistrate judge, typically at the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building at 255 East Temple Street.
- Detention hearing. Under the Bail Reform Act, the judge decides whether release conditions will reasonably assure appearance and community safety. Some charges create a presumption of detention.
- Indictment and arraignment. The Speedy Trial Act generally requires an indictment within 30 days of arrest. At arraignment, the defendant enters a plea.
- Discovery and motions. The defense reviews the government's evidence and may move to suppress searches, statements, or wiretap evidence.
- Plea or trial. Trials are held at the Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez U.S. Courthouse at 350 West First Street. A jury must return a unanimous verdict.
- Sentencing. U.S. Probation prepares a presentence report, and the judge sentences after considering the guidelines and the factors in 18 U.S.C. section 3553(a).
Speak with a Los Angeles federal defense attorney before your first court date. Call (213) 995-6767 today for a free consultation.
How Does Federal Sentencing Work?
Federal judges calculate a sentencing range under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, based on the offense level and the defendant's criminal history. Since United States v. Booker (2005), the guidelines are advisory, but judges must calculate them correctly and explain any departure. Mandatory minimum statutes, however, bind the court unless a specific exception applies.
- Offense level. Loss amount, drug quantity, role in the offense, and enhancements such as use of a weapon raise the level.
- Criminal history. Prior convictions place the defendant in one of six categories.
- Exceptions to mandatory minimums. The safety valve under 18 U.S.C. section 3553(f) and substantial assistance motions by the government may allow a sentence below the minimum in qualifying cases.
- Time served. With no parole, credit is limited to good conduct time of up to 54 days per year and certain First Step Act programming credits.
- Supervised release. Most prison sentences are followed by a term of federal supervision.
What a Los Angeles Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Does Before Indictment
- Contacts the assigned Assistant U.S. Attorney to learn the scope of the investigation.
- Advises whether to answer a subpoena, request immunity, or decline an interview.
- Preserves helpful evidence and identifies witnesses before memories fade.
- Presents information that may narrow the charges or the loss and quantity figures that drive sentencing.
Why Prosecution Experience Matters in a Federal Case
Federal cases are built by prosecutors and agents working together for months before charges are filed. Ambrosio Rodriguez spent over 13 years as a state prosecutor evaluating evidence, preparing witnesses, and trying serious felonies, including homicide and death penalty cases. That background helps the defense anticipate how a government case is structured and where it is weakest.
Choosing a federal criminal lawyer in Los Angeles comes down to practical questions. Has the attorney tried serious felony cases to a jury? Will the attorney explain the guidelines calculation before any plea discussion?
Why Choose Ambrosio & Associates
- Former Senior Deputy District Attorney. The firm is led by a former prosecutor who knows how serious cases are built from the inside.
- State and federal perspective. The firm handles both systems, which matters when a case might be filed in either one.
- Recognized legal commentator. Mr. Rodriguez has provided legal analysis on FOX 11, KTLA, and Estrella.
- Available around the clock. The firm answers 24/7, including in Spanish.
Federal Criminal Defense FAQs
What should I do if I get a federal target letter?
Contact a federal defense lawyer before responding to anyone. A target letter means prosecutors believe substantial evidence links you to a crime, and it usually invites you to testify or meet. Counsel may contact the prosecutor, learn the scope of the investigation, and advise whether any statement serves your interests.
Is it possible to get federal charges dismissed or reduced?
Yes, in some cases. Federal charges may be dismissed after a successful suppression motion, reduced through negotiation, or resolved with a plea to a count that avoids a mandatory minimum. Federal prosecutors decline many cases before indictment, which is why early representation matters. No outcome is guaranteed.
Will I be held in custody before my federal trial?
Not necessarily. At the detention hearing, a magistrate judge decides whether conditions such as a bond, travel limits, or electronic monitoring will assure appearance and safety. Certain drug and firearm charges create a presumption of detention that the defense must rebut with evidence about ties, employment, and history.
How long does a federal criminal case take in Los Angeles?
Many federal cases take several months to more than a year. The Speedy Trial Act sets a 70-day trial clock, but the time is frequently extended to allow for discovery, complex document review, and plea negotiations. Cases involving wiretaps or large financial records often take longer.
Can I be charged in both state and federal court for the same conduct?
Yes. Under the dual sovereignty doctrine, state and federal governments may each prosecute the same conduct. In practice, the offices often coordinate, and one case may be dismissed in favor of the other. The defense may be able to influence which forum proceeds.
Get Ahead of the Government's Timeline
Federal prosecutors often decide the shape of a case long before the defense sees the evidence. Early counsel narrows that gap. Call Ambrosio & Associates at (213) 995-6767 for a free, confidential consultation, available 24/7, or contact the firm online. The office is at 626 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 460, Los Angeles, CA 90017, near the downtown federal courthouses.
This page is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.