Whittel & Melton Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers
Call Us Today 866-608-5529 Statewide or Local at 561-367-8777
Florida, Southern District, Middle District, Northern DistrictProviding Federal Criminal Defense Strategies for ALL Florida Federal Criminal Charges in Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade County and Throughout Florida.
Our Team of Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers is Comprised of Former Prosecutors, Assistant Attorney General & State Defenders – Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Tampa, Ocala, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Tallahassee.
Our Florida Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton are experienced jury trial and appellate attorneys who will fight to protect your rights, regardless of the specific charges you may face. Our legal team at Whittel & Melton is composed of former South Florida and Central Florida Prosecutors, Board Certified by the Florida Bar, lauded with an AV-Rating with Martindale-Hubbell, selection by Super Lawyers and have experience defending federal offenses, sex crimes and white collar crimes throughout Florida. Using our experience and both prosecutors and defenders, we appreciate and understand what it takes to successfully defend a case in Florida State and Federal Court.
Until you consult a lawyer regarding your arrest and criminal charges, you may not have a clear idea of what is in store for you. Our experienced Florida criminal defense lawyers will meet with you and advise what your rights are and what we can do to ensure you receive a positive outcome in your case. Let us help you.
Defending All Federal Charges in Palm Beach County, Broward County, Miami-Dade County and Throughout The State of FloridaWe regularly defend and consult on all federal sex crimes alleged pursuant to the United States Code. Title 18. Federal Crimes in Southern District of Florida include allegations of Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography, Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Child Abuse, Child Exploitation, Computer Crime, Forcible Rape, Molestation, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Abuse of a Minor, Sexual Assault, Sexual Battery, Sexual Conduct with a Minor, Sex Trafficking, Video Voyeurism, Online Sex Sting and Cyber Crimes Investigations. Criminal Defendants in the Middle and Northern District of Florida commonly face similar allegations.
We also handle federal drug charges in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Ocala and Gainesville, such as federal drug possession, trafficking, manufacturing, intent to distribute, and all other federal drug crimes that involve cocaine, heroin, opioids, methamphetamine, and prescription medications.
Computer crimes that are financial or sexual in nature are usually charged as felony crimes and could be federal matters. If you are facing charges related to child pornography, credit card fraud, identity theft, or any other type of computer crime we can help you resolve this matter.
Any violent crimes such as aggravated assault or battery, aggravated sexual abuse, armed robbery, bank burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, bombing matters (including threats), and other violent offenses are very serious crimes that can charged as federal offenses.
Even if you have discovered that you are under investigation for a crime, the attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help you navigate this confusing process and many times, even prevent charges from being filed in Miami, Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach in Southern District of Florida.
We Are Here to Serve You, Not Judge You
Call Us Today: LOCAL (561) 367-8777 or Statewide, Toll Free: (866) 608-5529
Our experienced Florida Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys are ready to consult, defend and vindicate clients charged with federal crimes throughout Palm Beach County, including: Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Juno Beach, Jupiter, Lake Worth, Riviera Beach, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Royal Palm Beach and West Palm Beach. We also represent those charged in the Southern District of Florida from Key West, Miami, Miami Beach, Hialeah, Coral Gables, Fort Lauderdale and throughout Miami-Dade and Broward County.
Call us today: Local (561) 367-8777 or statewide, toll free: (866) 608-5529
What Is The Difference Between State and Federal Crimes?There are very big differences between state and federal charges, starting with how these cases are investigated. State cases are usually resolved quicker as there is less preliminary work for police, and prosecutors can decide whether or not to proceed with formal charges. Federal charges, on the other hand, are usually accompanied by an in-depth investigation process where law enforcement has taken a lot of time and effort into gathering evidence. A grand jury will then decide whether the accused should be indicted (formally charged with a crime). Due to how well the prosecution is prepared for federal cases, this can make defending federal charges much more difficult than State charges. However, because of the in-depth investigation process, we have more time and opportunities to intervene and possibly mitigate certain charges and prevent them from being filed at all.
Another big distinction between federal and state matters is that judges do not have the opportunity to deviate much from federal sentencing guidelines. While there is not much wiggle room, we know the guidelines and what can be done to pursue the best possible outcome for your unique situation. We strongly urge you to get in touch with us as soon as possible so that we can intervene in your case early on.
Do All Criminal Defense Lawyers Handle State and Federal Cases?No, most criminal defense attorneys are equipped to handle state cases, but not all handle federal criminal matters. If you are facing federal criminal charges in Florida, you need to make sure your attorney is well-versed in the federal criminal process. Our Florida Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton defend those accused of state and federal crimes in Palm Beach County, Broward County, Miami-Dade County and throughout the state of Florida. Whether you are accused of a federal or state matter, you can expect aggressive and intelligent legal representation from our law firm. Call us 24/7 at 866-608-5529 for a free consultation now.
What Do I Do If I Received a Letter that the Federal Government is Investigating Me?First and foremost, DO NOT IGNORE THIS LETTER. This is a notice that should not be taken lightly. We strongly suggest contacting our legal team right away so that we can contact the government on your behalf and start building a strategic defense. We can gather any evidence and relay it back to the government to communicate a number of messages which might include that you are ready to defend yourself, willing to cooperate, have questions about the probe or to show that you are a mistaken target of their investigation. Call us right away at 866-608-5529 as soon as you learn you are under investigation for a federal crime so that we can be proactive with our approach.
What Are the Federal Investigative Agencies Involved in Federal Criminal Charges?United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)**** We have provided the phone numbers of the local field offices for the several different federal agencies. We DO NOT recommend anyone facing allegation, suspicion, arrest, indictment or otherwise to ever directly call, contact or speak to a federal agent without counsel. Even if you do not hire Whittel & Melton, a lawyer should always be present anytime statements, comments, answers etc. are provided to the government. Again, do NOT call these phone numbers if you are the target or tangentially related to any investigation by these agencies. ****
The mission of the DEA is to enforce the laws and regulations that apply to manufacturing, growing, distributing, and trafficking controlled substances in both domestic and international markets.
You can read more about the DEA here.
DEA Miami Field Division: 954-660-4500
DEA West Palm District Office: 561-684-8000
DEA Fort Lauderdale District Office: 954-489-1789
The ATF is dedicated to protecting people from violent crimes that involve explosives, firearms, arson and also regulates the sale of firearms and explosives as well as the diversion of tobacco and alcohol.
You can read more about the ATF here.
ATF Miami Office: 305-597-4960
ATF West Palm Beach Satellite Office: 772-924-2780
ATF Fort Lauderdale Field Office: 954-453-6001
ATF West Palm Beach Field Office: 561- 623-4200
The OI Investigates crimes against VA programs including healthcare fraud, education benefits and fraud, embezzlement, cyber crimes, etc.
You can read more about the OI here.
Hotline for fraud, waste, and abuse: 1-800-488-8244
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)The FBI works to protect the U.S. public and uphold the Constitution of the U.S. and investigates cyber crimes, terrorism, corruption, counterintelligence, threats to civil rights, organized crime, white collar crimes, and violent crimes.
You can read more about the FBI here.
FBI Miami Office: 754-703-2000
FBI West Palm Beach Office: 561-833-7517
FBI Key West Office : 305-296-3093
The EPA is geared towards protecting the environment to prevent and detect waste, fraud, and abuse.
You can read more about the EPA OIG here.
EPA Florida: 404-562-9900
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law EnforcementThe Office of Law Enforcement investigates crimes related to wildlife, wildlife trade, and upholding wildlife protection laws.
You can read more about the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement here.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement Southeast Region: 404-679-7057
Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG)The HHS OIG is primarily dedicated to investigating crimes involving Medicare and Medicaid. You can read more about the HHS OIG here.
HHS Florida: 800-368-1019
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)ICE has a mission to protect the U.S. from illegal immigration and cross-border crime.
You can read more about ICE here.
ICE Miami: 954-236-4900
ICE Pompano Beach: 954-545-6060
IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) investigates financial crimes related to the tax system.
You can read more about the IRS CI here.
IRS Miami: 305-982-5223
U.S. Marshals ServiceThe U.S. Marshals Service is responsible for protecting federal judges and other court officials, witnesses, jurors, public visitors, prisoners and all other threatened persons.
You can read more about the U.S. Marshals Service here.
Miami: 786-433-6340
West Palm Beach: 561-655-1827
Fort Lauderdale: 954-356-7256
Key West: 305-295-8153
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigates mail fraud, identity theft, illegal narcotics through mail, money laundering, suspicious mail, cyber crime, global mail security, and child exploitation.
You can read more about the U.S. Postal Inspection Service here.
U.S. Postal Inspection Service: 1-877-876-2455
United States Secret ServiceThe U.S. Secret Service investigates cyber financial crimes including credit card fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, computer breaches, ransomware, and all other cyber financial crimes.
You can read more about the U.S. Secret Service here.
Miami Field Office: 305-863-5000
West Palm Beach Field Office: 561-659-0184
Call us today: Local (561) 367-8777 or statewide, toll free: (866) 608-5529