When the Federal Government Comes After You, You Need an Insider to Fight Back

Federal criminal cases are different. The prosecutors aren’t rookies. They’re backed by agencies like the FBI, DEA, ATF, IRS, and Homeland Security. The conviction rate is high, the resources against you are massive, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

At National Security Law Firm (NSLF), we even the odds. Our defense team is built from the inside out — former U.S. Attorneys, former federal prosecutors, federal judges, Army and Navy JAG officers, and senior government insiders. We’ve prosecuted, presided, and advised at the highest levels of the federal system. Now, we put that experience to work for you.

👉 Free Case Review | Nationwide Representation | Flexible Payment Plans


Why Our Federal Criminal Defense Team is Different

Most criminal defense lawyers have never stepped foot in federal court. We built NSLF to be the exact opposite: a federal-only defense powerhouse.

  • Former U.S. Attorney on Your Side – Our partner Dak Kees previously served as the United States Attorney for Arkansas. He knows how federal prosecutors build cases—because he led them.

  • Former Prosecutors Now Fighting for You – Attorneys like Carl Marrone, who served as a Deputy District Attorney in Los Angeles County, where he specialized in domestic violence, sexual assault, and special victims cases. That insider perspective now powers his aggressive defense strategy in federal court.

  • Military JAG Officers & Veterans – Our team, founded by veterans, includes Army JAGs trained in the toughest courtrooms in the world. We bring military-grade precision, discipline, and trial skills into federal defense.

  • Federal-Only Practice – Every attorney is trained and battle-tested in federal law only.

The National Security Law Firm: It’s Our Turn to Fight for You.


Types of Federal Cases We Handle

Federal prosecutors cast a wide net, but our team is prepared for every scenario.

White Collar & Fraud

  • Wire fraud, securities fraud, bank fraud, tax fraud, healthcare fraud, PPP loan fraud.

Drug Crimes

  • Conspiracy, trafficking, mandatory minimums, cartel-related indictments.

Cybercrime & National Security

  • Hacking (CFAA), cryptocurrency fraud, terrorism-related charges, classified material violations.

Federal Sex Crimes

  • Child pornography, online enticement, human trafficking, sextortion.

Gun Crimes

  • 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), felon in possession, straw purchases, trafficking.

Probation & Supervised Release

Appeals & Post-Conviction Relief

👉 Explore our Complete Guides to Federal Charges for in-depth breakdowns of each offense.


How Federal Cases Work (And How We Defend You)

Step 1: Federal Investigation – By the time you know you’re a target, the FBI, DEA, or IRS has been investigating for months. We intervene early to protect your rights.

Step 2: Indictment – Federal prosecutors secure charges through a grand jury. We scrutinize the indictment for weaknesses and legal defects.

Step 3: Detention & Arraignment – We fight for pretrial release and set the tone for defense.

Step 4: Discovery & Pretrial Motions – This is where our insider experience matters most. We know what evidence prosecutors rely on, and we know how to challenge it.

Step 5: Plea Negotiations or Trial – With our trial experience as former prosecutors and JAGs, we’re prepared for both outcomes. Most cases end in pleas, but if trial is your best chance, we don’t flinch.

Step 6: Sentencing – Federal sentencing guidelines are brutal. We fight for downward departures, mitigating factors, and alternative outcomes.

Step 7: Appeals & Post-Conviction – We don’t stop at sentencing. Our team handles appeals, 2255 motions, and clemency petitions.

👉 Learn more in our Complete Guide to the Federal Criminal Process


FAQs About Federal Criminal Defense

❓ How much does a federal criminal defense lawyer cost?
Federal cases typically range from $20,000 to $100,000+, depending on complexity. See our pricing breakdown here.

❓ Can federal charges be dismissed?
Yes — charges can be dismissed through suppression motions, constitutional challenges, or by showing insufficient evidence. See How to Get Federal Charges Dismissed.

❓ What makes federal cases different from state cases?
Federal cases are prosecuted by highly experienced attorneys with massive resources and higher conviction rates. That’s why you need a team of former insiders who know their tactics.


Nationwide Federal Defense – We’re Where You Need Us

We defend clients in all 94 federal districts — either through our direct admissions or by appearing pro hac vice (special court admission that allows us to represent you in any federal court across the country).

🌎 Explore our local defense pages:


Why Clients Trust NSLF

  • Federal-only focus – we don’t dilute with state cases

  • Insider perspective – former prosecutors, U.S. Attorney, JAG officers

  • Military discipline & trial toughness

  • Nationwide reach – 94 federal districts

  • Flexible financing – Pay Later by Affirm (3–24 months)

  • 4.9-star Google Reviews from clients nationwide


Take Action Now – Don’t Give the Government a Head Start

Federal prosecutors are already working against you. Every hour you wait, their case gets stronger.

Book a Consultation Online — quick, secure, and available nationwide.