When you’re facing federal criminal charges, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Your future, your freedom, and your family’s stability are all on the line. At RP Defense Law APC, we don’t take that lightly. Led by seasoned federal defense attorney Ruzanna Poghosyan, our firm brings over 18 years of experience fighting complex, high-stakes cases in federal court.
If you’ve been indicted or if you are under investigation, RP Defense Law APC can help you. Contact us today at (818) 646-3443 to get started with a free discovery call.
Federal cases are not just more serious than state-level ones. They actually follow an entirely different process. The procedures, penalties, and people involved in federal court are far more complex than what you can encounter at the state level.
These aren’t local arrests handled by city prosecutors. Federal charges are usually the result of long-term investigations by agencies like the FBI, DEA, or IRS. By the time you find out you’re a target, the government has likely already been building its case for months or sometimes years.
Federal prosecutors have vast resources at their disposal, and they rarely file charges unless they believe they can win. That’s why it’s critical to work with an attorney who understands how to navigate the federal system, push back against aggressive tactics, and expose weaknesses in the government’s case. The rules of evidence, discovery deadlines, sentencing guidelines, and trial procedures in federal court all differ significantly from those in California state courts.
At RP Defense Law APC, we approach federal cases with the intensity they demand, anticipating every move and countering with precision. Whether you’re dealing with a federal drug conspiracy, wire fraud, or money laundering charge, we know what’s at stake. We know how to fight. And we don’t settle for anything less than the greatest possible result.
At RP Defense Law APC, we handle high-stakes federal criminal cases with the goal of protecting your freedom. Federal charges often come with mandatory minimum sentences, complex legal frameworks, and aggressive investigations. These charges come with serious repercussions. We know the system and how it works, leading us to know how to fight back effectively.
Federal drug crimes are among the most serious and aggressively prosecuted federal crimes. These cases can be complex because they often involve multiple agencies as well as intricate investigations that can include confidential informants, surveillance, and wiretaps. If you are investigated by a federal agency, they likely believe you are a part of a larger organization or operation. Some common charges we defend against include:
The consequences in these cases are extreme, with many carrying 10-year minimums, and can escalate to life in prison depending on quantity and prior offenses.
Conspiracy charges are notoriously broad and often used to sweep multiple people into a single federal case. Even if you didn’t personally commit the alleged crime, the government may try to hold you responsible just for being in a knowledgeable proximity to the crime. In federal conspiracy cases, you may be linked to:
We work to dismantle the government’s theory of “agreement” and prove a lack of intent or connection. These cases require intense scrutiny of communications, timelines, and alleged co-conspirators.
While white collar offenses don’t always involve violence, the federal government treats them with equal severity. Prosecutors typically seek an abundance of evidence while investigating a person for a white collar or financial crime, including digital records and financial transactions. Charges in this category include:
Federal firearms charges often involve allegations tied to other federal crimes, such as drug trafficking or interstate transportation of illegal weapons. These cases are especially serious because they often come with mandatory enhancements, meaning more prison time, even for first-time offenders. These offenses can include:
The key to defending these types of cases is beginning early to gather the necessary evidence. We focus on search and seizure issues, ownership disputes, and breaking apart the prosecution’s chain of evidence.
If you’ve already been convicted in federal court, it’s not necessarily the end of the road. We review trial records, sentencing errors, ineffective assistance claims, and procedural mistakes to identify opportunities for post-conviction relief or appeal.
For many people, a federal case doesn’t start with an arrest—it starts with a letter, a knock, or a call from an agent. If you’ve received a target letter, been subpoenaed to testify before a grand jury, or handed documents to produce, it means you’re already in the government’s line of sight.
A target letter is the government’s way of letting you know that you are under investigation and are in danger of being charged with a federal crime. This may seem like it’s being extended as a common courtesy, but it serves as a warning for a potential arrest. By the time you receive a target letter, the government has already been working on its case against you. Once you receive this letter, secure legal representation right away.
A grand jury subpoena is a formal demand to testify or provide documents in a federal investigation. You may be called as a witness, a subject, or a target, with each carrying different legal risks. Even if you are not formally being charged as a defendant, you will still want to contact a lawyer. Certain behaviors can put you at risk, such as saying the wrong thing or surrendering the wrong materials.
Just because you haven’t been charged doesn’t mean you’re cleared from being charged in the future. The earlier you seek experienced counsel, the better your chances of avoiding federal charges.
One of the most confusing and terrifying aspects of a federal case is sentencing. Most people think they’ll go to trial and take their chances. However, in reality, most federal cases end in plea agreements, and the outcome often hinges on how the Federal Sentencing Guidelines are applied to your specific charges.
Federal sentencing guidelines consider two things: the severity of the offense and the defendant’s criminal history. However, prosecutors hold a large amount of discretion in these cases. Additionally, sentence enhancements exist. These enhancements intensify the penalties when certain circumstances are present, including:
Federal sentencing guidelines can be complex. While these are meant to be used as a guide, prosecutors can use their discretion in their cases. Understanding these guidelines helps build a strong legal defense and prepares you for what to expect in court.
Most people think hiring a lawyer comes after charges are filed. In federal cases, waiting that long can be costly.
Federal investigations often begin months or even years before an indictment ever happens. The government builds its case quietly through surveillance, informants, wiretaps, financial audits, or target letters. By the time they confront you, they have already decided that you are involved.
You don’t have to wait until you are arrested to get a lawyer involved. In many cases, the earlier you bring in experienced counsel, the better your chances of controlling the outcome.
Early intervention gives your defense team a chance to investigate as early as possible. It gives you time to prepare, not just legally but emotionally and practically, for what’s coming. In some cases, it can even lead to charges being reduced, limited, or avoided entirely. Early intervention allows your attorney to do the following:
Early intervention helps you to protect your rights and your future. It gives you the greatest possible chance at a favorable outcome before the prosecution begins making decisions and statements regarding your freedom.
Being involved in a federal case can feel like stepping into a world with its own language, pace, and pressure. Everything moves differently in federal court. However, knowing what’s coming can make a difficult process a little more manageable.
Most federal cases begin long before an arrest. You might receive a subpoena or a target letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Sometimes, people don’t realize they’re under investigation until federal agents show up at their homes or workplaces.
If you’re in this early stage, it’s critical to get legal counsel involved as soon as possible. What you do or don’t do now can affect every step that follows.
Federal charges begin with a grand jury indictment. This means a group of citizens has already reviewed the evidence and agreed there’s enough to move forward with prosecution. You’ll be formally arrested and brought to court for an arraignment, where you’ll enter a plea and discuss bail or release conditions.
This phase is where much of the legal battle begins. Both sides exchange evidence, called discovery, and file motions that can shape the trial. They can file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss certain charges, or compel the government to turn over critical information.
Most federal cases are resolved through plea agreements. Accepting a plea doesn’t mean giving up. It means negotiating from a position of strength, with a full understanding of the sentencing. If the case moves on to trial, your defense team should prepare thoroughly with intense and clear preparation.
If convicted or if you accept a plea, you’ll return to court for sentencing. The judge considers the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, but outcomes can vary depending on the arguments made on your behalf.
Federal criminal defense is about results. When your future is at stake, you need an attorney who is a professional with experience in handling these types of cases.
Attorney Ruzanna Poghosyan has been defending serious criminal cases for nearly 20 years. She’s known for taking on complex federal matters. She understands how prosecutors build these cases and how federal agencies investigate. She can identify the weak points in the prosecution’s case to help strengthen your defense.
When you work with us, you get straightforward communication and sharp strategy. We challenge the government’s assumptions to make sure you know exactly where you stand and never lose sight of what’s at stake. We fight to negotiate, and we prepare for trial when it’s necessary. Every case we take gets the time, attention, and pressure it deserves.
If you’re under federal investigation or already facing charges, don’t wait and risk things getting worse. Federal cases move fast, and the prosecution has likely already started building a case. At RP Defense Law APC, we know how to step in early, protect your rights, and start building a real defense strategy as soon as possible.
Call RP Defense Law APC today at (818) 646-3443 to schedule a confidential consultation. We know how important your freedom is, and we can fight for both it and your future.
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