Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Lansing
Practice Areas
Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Lansing
If you are a public official, government contractor, business executive, or corporate employee in Lansing facing a federal investigation or indictment, securing experienced legal representation is highly important. As the capital of Michigan, Lansing is a natural nexus for federal law enforcement involving government programs, public funds, and political activity. This creates a heightened risk for high-stakes matters like public corruption, procurement fraud, and complex tax crimes.
Cases originating in the capital are often complex, high-profile, and aggressively prosecuted by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Mamat Law offers the legal sophistication and battle-tested courtroom experience required to effectively defend clients in Lansing’s federal court system. The firm understands how to quietly but forcefully advocate for clients in sensitive positions—and fight tough federal charges with discretion and strategic insight.
Defending Federal Cases in Michigan’s Capital City
The Charles E. Chamberlain Federal Building and Post Office, which houses the Lansing Federal Courthouse, is a division of the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan. It is located at:
315 W Allegan St, Lansing, MI 48933
While court proceedings are held in Lansing, it is crucial to understand that the Western District’s main operations and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are headquartered in Grand Rapids. This means that Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs) from Grand Rapids will likely be leading the prosecution, bringing the full resources and institutional priorities of the main office to bear on your case.
Because Lansing is the seat of state government, this court routinely hears cases involving federal oversight of state agencies, local governance, recipients of federal grants, and contractors engaged in public procurement. This unique status leads to a higher concentration of investigations by agencies like the FBI’s Public Corruption Unit, the Office of Inspector General (OIG), and the IRS Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI).
Mamat Law is well-versed in the specific dynamics of this federal forum. The firm has deep familiarity with the Western District’s prosecutorial methods and judicial expectations, providing focused and proactive representation for anyone facing a federal criminal charge in Lansing.
Federal Crimes Prosecuted in the Lansing Division
Lansing’s federal docket sees a broad range of criminal cases, but many are uniquely tied to its role as a hub for government and federally funded operations. Common charges include:
- Public Corruption and Bribery: These charges target elected officials, agency employees, or political appointees accused of leveraging their positions for personal gain. Prosecutions often involve statutes like 18 U.S.C. § 666 (theft or bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds) and the Hobbs Act (extortion under color of official right). Kickbacks, embezzlement of federal funds, and honest services fraud are vigorously prosecuted.
- Government Contracting & Grant Fraud: Businesses or individuals accused of fraud related to government contracts face severe penalties. This includes charges of wire fraud, conspiracy, and violations of the False Claims Act, which allows whistleblowers (*qui tam* relators) to file lawsuits on behalf of the government, often triggering a parallel criminal investigation. These cases frequently involve bid-rigging, cross-charging on federally funded projects, or providing substandard goods or services.
- Tax Crimes: The IRS-CI investigates and refers serious federal tax offenses for prosecution. This includes tax evasion (26 U.S.C. § 7201), filing false tax returns (26 U.S.C. § 7206), and failure to pay employment taxes. These charges are often filed alongside other white-collar allegations to increase prosecutorial leverage.
- Healthcare Fraud, Wire Fraud, and Drug Conspiracies: Beyond government-centric cases, the court handles a full spectrum of federal crimes. Healthcare fraud is a major focus, targeting providers who bill Medicare or Medicaid improperly. Mail and wire fraud are the workhorse statutes used to prosecute nearly any scheme involving interstate communications. The court also sees large-scale drug trafficking conspiracies, which carry the threat of severe mandatory minimum sentences not found in state court.
Each of these charges demands a defense grounded in a deep understanding of federal law, procedure, and evidence. Mamat Law tailors its defense strategy based on the specific allegations, the investigating agency, and each client’s personal and professional risk profile.
The Federal Prosecution Process: What to Expect
Defending against a federal charge is a fundamentally different experience from a state-level case. The process is methodical, deliberate, and backed by the near-limitless resources of the U.S. government.
- The Covert Investigation: Federal cases are rarely filed quickly. Agencies like the FBI, IRS-CI, or Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) may spend months or even years building a case. This pre-indictment phase is critical. It can involve sealed search warrants, grand jury subpoenas for records, confidential informants, and coordinated interviews with witnesses, often before the “target” is aware an investigation exists.
- The Power of the U.S. Attorney and the Grand Jury: In Lansing, cases are prosecuted by AUSAs from the Western District of Michigan. These are highly skilled, specialized federal lawyers. They present evidence to a grand jury, a one-sided proceeding where the defense has no right to be present, to secure an indictment. Once you receive a **target letter** or are indicted, the government has already committed significant resources to your conviction.
- The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines: If convicted, sentencing is driven by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Though advisory, judges follow them closely. Your sentence is calculated using a grid based on your Offense Level and Criminal History Category. The Offense Level can be drastically increased by “enhancements” for factors like the amount of financial loss, use of a special skill, role as an organizer, or abuse of a position of public trust. Mamat Law’s deep experience includes challenging these enhancements and arguing for variances or departures to achieve a sentence below the guideline range.
Federal court is no place for the inexperienced. Mamat Law has the procedural mastery and strategic depth to challenge federal prosecutors at every stage.
Mamat Law’s Strategic Approach in the Lansing Federal Court
A successful federal defense in Lansing requires more than just legal knowledge. It demands discretion, proactive preparation, and a strategic plan informed by firsthand experience with the AUSAs and federal judges in this district.
- Pre-Indictment Intervention and Discretion: For the public figures, officials, and executives often targeted in Lansing, reputational damage is a primary concern. Mamat Law’s first goal is often to intervene *before* charges are filed. By engaging with prosecutors early, we can sometimes present evidence or legal arguments that result in the investigation being closed without an indictment—a “no-charge” resolution. All communications are handled with absolute confidentiality to manage political and media sensitivities.
- Deconstructing Complex Financial and Digital Evidence: In fraud and tax cases, the government’s evidence is often a mountain of financial records, emails, and data. Mamat Law works with forensic accountants, e-discovery specialists, and industry experts to dissect this evidence. We don’t just review it; we actively challenge the government’s narrative, especially the crucial “loss amount” calculation that drives the sentencing guidelines.
- Credible Trial Readiness and Strategic Negotiation: While many federal cases resolve through plea agreements, the best outcomes are secured by counsel known for their willingness and ability to go to trial. Federal prosecutors offer better resolutions to defense attorneys they know can win in court. Mamat Law prepares every case as if it will be tried before a jury, mastering the facts and developing a compelling defense theory. This trial-ready posture creates the leverage needed to negotiate from a position of strength.
Each defense is tailored, deliberate, and intensely client-focused. Mamat Law’s approach is designed to secure the best possible outcome, whether that means a quiet dismissal, a favorable plea, or a full acquittal at trial.
Schedule a Discreet Consultation with a Lansing Federal Defense Lawyer
If you are facing federal charges in Lansing or have reason to believe you are under investigation, you need immediate representation from an informed and proven defense firm. The moment you receive a grand jury subpoena, a target letter, or a visit from federal agents is the moment you must act to protect yourself.
Early intervention by experienced counsel can be the difference between a resolved matter and a career-ending indictment. Mamat Law protects the rights, freedom, and reputations of professionals, executives, and public officials throughout the Lansing area.
Call today to schedule a private, confidential case review with an experienced Lansing federal criminal defense lawyer. We will help you understand your rights, your risks, and the strategic options available to you.