Nassau County Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

Aggressive Federal Defense for Nassau County, New York Residents

Federal charges carry consequences that differ in scale and complexity from anything the state court system handles. Sentences are longer, investigations are more resource-intensive, and the agencies pursuing your case have tools that local prosecutors simply don’t. At Collins McCloskey Gann PLLC, we’ve defended individuals and businesses against federal criminal charges since 1990, and every partner at our firm is a former Assistant District Attorney of Nassau County. That prosecution background shapes how we read a federal case from the moment we review it.

Nassau County federal criminal matters fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, the same district that handles cases from Kings, Queens, Richmond, and Suffolk counties. We litigate in both state and federal courts, and we know the terrain.

Credentials That Matter in a Federal Courtroom

Federal criminal defense requires attorneys who won’t fold under pressure. Our attorneys bring over 80 years of collective experience to every case. We hold the AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, the highest rating available, and we received the Martindale-Hubbell® Platinum Client Champion award for client service. Neither rating is self-assigned. Both reflect how peers and clients regard our work.

We develop a personalized strategy for every case. Some matters resolve through negotiation. Others require a fight in court. We don’t steer clients toward one path because it’s easier for us. We take the approach that gives our clients a realistic opportunity for a favorable result.

High-Profile Federal Cases, Including BALCO & Sports Doping

Our federal defense work spans a wide range of charges and industries. Founding partner Rick Collins has focused primarily on federal criminal defense for approximately 30 years, handling white-collar allegations, federal indictments, and complex criminal matters nationwide. That depth of practice includes some of the most closely watched federal cases in recent memory.

We’ve handled high-profile matters involving professional bodybuilders, the BALCO performance-enhancing drug investigation, the NCAA, and professional sports leagues. These were federal matters drawing scrutiny from the Department of Justice, federal law enforcement agencies, and national media. Our attorneys navigated those cases and know what it takes when both the stakes and the attention are high.

Clients in federal matters frequently face asset forfeiture, search warrants, and coordinated investigative pressure before any charges are filed. We advise clients at every stage, including early in an investigation, when the decisions you make can carry lasting consequences.

Federal Charges We Defend

Federal crimes are investigated by agencies including the FBI, DEA, IRS, and Homeland Security Investigations, and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office rather than local prosecutors. Cases are tried under federal sentencing guidelines, which are structured differently than state sentencing and can result in longer incarceration.

Common federal offenses include:

• Drug trafficking across state lines or involving federal controlled substance statutes
• White-collar crimes including wire fraud, mail fraud, and securities violations
• Tax evasion and related IRS criminal investigations
• Federal drug charges tied to DEA or multi-agency task force investigations

We defend individuals and businesses against these and other federal criminal allegations. Each matter involves distinct exposure, different investigative agencies, and sentencing guidelines that require careful analysis from the start.

How a Federal Case in Nassau County Proceeds

Most federal cases begin long before an arrest. Federal agents investigate, gather evidence, and typically present their findings to a federal grand jury before any charges are filed. If the grand jury returns an indictment, the defendant proceeds to an initial appearance and arraignment in federal court.

For Nassau County residents, that means appearing at either the Theodore Roosevelt United States Courthouse in Brooklyn or the Alfonse M. D’Amato United States Courthouse in Central Islip, both within the Eastern District of New York. Some clients first learn they’re under investigation through a target letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. That letter is a signal to contact a federal criminal defense attorney before taking any further action.

Start with a Free Case Evaluation

Federal investigations move quickly, and early decisions can carry lasting consequences. We offer free initial consultations to Nassau County, New York residents facing federal charges or under federal investigation. We can review the facts of your situation, explain what you’re up against, and tell you plainly what your options are.