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Federal Criminal Defense

San Antonio Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Manages Complex Cases

Experienced Texas attorney protects your rights against zealous prosecution

If you are charged with a federal crime, you may be up against the FBI, DEA, ATF, or Secret Service in addition to the U.S. Department of Justice. Federal investigators and prosecutors are highly professional and extremely well trained, with substantial resources at their disposal and the determination to make charges stick. Because the consequences of a conviction are so severe, it’s important to retain an experienced federal criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Tylden Shaeffer, Attorney at Law, P.C. is a board-certified criminal law specialist in San Antonio with 30 years of legal experience that includes time spent as a prosecutor. When you face a federal charge, you must have complete confidence in your representation. Take advantage of a free consultation to learn how I can help.

Why is an offense charged as a federal crime?

There are several reasons an offense in Texas might be charged as a federal crime:

  • The crime violates a federal statute or the regulations of a federal agency.
  • The crime occurred on federal property.
  • The crime was directed toward a federal officer in commission of his or her duties.
  • The crime occurred across state lines.

Any of these circumstances allows federal authorities to claim jurisdiction and prosecute the defendant in federal court.

When a crime is tried in federal court, there are different rules of procedure, different substantive laws, and different court personnel. Your criminal defense attorney must be familiar with all of these crucial elements, so there is no substitute for experience in the federal courts of Central Texas.

Common federal charges in the San Antonio area

Common examples of federal crimes that I regularly defend in my San Antonio practice include:

  • Mail and wire fraud — The U.S. mail is a federal agency. Telephones and the internet are instrumentalities that cross state lines. For these reasons, fraud accomplished in any of these manners is a federal offense.
  • Bank fraud — In 1934, it became a federal crime to rob any national bank or state member bank of the Federal Reserve System. Fraud is theft by deception, so fraud against a bank is a federal offense.
  • Federal property crimes — Vandalism against a federal building or a National Park or theft from a federal agency is a federal crime.
  • Counterfeiting — This offense is fraud against the United States. The Secret Service is the agency charged with investigating counterfeit currency.
  • Money laundering — This illicit process is an attempt to evade federal income tax. It is also an element of an ongoing criminal enterprise in violation of the RICO statute.
  • Possession and/or distribution of child pornography — Federal laws against the exploitation of children make child porn illegal. Using the internet to distribute images is also a federal crime.
  • Drug crimes — Federal drug statues give the Drug Enforcement Agency the power to investigate offenses such as drug trafficking and manufacture.
  • White collar crimes — Certain nonviolent economic crimes can draw federal charges if they fit the requirements. For example, insider trading is securities fraud, which violates the Securities Exchange Act.

If you are currently facing federal charges or under investigation by a federal agency, contact me immediately to schedule a free consultation. I’ll let you know what you are up against and provide you with options for your defense.

Contact a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney for federal charges in San Antonio

A federal criminal investigation can place you in severe jeopardy. Your best chance at a favorable outcome comes from a proven federal crimes defense lawyer. To schedule a free consultation with Tylden Shaeffer, Attorney at Law, P.C., call (210) 227-1500 or contact my San Antonio office online today.

Testimonials

  • "Mr Shaeffer was up front from the beginning, and I respected that. He told me they have a solid case against me. He is a very out of the box thinker, and very organized. He told me the sad reality of" - Nicoli

  • "I found Mr. Shaeffer to be very responsive, effective, and strategic. There was never any doubt in my mind that he had my best interest at the forefront of his efforts in handling my case." - Ron

  • "When you have been wrongfully accused of having an affair with a student, you must acquire legal counsel before you even speak to the police, even if you are the person who reports the rumors. Tylden Schaeffer advised me to not have a second interview with the police department and found time in his schedule to meet with me that day. After the meeting, I had a path to move forward on and that included a well written statement that Mr. Schaeffer crafted. After submitting this in lieu of a second interview with the police, there were no more problems with the school district or police department. Mr. Schaeffer did a superb job and had me resting more easily following our meetings. I would highly recommend Mr. Schaeffer to anyone in need of a Criminal Defense Attorney." - Anonymous

  • "Tylden has been nothing but excellent while representing me. He’s been very upfront, honest, and cooperative with not only myself, but with my family as well. I don’t just feel like a number, he treats you like if you’re his only client. I’d definitely recommend him to anybody I know if they are in need of legal help. 5 out of 5 stars. I highly recommend Tylden Shaeffer!" - Joel

  • "Mr Shaeffer was up front from the beginning, and I respected that. He told me they have a solid case against me. He is a very out of the box thinker, and very organized. He told me the sad reality of what could potentially be the outcome of my case, and it was dim. However he asked me what i wanted and was creative enough to deliver at an extremely affordable price. He has the knowledge to defend you, and the experience to win. I’m very happy with how he handled my case. His office is also only blocks away from the court house and he is always prompt. I don’t usually write reviews, but Mr. Tylden Shaeffer deserves to be recognized." - Nicoli

  • "When I got charged with my DWI I already expected to go through a long, painful process from the beginning. But, Mr. Shaeffer and his staff made my whole experience quick and easy with their great communication and professionalism. He was always straight forward and I could tell he had my best interest in mind. He made sure I didn’t get charged with “extreme intoxication”, while also reducing my fines and the length of my probation. I highly recommend him to anyone!" - Alex

  • "Mr. Shaeffer is a great attorney , very professional, very nice and is willing to work with you and help u threw any situation u may have or need help with . I recommend Mr. Shaeffer to anyone who needs help with any kind of legal issues or problems. Anyone who has asked me about an attorney i most definitely tell them Mr. Shaeffer and give them his info. Thank you for all your help and everything u have done for me and my family. You are a awesome attorney! Highly Recommend" - Anonymous

  • "Tylden is a fantastic attorney. He thoroughly prepared for my case and did an amazing job of relating to the judge and jury. I highly recommend Tylden. Would recommend to anyone!" - Skyler

  • "Tylden got my felony reduced to a misdemeanor. He saved my life. I didn’t have to pester him for information and updates about my case and his staff is well informed and helpful. He personally attended each and every one of my hearings and was just as concerned about restoring my reputation as I was. He recently got a motion for non-disclosure filed and approved by the judge so I will never have to admit this mistake ever happened. I would recommend Tylden to anyone! He is a highly intelligent and competent attorney. The Best!" - Anonymous

  • "I was represented by Mr. Shaeffer years ago (2004). He would travel from San Antonio all the way to Del Rio to represent me. My father and I were accused of wrong doing by federal agents and we had done nothing. We, my father and I were on trial simultaneously. We had hired an attorney and found out later he was friends with the prosecutor and wanted us to accept a plea bargain. “We did nothing wrong”, I cried to him. He insisted that we accept due to it being impossible to beat the Government. My father and I were close to giving up when we met Mr. Shaeffer. Mr. Shaeffer believed in us and fought for us. Because of him, I never saw prison walls nor was I ever away from my family. It was one of the most difficult times in my life, but thankfully we met a Godsend attorney and justice prevailed." - Anonymous

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Case Results
Intoxication Manslaughter – Reduced Sentence

While client was already on probation for DWI when arrested for Intoxication Manslaughter. Client pleaded guilty to the jury and jury awarded probation where State sought prison term from the jury.

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