Federal Criminal Defense

Crown Law Firm represents Fresno residents in Fresno County in federal criminal defense matters. Federal criminal cases involving Fresno residents in Fresno County are heard by U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California. Robert E. Coyle U.S. Courthouse, 2500 Tulare Street, Fresno.

Where your case will be heard

Federal criminal cases involving Fresno residents in Fresno County are heard by U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California. Robert E. Coyle U.S. Courthouse, 2500 Tulare Street, Fresno.

Specialized Federal Case Coverage

We handle federal criminal cases throughout the Eastern District of California, including specialized jurisdictions

Yosemite National Park Cases

Federal crimes occurring within Yosemite National Park fall under federal jurisdiction and are prosecuted in the Eastern District of California.

Common Yosemite Federal Charges:

Violation of park regulations (36 CFR)
Drug possession and distribution
Assault on federal property
Theft of government property
DUI on federal property

All Yosemite cases are heard in Fresno federal court and require specialized knowledge of federal park law.

Sacramento Area Federal Cases

We represent clients in federal criminal cases throughout the Sacramento Division of the Eastern District of California.

Sacramento Division Coverage:

Sacramento County federal cases
El Dorado County federal cases
Placer County federal cases
Nevada County federal cases
Federal white collar crimes

Sacramento federal court handles major white collar, immigration, and drug trafficking cases for Northern California.

Federal Criminal Charges We Defend

Federal crimes are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office and carry severe penalties. Our experienced federal defense team provides aggressive representation for all federal charges.

Federal Defense Resources

Comprehensive information about federal criminal laws, sentencing guidelines, and court procedures

Federal Sentencing Guidelines

Understanding the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and how they affect your case

Drug Information

Federal drug penalties, mandatory minimums, and scheduling information

Firearm Information

Federal firearm laws, penalties, and enhancement provisions

Immigration Information

Federal immigration crime penalties and deportation consequences

Asset Forfeiture Information

Federal and state asset forfeiture laws, procedures, and defense strategies

Federal Sentencing Calculator

Estimate potential federal sentence ranges based on offense level, criminal history, and applicable guidelines

Calculator Features

  • Offense Level Calculation
  • Criminal History Score
  • Guideline Range Estimation
  • Enhancement Factors
  • Departure Considerations
  • Safety Valve Analysis

How It Works

1

Enter Offense Details

Input the specific federal charges and circumstances

2

Criminal History

Calculate criminal history category (I-VI)

3

Get Results

View estimated guideline range and analysis

Important Notice

This calculator provides estimates only. Actual sentences may vary based on judicial discretion, plea agreements, cooperation, and other factors. Consult with an experienced federal defense attorney for accurate analysis.

Launch Federal Sentencing Calculator

Federal Courts We Practice In

Experienced representation in federal courts throughout California's Eastern District

U.S. District Court - Eastern District of California

Location: Fresno Division

Address: 2500 Tulare Street, Fresno, CA 93721

Jurisdiction: Central Valley federal criminal cases

Federal Judges:

  • Chief Judge Dale A. Drozd
  • Judge Jennifer L. Thurston

U.S. District Court - Eastern District of California

Location: Sacramento Division

Address: 501 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Jurisdiction: Northern California federal criminal cases

Federal Judges:

  • Judge Troy L. Nunley
  • Judge John A. Mendez
  • Judge William B. Shubb

U.S. Court of Appeals - Ninth Circuit

Location: San Francisco, CA

Address: 95 7th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

Jurisdiction: Appeals from Eastern District of California

Federal Defense Process

Understanding what to expect when facing federal criminal charges

1

Federal Investigation

Federal agencies conduct thorough investigations before filing charges. We can intervene early to protect your rights.

2

Federal Court Proceedings

Federal court procedures differ from state court. We guide you through arraignment, discovery, and pre-trial motions.

3

Sentencing & Appeals

Federal sentencing follows strict guidelines. We work to minimize sentences and file appeals when necessary.

How Federal Prosecution Differs From State Court

Stage-by-stage comparison — grand jury indictment, the Bail Reform Act, the Speedy Trial Act clock, and Guidelines sentencing.

The Criminal Prosecution Process — California State Court vs. Federal Court, Step by StepTwo parallel vertical flows. California state: arrest and booking, District Attorney charging decision, arraignment within 48 hours of arrest for in-custody defendants under Penal Code section 825, bail or own-recognizance release, preliminary hearing for felonies within 10 court days under Penal Code section 859b, information filed, pretrial motions to dismiss under section 995 or suppress under section 1538.5, plea negotiation, jury trial within the section 1382 speedy-trial deadlines of 30, 45, or 60 days, then sentencing with broad judicial discretion. Federal: agency investigation, grand jury indictment under Criminal Rule 7, initial appearance without unnecessary delay under Rule 5, detention hearing under the Bail Reform Act at 18 U.S.C. 3142, arraignment under Rule 10, Rule 16 discovery, Rule 12 pretrial motions, plea or cooperation under Rule 11, trial within the 70-day Speedy Trial Act clock at 18 U.S.C. 3161, then presentence report and advisory Sentencing Guidelines sentencing under 18 U.S.C. 3553. Key differences: who charges, the probable-cause screen, pretrial release rules, plea practice, and sentencing discretion. Fresno venues: Fresno County Superior Court at 1100 Van Ness Ave and the Robert E. Coyle U.S. Courthouse at 2500 Tulare St.The Criminal Prosecution ProcessCalifornia State Court vs. Federal Court — Stage by StageCALIFORNIA STATE COURTFresno County Superior CourtFEDERAL COURTU.S. District Court, E.D. California — Fresno1 · Arrest & BookingArrest on probable cause or a warrant;booking at the Fresno County Jail.2 · DA Charging DecisionThe District Attorney reviews police reportsand files a complaint — felony or misdemeanor.3 · ArraignmentIn custody: before a judge within 48 hoursof arrest (excl. Sundays & holidays). PC §8254 · Bail / OR ReleaseCourt sets bail, reduces it, or grants own-recognizance (OR) release pending trial.5 · Preliminary Hearing (Felonies)Judge screens for probable cause within 10court days of arraignment or plea. PC §859b6 · Information FiledHeld to answer? The DA files the information— the charging document for superior court.7 · Pretrial MotionsDismissal of the charges — PC §995;suppression of illegal searches — PC §1538.58 · Plea NegotiationMost cases resolve by agreement — chargereductions, diversion, or dismissal.9 · Jury TrialMisd.: 30 days (custody) / 45 days (out);felony: 60 days of arraignment. PC §138210 · SentencingProbation, county jail, or state prison —broad judicial discretion under state law.1 · InvestigationFBI, DEA, ATF, or IRS-CI builds the case —often for months before any arrest.2 · Grand Jury IndictmentFelonies must be charged by grand juryindictment unless waived. FRCP 73 · Initial AppearanceBefore a magistrate judge “withoutunnecessary delay” after arrest. FRCP 54 · Detention HearingRelease or detention under the Bail ReformAct — no bail schedule. 18 U.S.C. §31425 · ArraignmentIndictment read in open court; thedefendant enters a plea. FRCP 106 · DiscoveryGovernment discloses statements, documents,and experts; reciprocal duties. FRCP 167 · Pretrial MotionsSuppression, dismissal, severance — mustbe raised before trial. FRCP 12(b)(3)8 · Plea or CooperationMost federal cases end in a guilty plea;cooperation can reduce exposure. FRCP 119 · Jury TrialSpeedy Trial Act: trial within 70 days ofindictment or appearance. 18 U.S.C. §316110 · Guidelines SentencingPresentence report; advisory Guidelinesrange + §3553(a) factors. 18 U.S.C. §3553Key Differences at a GlanceWho charges:the DA files a criminal complaint vs. a grand jury votes an indictment (FRCP 7).Probable-cause screen:open preliminary hearing before a judge vs. secret grand jury proceeding.Pretrial release:money bail or OR vs. §3142 detention — presumption in many drug & gun cases.Pleas:negotiated at almost any stage vs. formal Rule 11 colloquy; cooperation may earn credit.Sentencing:broad state-court discretion vs. advisory Guidelines range + §3553(a) factors.WHERE FRESNO CASES ARE HEARDFresno County Superior Court1100 Van Ness Ave, Fresno — state chargesRobert E. Coyle U.S. Courthouse2500 Tulare St, Fresno — federal chargesEvery case is different — waivers and continuances change these timelines. Talk to a defense lawyer early.Crown Law Firm · crownwins.com · (559) 779-2315
How a criminal case typically moves through California state court versus federal court — from arrest or investigation through sentencing — with the deadlines that matter: the 48-hour arraignment rule (PC §825), the 10-court-day preliminary hearing rule (PC §859b), state speedy-trial limits (PC §1382), and the federal 70-day Speedy Trial Act clock (18 U.S.C. §3161). Fresno cases are heard at Fresno County Superior Court or the Robert E. Coyle U.S. Courthouse.

Charged in state court instead? See criminal defense in Fresno County, or explore how the federal Sentencing Guidelines work.

Facing Federal Charges?

Federal investigations move quickly. Contact our federal defense team immediately for experienced representation.

Related Federal Defense Resources

Explore our specialized federal defense practice areas and legal resources.

Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Defense

State charges are prosecuted by local district attorneys for violations of California law, while federal charges are brought by U.S. Attorneys for violations of federal statutes. Federal cases are investigated by agencies like the FBI, DEA, ATF, and IRS, and are heard in the U.S. District Court. Federal cases typically carry harsher penalties, mandatory minimum sentences, and have higher conviction rates. Crown Law Firm is licensed to practice in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California in Fresno County. Call (559) 779-2315 for a consultation.

Federal Defense Service Areas

Crown Law Firm proudly serves clients seeking federal defense representation across the greater Central Valley, including:

FresnoClovisMaderaHanfordLemooreMercedPortervilleReedleySangerSelmaTulareVisalia

We serve clients throughout Fresno County, Madera County, Kings County, Tulare County, Merced County, and surrounding areas in Central California.

About Crown Law Firm

Attorney: Yan E. Shrayberman, Esq. — Licensed to practice in all California state courts and the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California.

Office: 5151 North Palm Ave, Suite 100, Fresno, CA 93704

Phone: (559) 779-2315 — Available 24/7 for emergencies

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this content. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique and must be evaluated on its own merits. If you need legal assistance, please contact Crown Law Firm for a free consultation.

Serving criminal defense clients in the Fresno area

Crown Law Firm provides experienced criminal defense representation throughout the Central Valley. We serve clients in the following cities and surrounding communities across Fresno County, Madera County, Kings County, Tulare County, Merced County.

Fresno, CAClovis, CAMadera, CASelma, CAHanford, CAVisalia, CASanger, CAReedley, CAKingsburg, CAKerman, CADinuba, CATulare, CAPorterville, CADelano, CA

Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes; every case depends on its unique facts and applicable law. No attorney-client relationship is formed by visiting this site or submitting a contact form. Consult an attorney for advice about your specific situation. Crown Law Firm serves Fresno County and the Central Valley of California.