Federal Criminal Defense Attorney in Houston

If federal agents have contacted you, a grand jury subpoena has arrived, or you have already been charged with a federal crime, the time to act is now. Federal cases are often more involved than state cases: the government starts building its case long before it ever gets filed. Every day without counsel is a day the prosecution spends building its case unopposed.

Get a Confidential Consultation

Former federal prosecutor Brent Chapell spent years prosecuting federal crimes in the Southern District of Texas before moving to the defense side. He understands exactly how federal prosecutors think, what evidence they rely on, and where cases can be challenged. That insider perspective is now working for you.

  • Board Certified

    Board Certified in Criminal Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

  • Former Appellate Chief

    Chief of the Appellate Division, Montgomery County DA's Office — 200+ criminal appeals and habeas writs

  • Former Federal Prosecutor

    Appellate Division, U.S. Attorney's Office, S.D. Texas — 80+ Fifth Circuit appeals and writs

  • Court Admissions

    State Bar of Texas · U.S. District Court, S.D. Texas · Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals · U.S. Supreme Court

Federal Criminal Cases in Houston

Federal prosecutions are brought by the U.S. Department of Justice and tried in federal district court. Unlike state cases, federal cases involve mandatory minimum sentences, federal sentencing guidelines, and federal agencies — the FBI, DEA, IRS, and the Department of Homeland Security. The stakes are higher, the resources of the prosecution are greater, and the margin for error is smaller. Agreed sentences are rare in federal cases, which means there is more opportunity to for successful appeals of federal sentences.

Chapell Law defends individuals and businesses in the Southern District of Texas and across federal jurisdictions. Brent Chapell is a former Assistant United States Attorney — he has handled federal cases on both sides of the courtroom and understands precisely how federal prosecutors build their cases.

‍

Federal Cases We Handle

✓Drug trafficking & distribution

✓Wire fraud & mail fraud

✓Bank fraud & mortgage fraud

✓Healthcare fraud & Medicare fraud

✓Money laundering

✓Public corruption & bribery

✓Securities fraud

✓Computer crimes & cybercrime

✓Tax fraud & tax evasion

✓Conspiracy charges

✓RICO & organized crime

✓Firearms offenses

‍

How Federal Defense Works

Federal investigations often begin long before charges are filed. If you know you are under investigation — or have received a target letter from a U.S. Attorney's office — retaining counsel immediately is critical. Early intervention can shape the outcome before charges are ever brought.

Once charged, federal defendants face the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which calculate recommended sentences based on offense level and criminal history. An experienced federal defense attorney can challenge the guidelines calculation, pursue departures and variances, and present mitigating factors that matter at sentencing.