NYC Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
NYC Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
By the time federal prosecutors seek an indictment, they have often undertaken an exhaustive investigation of the alleged crime. Anyone facing federal criminal charges can rely on an NYC federal criminal defense lawyer to defend them in court. NYC federal criminal defense laws are complex. They require the skills, guidance, and support of a federal criminal defense attorney who has successfully represented defendants at the federal level.
Koch Law, PLLC is
located in the heart of Midtown
in New York City
A New York Law Firm Dedicated to Protecting the Rights of Defendants
Koch Law represents clients in New York City who are facing federal criminal charges. We understand federal laws and how prosecutors build their cases. Our job is to make sure they never reach their burden of proof in your case. By scrutinizing the evidence and looking for weaknesses in the federal government’s case, we can secure an outcome that allows you to put the ordeal behind you.
Lead attorney Lee A. Koch is a Rising Stars honoree, recognized for his work in complex federal criminal defense. A former U.S. Air Force intelligence analyst with experience at the NSA, he brings precision, discipline, and technical insight to every case. At Koch Law, we take on a limited number of federal matters to make sure our clients receive strategic, aggressive representation, backed by experience and results.
Understanding Federal Crimes in NYC
Federal prosecutions in New York frequently lead to convictions. In January 2025, federal authorities reported 343 new white collar crime convictions. In the Southern District of New York (SDNY), which covers Manhattan, the Bronx, and Westchester, 1,048 individuals were sentenced in Fiscal Year 2024. SDNY is one of the busiest federal jurisdictions in the country.
Federal cases in New York are handled in key courthouses, including the Daniel Patrick Moynihan and Thurgood Marshall courthouses in Manhattan. They are also processed in the Charles L. Brieant Jr. Courthouse in White Plains. These courts routinely handle complex cases involving wire fraud, public corruption, conspiracy, and financial crimes.
A notable 2025 case from Westchester involves former Greenburgh-Graham school officials Oliver Levy and Surendra Kumar, who were charged with misusing over $50,000 in school funds for luxury goods and services. Both face grand larceny and corruption charges, carrying potential sentences of eight to 25 years in prison.
Federal criminal cases typically follow a structured path:
- Grand jury indictment
- Pretrial hearings
- Motion practice
- Plea negotiations
- Sentencing under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines
In SDNY, the average sentence in 2024 was 59 months, with a median of 36 months.
Common Federal Crimes
Federal crimes are offenses that violate federal laws, and they are prosecuted in federal court. Specifically, attorneys with the Justice Department oversee these cases and represent the government during a criminal case or trial. Commonly, these crimes involve unlawful acts that cross state lines or occur on federal property.
These are some of the most frequently prosecuted offenses in New York’s federal courts:
- Wire fraud. This charge involves using electronic communication, such as email, phone calls, or text messages, to carry out a fraudulent scheme. It is commonly charged in business scams, investment fraud, or cybercrime cases.
- Mail fraud. Mail fraud is similar to wire fraud but involves sending or receiving fraudulent materials through the U.S. Postal Service or private carriers. It often overlaps with billing scams, false insurance claims, or counterfeit document schemes.
- Conspiracy. A conspiracy charge requires proof that two or more people agreed to commit a federal crime and took at least one step toward completing it. The government does not need to prove that the crime was successfully carried out.
- Bank fraud. This charge includes actions such as forging checks, misrepresenting income on loan applications, or illegally accessing bank accounts. If a bank is insured by the federal government, the case will fall under federal jurisdiction.
- Healthcare fraud. This involves submitting false claims to Medicare or Medicaid, overbilling for services, or engaging in unlawful referral arrangements. Providers, administrators, and billing coordinators may all be implicated.
- Public corruption. Federal prosecutors target bribery, theft of public funds, and abuse of authority by government officials and contractors.
- Immigration offenses. Common charges include illegal reentry, document fraud, and smuggling individuals across borders. These cases are often handled by the Department of Homeland Security.
Unlike state charges, federal offenses are investigated by agencies like the FBI, IRS, or DEA. These agencies often bring vast resources to investigate and prosecute defendants.
How Federal Investigations Begin and Why Timing Matters
Federal investigations typically begin long before charges are filed. Government agencies build their cases by gathering evidence through surveillance, subpoenas, wiretaps, or informants. Once sufficient evidence is gathered, prosecutors seek a grand jury indictment to bring formal charges.
Unlike most state cases, which could result from an arrest on the streets of a New York neighborhood, federal cases are often lopsided in favor of prosecutors by the time a case starts. This is why seeking an attorney from the start is critical.
Early legal representation affords your side the opportunity to begin fighting the prosecution’s narrative and version of events. While it may be challenging to catch up on what the prosecution has uncovered and is alleging, hiring a New York City law firm provides you with the resources to fully counter the prosecution’s efforts.
What to Expect After a Federal Arrest in New York City
After a federal arrest in New York City, you will likely be brought before a magistrate judge in one of the city’s federal courthouses, such as the Thurgood Marshall Courthouse or the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse in Manhattan.
A judge at that courthouse then determines whether you will be held or released pending trial. You’ll be assigned pretrial services, which may include orders to check in periodically with the courts, undergo drug testing, or comply with GPS monitoring until the trial.
Soon after, your attorney can begin receiving discovery. Unlike state cases, federal prosecutors often have a strong evidentiary foundation in place before making an arrest. Bail may be harder to obtain, and the conditions of your release may be stricter.
Prosecutors are well aware of how imposing the federal courts can be. They often use pressure and intimidation to push defendants to accept unfavorable plea bargain agreements. While those tactics work in some cases, your attorney can make sure you are not unduly influenced by those ploys.
How a Federal Crime Conviction Can Affect Your Reputation and Future
If you are convicted of a federal crime, the consequences can extend far beyond a prison sentence. You may lose professional licenses, job opportunities, housing eligibility, and access to government benefits.
Felony convictions can prevent you from voting, owning firearms, or working in many industries. Public databases may permanently list your name, and news reports can remain archived online indefinitely.
The reputational damage alone can affect your relationships, community standing, and financial stability. Employers are less likely to hire someone with a federal criminal record, especially when the candidate is applying for positions involving trust or financial responsibility.
For some jobs, a single conviction can permanently end a career. For non-citizens, federal convictions can also trigger deportation. The stakes are high in any federal case, not just because of the sentence, but because of the lasting harm it can do to every part of your future.
Building a Strong Defense Strategy in Federal Court
Anyone facing federal criminal charges can work with an attorney to defend themselves. Your lawyer can tailor a personalized defense strategy that works to weaken the prosecution’s case. Prosecutors often accumulate substantial amounts of evidence and testimony before charges are filed. Your lawyer can carefully analyze these discovery materials, including witness statements, financial records, and surveillance.
Pretrial motions may challenge how evidence was obtained or whether the indictment was valid. In many cases, identifying flaws in the government’s case early can lead to reduced charges or dismissal.
A strong defense could also include strategic negotiations if a plea becomes necessary. Trials in federal court follow strict rules. Sentencing is guided by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, but federal prosecutors are often open to resolving a case without the need for a resource-intensive trial, which could back up the court’s docket.
Your defense should be proactive, precise, and supported by a clear understanding of how the federal system works. An experienced attorney can evaluate your case before building a strategy aligned with your goals and legal risks.
Why You Should Hire a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
Facing federal criminal charges can be an unsettling experience. Federal criminal defense cases require guidance from a lawyer, especially one who has navigated the federal court system and understands how cases are prosecuted at the national level.
When you hire a federal criminal defense lawyer at the outset, they can begin by explaining your charges and the potential outcomes of your case. Then, they can closely examine the prosecution’s evidence to look for weaknesses in the federal government’s case.
If there is conflicting witness testimony or insufficient evidence to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, your NYC federal criminal defense lawyer can seek to have your criminal charges reduced or dropped. Your lawyer can also look into potential violations of your constitutional rights to see if any evidence can be deemed inadmissible in court.
Whether your case resolves through a favorable plea bargain agreement, dropped charges, or a trial, having an attorney by your side provides you with an invaluable resource. Your attorney can be an unwavering advocate who cares about the outcome of your case and beating your charges.
Meet Your Attorney
Managing Attorney, Koch Law PLLC
Lee draws on his background as a former USAF intelligence specialist to bring precision and strategy to criminal defense in New York City. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor charges or serious felony indictments, he builds defense strategies designed to challenge evidence, protect your rights, and position you for the strongest outcome in court.
FAQs
What Factors Affect the Cost of a Criminal Defense Lawyer in New York City?
The cost of legal representation often depends on the charges, the complexity of the case, and whether the case is being heard in state or federal court. Felony cases, especially those involving multiple defendants or long investigations, usually require more hours of work by attorneys. Some lawyers charge hourly, while others offer flat fees.
What Kind of Lawyer Handles Federal Criminal Cases in New York City?
If you are facing federal criminal charges in New York City, you need a criminal defense lawyer with experience in handling federal cases in the Southern or Eastern District of New York. Federal charges involve unique laws, courts, and procedures. Defense lawyers must understand how sentencing guidelines work and the federal rules of evidence, among other important matters.
Why Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Federal Criminal Case in New York City?
Federal charges often carry severe penalties and involve complex investigations led by agencies like the FBI or IRS. Prosecutors usually have months or years of evidence before filing charges. Without a lawyer who understands these federal procedures, you risk missing deadlines or making harmful statements. Legal representation can fight the charges effectively and respond to government pressure with strategy.
Why Are Federal Criminal Cases in New York City So Difficult to Defend?
Federal prosecutors have extensive resources at their disposal, and they often work with federal agencies during long investigations. The government typically files charges only when it believes it can win. Sentencing guidelines at the federal level are strict, and bail is often harder to obtain. For these and other reasons, defendants need experienced legal help from the very beginning.
How Does a Federal Case in New York City Differ From a State Case?
Federal cases are heard in U.S. District Court and typically involve larger investigations, tougher sentencing guidelines, and more powerful prosecuting agencies. For anyone convicted of a federal crime, the penalties can be harsher than in state court. New York City’s two federal districts, Southern and Eastern, are known for their aggressive prosecution of defendants.
CALL NOW FOR A CONSULTATION
Contact Koch Law for Trusted Federal Criminal Defense in NYC
If you are facing federal charges, you need an attorney who is willing to take immediate, strategic action. Prosecutors build these cases over months or years, often with help from federal agencies. At Koch Law, we work to weaken the government’s case and assert your rights at every stage.
Our lead attorney, Lee A. Koch, has been named a Rising Stars honoree by Super Lawyers for his work in criminal defense. His reputation for precision and preparation makes him a trusted advocate in federal court. Contact Koch Law today.
How to Reach Our Law Offices
If you’ve been charged with a crime or simply need legal advice, our team at Koch Law, PLLC is here to help. With offices conveniently located across Manhattan, Long Island, and Westchester, you can meet us where it’s easiest for you. Here’s how to find each of our offices, no matter where you’re coming from:
📍 Manhattan Office
521 5th Avenue, 17th Floor, Suite 1712
New York, NY 10175
From Uptown Manhattan or the Bronx:
Travel south on the FDR Drive or 5th Avenue.
Turn right onto E 43rd Street if you’re approaching via FDR, or continue south if on 5th.
Koch Law office is near the corner of 5th Ave and E 43rd, just a short walk from Grand Central Station.
From Brooklyn or Queens:
Take the Manhattan Bridge or Queens Midtown Tunnel.
Use Park Ave or Lexington Ave northbound, then turn left onto E 43rd Street.
Make a right onto 5th Ave—our building is on the right-hand side, just before 44th.
📍 Long Island Office
3296 Waterbury Drive
Wantagh, NY 11793
From the West (Nassau County):
Use the Southern State Parkway eastbound.
Exit at Wantagh Avenue (Exit 28N), turn left onto Jerusalem Ave, then right onto Waterbury Drive.
From the East (Suffolk County):
Head west on Sunrise Highway (NY-27).
Take the Wantagh Parkway north, exit at Jerusalem Ave, and continue to Waterbury Drive.
📍 Westchester Office
203 E Post Road
White Plains, NY 10601
From the South (Bronx or Manhattan):
Travel north on the Bronx River Parkway.
Exit at Main Street in White Plains, turn right onto S Broadway, then left onto E Post Road.
From the North (Northern Westchester or Connecticut):
Head south via I-684 or Hutchinson River Parkway.
Take the exit for Mamaroneck Avenue or Main Street, then head toward E Post Road.
Wherever you’re coming from, know that Koch Law, PLLC is ready to support your case with experienced, discreet, and strategic defense representation. Call (929) 822-7778 today to schedule a confidential consultation.
NYC Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Reviews
★★★★★
“Lee and Paola are like a Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen Duo. They are the best in the game. Quick replies, always there for you, honest and care about their clients. It’s more than just business for them, they really want to see you do well and give the best service possible. I would recommend them to anyone needing legal help as they are not just great at their job but also very good people. Was a pleasure working with them.” – Billy Pavlou
★★★★★
“Lee was a lifesaver! He helped me through a very difficult legal situation and explained things in a way that made it easy to understand. His impressive knowledge as an attorney is matched only by his compassion for people as human beings. If you are going through a tough time and looking for a lawyer who’s the best, Lee Koch is your ONLY choice!” – John Alexander
★★★★★
“Lee has an incredible ability to put you at ease, even in the toughest situations. He’s patient, thorough, and does an excellent job of explaining his thought process. I can’t recommend him highly enough!” – Matthew Firing
New York Federal Crime Law Resources:
521 5th Avenue, 17th Floor, Suite 1712
New York, NY 10175
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