Pinellas County Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Federal criminal defense for Pinellas County clients facing prosecution in the Middle District of Florida.

If you have been arrested, indicted, or notified of a federal investigation in Pinellas County, you are facing a procedural framework that differs substantially from Florida state court practice. Federal prosecutions are brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, follow the advisory federal sentencing guidelines, and proceed through the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Our Pinellas County, FL federal crimes defense lawyer at StechLaw Criminal Defense, Ben Stechschulte, has practiced criminal law in the Tampa Bay area for nearly 15 years and has tried more than 100 jury trials and 250 non-jury cases. We offer a free consultation to discuss your situation in a private and confidential setting.

Federal Crimes Defense Lawyer Pinellas County, FL

A federal criminal case is a prosecution brought by the United States government for an alleged violation of federal law. These matters originate with federal investigative agencies, including the FBI, DEA, ATF, IRS Criminal Investigation, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and proceed through grand jury indictment, federal arraignment, and pretrial procedures distinct from those used in Florida state court.

For residents and businesses in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, and other Pinellas County communities, federal matters are heard in the Tampa Division of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The court is located in downtown Tampa and handles cases originating in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Hernando, and Pasco counties. Sentencing follows the advisory federal sentencing guidelines, which differ substantially from the framework used in state court proceedings.

Types of Federal Cases We Handle in Pinellas County

Federal prosecutions cover a wide range of conduct across drug, financial, firearms, and public corruption matters. The list below reflects the categories of federal cases our firm handles for Pinellas County clients on a regular basis.

• Federal drug trafficking. Federal drug cases involving cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, marijuana, and prescription medications typically arise from DEA investigations and carry mandatory minimum sentences tied to drug type and weight.
• Federal fraud defense. Federal fraud charges cover the full range of financial offenses, with sentencing determined primarily by loss amount under the federal sentencing guidelines.
• Federal wire fraud. Wire fraud is the most frequently charged fraud statute in federal court and applies to schemes that use interstate phone calls, emails, text messages, or electronic transfers.
• Federal bank fraud. Bank fraud cases involve schemes to defraud federally insured financial institutions through loan applications, account transactions, or materially false representations.
• Federal mail fraud. Mail fraud applies to schemes that use the U.S. Postal Service or private interstate carriers in furtherance of materially false representations.
• Federal conspiracy. Federal conspiracy charges require only an agreement and an overt act, which results in their inclusion in many multi-defendant indictments across drug, fraud, and corruption cases.
• Federal firearms offenses. Federal firearms charges include possession by a prohibited person, straw purchases, possession in furtherance of a drug offense, and unlawful manufacturing or dealing without a federal license.
• Kickbacks and bribery. Federal bribery and kickback cases include public official prosecutions, healthcare kickback allegations, and commercial bribery schemes involving federal programs or contracts.
• PPP loan fraud and pandemic-era stimulus fraud. PPP and SBA-related fraud cases originating during the COVID-era continue to proceed through federal court years after the original applications were submitted.
• Federal healthcare fraud and false claims. Healthcare fraud cases target alleged billing schemes involving Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and related federal programs, frequently involving physicians, clinics, and billing companies.

Why Choose StechLaw Criminal Defense as my Federal Crimes Defense Lawyer in Pinellas County, FL?

Federal prosecutions in the Middle District of Florida require counsel familiar with the local procedures of the Tampa Division, the assigned federal judges, and the negotiation patterns of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Effective representation also requires close coordination with federal probation officers who prepare the presentence investigation reports that influence the eventual sentence. Ben Stechschulte established StechLaw Criminal Defense in 2012 following three years as a Hillsborough County prosecutor. We represent Pinellas County clients in federal crimes cases across the Middle District.

Board-Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer

Ben Stechschulte holds Board Certification in Criminal Trial Law from The Florida Bar, a credential earned by fewer than 2% of attorneys in the state. The certification requires a minimum of five years of full-time legal practice, completion of 20 jury trials tried to verdict, and successful peer review evaluating character, ethics, and professionalism. Ben graduated from Stetson University College of Law in 2005, served as a Hillsborough County prosecutor for three years, and was recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers® in 2015. Over the course of his career, he has tried more than 100 jury trials and 250 non-jury matters.

Federal Trial Experience and Results

Federal cases originating in Pinellas County are heard in the same Tampa Division courthouse where our firm regularly appears. In a federal drug conspiracy trial in the Middle District, a federal jury acquitted our client of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance after the government’s multi-year investigation failed to result in a conviction at trial. In a federal wire fraud case involving $300,000 in alleged loss, we successfully challenged the government’s loss amount calculation and obtained a downward departure that reduced our client’s sentencing exposure from 51 months to 26 months. Across our broader criminal defense work in the Middle District, we have secured acquittals, dismissals, charge reductions, and favorable plea outcomes for clients facing serious federal exposure.

What Is Important To Understand About Federal Crimes Cases in Pinellas County?

Charges, Penalties, and Defense Strategies for Federal Crimes

Federal crimes are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and decided in federal district court rather than in Florida state court. Sentencing follows the advisory federal sentencing guidelines, which calculate the offense level based on the nature of the conduct, the loss amount or drug weight, the defendant’s role in the offense, and any applicable aggravating or mitigating factors. A significant number of federal offenses also carry mandatory minimum sentences that override the guideline calculation.

Common federal charges in the Middle District of Florida include:

• Federal drug trafficking offenses
• Wire fraud, mail fraud, and bank fraud
• Healthcare fraud and False Claims Act violations
• Federal firearms offenses
• Conspiracy to commit a federal offense
• Money laundering and structuring
• Identity theft and aggravated identity theft
• Federal tax fraud and tax evasion
• PPP loan fraud and government program fraud

Defense strategies in federal cases vary by offense type and procedural posture. Common avenues include suppression motions challenging searches, wiretaps, or confidential informant operations; challenges to the loss amount or drug weight calculations that influence sentencing; pretrial negotiations involving cooperation, safety valve, or substantial assistance; and trial preparation in cases where the government’s evidence presents identifiable weaknesses.

What Are Important Aspects of a Federal Crimes Case?

Several features of federal practice distinguish it from state criminal cases in Pinellas County.

• Federal investigations frequently predate the indictment by months or years. By the time agents make contact with a target, the government typically has wiretaps, surveillance, financial records, and cooperator statements already in place.
• The advisory federal sentencing guidelines shape the majority of case outcomes. Drug weight, loss amount, role in the offense, criminal history, and acceptance of responsibility all factor into the calculation, which the assigned federal judge considers alongside the statutory factors at sentencing.
• Federal bond decisions follow rules distinct from those applied in state court. A number of serious federal offenses carry a statutory presumption of detention that the defendant must rebut at a contested hearing.
• Pretrial discovery in federal cases can be voluminous and may include wiretaps, surveillance materials, search warrant affidavits, financial records, and grand jury exhibits produced in stages over the course of several months.

What Is The Federal Crimes Case Timeline?

Federal cases generally proceed on a longer timeline than comparable state cases, with each stage governed by the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.

• Investigation, target letter, or grand jury subpoena. Some clients learn of an investigation through a document subpoena or a letter notifying them of target status, often well before any indictment is returned.
• Indictment and arrest or summons. Federal grand jury indictments are typically sealed until arrests or voluntary appearances through counsel are arranged.
• Initial appearance and detention hearing. Bond is decided within days of arrest, with detention as the presumed outcome in many serious federal cases.
• Arraignment and discovery. Discovery in federal cases can include voluminous documents, recordings, and digital evidence produced in stages.
• Pretrial motions and plea negotiations or trial. The majority of federal cases resolve through a negotiated plea, although trial remains a viable option when the government’s evidence contains identifiable weaknesses.
• Sentencing. Federal sentencing occurs several weeks after a guilty plea or verdict and involves a presentence investigation report prepared by the United States Probation Office.

What Should You Bring to Your Federal Crimes Consultation?

Bringing the appropriate documents to an initial meeting enables a thorough review of the situation and an accurate discussion of your options.

• Any indictment, criminal complaint, target letter, or grand jury subpoena received
• Search warrants and inventory receipts for any items seized
• Names of any federal agents who have made contact, accompanied by a summary of the communications
• Documents related to bond, pretrial release conditions, or detention
• Records relevant to the alleged conduct, including financial records, communications, and business filings
• Prior criminal history, particularly any prior federal investigations or convictions

The initial meeting is treated as a confidential consultation. Complete documentation is not required to schedule a meeting; the documents you are able to supply assist in identifying the strongest defenses early.

What Are Important Florida Legal Resources for Federal Crimes Cases in Pinellas County?

Federal cases originating in Pinellas County proceed through the Middle District of Florida. The resources below can assist individuals seeking to understand how federal cases are investigated, charged, and sentenced.

• The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida prosecutes federal cases originating in Pinellas, Hillsborough, and surrounding counties.
• The U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida maintains local rules, judge information, and electronic filing procedures.
• The FBI Tampa Field Office is the primary federal investigative agency for white collar crime and complex investigations in the Tampa Bay area, including Pinellas County.
• The U.S. Sentencing Commission publishes the current federal sentencing guidelines applicable to all federal offenses.
• The general federal statute of limitations for most non-capital federal offenses is five years, although bank fraud, certain fraud offenses affecting financial institutions, and other specific categories are subject to longer limitations periods.

These resources serve as general reference points only. Any individual facing federal charges in Pinellas County should consult with a federal criminal defense attorney regarding the specific facts of their case prior to relying upon any general information.

Reach Out to StechLaw Criminal Defense to Schedule a Consultation

If you have been charged or believe you are under federal investigation in Pinellas County, the earliest decisions in your case are frequently the most consequential. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your situation and the next steps in your defense. Contact us to schedule a confidential meeting with our federal defense attorney.

Federal Crime Statistics in Pinellas County

The federal government does not publish sentencing data by county, so the closest measure for Pinellas County is the Middle District of Florida, which includes it. The U.S. Sentencing Commission’s fiscal year 2025 report for the district covers 1,528 sentencings and shows which offenses are charged most often and how they are punished.

• Drug trafficking accounted for 427 of the district’s sentencings, or 27.9%, and firearms offenses accounted for 217, or 14.2%.
• The average sentence in the district was 69 months, compared with 47 months nationally.
• Drug trafficking sentences in the district averaged 110 months.
• Judges imposed a prison-only sentence in 88.5% of the district’s cases.
• Sentences fell within the guideline range in 52.9% of cases, and 36.1% were variances from that range.

These figures point to two facts that matter to anyone charged in Pinellas County, FL. Sentences in this district are longer than the national average, yet judges sentence outside the guideline range in a large share of cases. For that reason, a federal crimes defense lawyer in Pinellas County prepares the sentencing argument as carefully as the trial defense.

Questions to Ask a Federal Crimes Defense Lawyer Before Hiring

A federal case differs enough from a state case that the choice of attorney deserves direct questions. Each question below explains why the answer matters and gives the answer we provide to our own clients.

1. Do you practice in the Tampa Division? Pinellas County cases are heard in Tampa, and each judge there has set practices for scheduling and motions. An attorney who appears in that division knows those practices before the first hearing. Ben Stechschulte defends federal cases there.
2. Have you tried cases to a jury? Most federal cases end in a plea, so some attorneys seldom try one. Prosecutors know which attorneys are prepared for trial, and that knowledge affects the offers they make. Ben Stechschulte has tried over 60 cases to verdict and is board certified in criminal trial law.
3. Who will read the discovery? Federal discovery often includes thousands of pages of reports, recordings, and financial records. Ben Stechschulte reads it himself, because the details in those materials decide which motions are worth filing.
4. How will you estimate my sentencing exposure? A reliable estimate requires a federal sentencing calculation based on the charges and your record. Ask for one early, since it frames every later decision about a plea or a trial. We give clients a range, state the assumptions behind it, and revise it as the discovery arrives.
5. What is your approach to cooperation? Some clients benefit from cooperation agreements, and others are harmed by them. An attorney should explain both the benefit and the risk before any meeting with prosecutors. We do not recommend cooperation until we have reviewed the evidence.
6. How will you prepare me for the presentence interview? After a plea or a verdict, a federal probation officer writes the report that the judge relies on at sentencing. What a client says in that interview can change the guideline range, so we prepare each client beforehand and attend the interview.
7. How often will I hear from you? Federal cases have long quiet periods between hearings, and clients are often left wondering what is happening. Ask how updates are delivered and who answers questions. We tell clients about every filing and every offer when it arrives.

Pinellas County Federal Crimes Defense Lawyer FAQs

Will Agents Arrest Me at Home, or Can I Surrender?

Some people are arrested without warning, and others are allowed to surrender at the courthouse on a set date. The difference often depends on whether an attorney was already in contact with the prosecutor when the federal arrest warrant was issued. Early representation therefore makes a voluntary surrender more likely.

Can a Judge Sentence Below the Guideline Range?

Federal judges must consider the guideline range, but they are not bound by it. In the Middle District of Florida, more than a third of sentences in fiscal year 2025 were variances from the range. A lower sentence depends on a well-supported request that draws on the client’s history and circumstances.

Does Accepting Responsibility Reduce a Sentence?

A timely guilty plea usually earns a reduction for acceptance of responsibility. The reduction is not automatic, however, and conduct after the plea can cost a client the credit. We explain those conditions before a client decides how to plead.

Should I Hire a Lawyer if Agents Say I Am Only a Witness?

A witness can still benefit from counsel, because agents do not have to tell you when their view of your role changes. An attorney can speak with the prosecutor about your status and attend any interview with you. That protection is worth having before you answer a single question.

Can I Work and Travel While My Case Is Pending?

Most people on pretrial release keep working. Travel is often limited to the Middle District of Florida unless the court approves a trip in advance. A federal crimes defense attorney should request the conditions a client needs, such as travel for work, at the first hearing.

What if I Was Charged Along With Other People?

Many federal indictments name several people. Each of them needs a separate attorney, because their interests can conflict when one person decides to cooperate. We review what the other defendants are likely to say as part of preparing your defense.

Can Treatment Reduce a Federal Sentence?

A residential drug treatment program in federal prison can shorten the time served for people who qualify. Eligibility depends partly on what the presentence report says about substance use. We raise the subject before that report is written for that reason.

What Happens After a Federal Prison Sentence Ends?

Most federal prison sentences are followed by a term of supervised release, with conditions similar to probation. A violation can return a person to prison, so the conditions deserve attention at sentencing. Supervised release violations are usually heard by the judge who imposed the original sentence.

Will My Case Appear in Pinellas County Court Records?

A federal case is filed in the federal court’s own system and not with the Pinellas County Clerk. A related state arrest may still appear in county records. When a client has both, a Pinellas County federal crimes attorney should coordinate the two cases so that neither one damages the other.

Can I Schedule a Consultation Before I Am Charged?

We offer a free and confidential consultation to Pinellas County residents at any stage, including before charges are filed. Many clients call after a first contact from an agent. At that point, a federal defense lawyer can often learn what the investigation concerns and advise you before you respond.

Important Resources for Pinellas County Federal Crimes Cases

Pinellas County Courthouses and Local Criminal Justice Resources

Pinellas County has no federal courthouse of its own. Under the district court’s local rules, cases from the county are assigned to the Tampa Division, so hearings and trials take place in downtown Tampa. Residents of St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Largo should plan to cross the bay for each court date.

What Are Important Local Resources for Pinellas County Federal Crimes Cases?

Federal cases from Pinellas County, FL often begin with a local agency or proceed alongside a state case, so county and city offices remain relevant. We provide these contacts for general information, and StechLaw Criminal Defense does not endorse or speak for any of them.

• The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office operates the county jail and patrols the unincorporated parts of the county. Its non-emergency number is (727) 582-6200.
• The St. Petersburg Police Department is the largest city police agency in the county. Its non-emergency number is (727) 893-7780.
• The Clearwater Police Department serves the county seat. Its non-emergency number is (727) 562-4242.
• The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps the records for any related state case. The clerk’s office can be reached at (727) 464-7000.

About StechLaw Criminal Defense

We defend people from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs in the federal court that serves Pinellas County. Our founder, Ben Stechschulte, is a Florida native who lives in Tampa. Our Pinellas County federal crimes practice also includes clients who are under investigation and have not been charged.

What Our Clients Say

★★★★★

“I had a short consultation with Mr. Stechschulte, and it was evident that he is very knowledgeable and experienced! He left a personalized voice memo addressing my questions, with a lot of detail. He was even able to pull from examples from cases he had personally worked on. He was able to easily identify nuances in the law that I would have had no idea about otherwise, and how they could influence the situations I had asked about.” — Makayla Frisse

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Additional Resources for Pinellas County Federal Crimes Cases

• What Does a Grand Jury Do?
• Grand Jury Target or Witness? What’s the Difference?
• Ways to Avoid Federal Mandatory Minimum Sentences
• What Is the Federal False Statement Act?

Contact StechLaw Criminal Defense

Federal agents have usually spent months on a case before a Pinellas County resident hears about it, which makes the first conversation with a lawyer an important one. StechLaw Criminal Defense offers a free and confidential consultation for federal matters. Ben Stechschulte will review any letter, subpoena, or charging document you have received, and he will explain what it means for your exposure. He will also tell you what to do, and what to avoid, before your next contact with the government. Contact us to schedule your consultation with a Pinellas County federal crimes defense lawyer.