Federal Crimes Defense Attorney
Serving Clients Throughout the Greater Austin Area
Attorney Todd Nickle has practiced criminal law for over a quarter-century, both as a prosecutor for a decade and since 2008 as a defense lawyer with The Law Office of Todd Nickle. When you or someone you love is dealing with federal crimes, you want a lawyer with this kind of experience in your corner.
The clients we work with out of our Georgetown office get more than the benefit of Todd Nickle’s track record—they also get access to him 24/7 and personalized communication aimed at developing the best possible defense strategy. When the federal government is bearing down, defendants deserve no less.
Call (737) 215-3408 or contact us online today.
When Is a Crime a Federal Crime?
Certain crimes are prosecuted at the federal level because they involve federal jurisdictions or violate federal laws. Common examples include drug trafficking across state lines, mail fraud, or crimes that occur on federal property, like national parks. Additionally, offenses like tax evasion, bank robbery, or counterfeiting fall under federal authority since they involve federally regulated systems.
Some crimes, such as drug possession or firearms violations, can be prosecuted at both the federal and state levels depending on circumstances. For example, a weapons allegation might be tried federally if it involves crossing state lines or breaking federal statutes.
Real Defense Starts With Real Experience
Get Courtroom Confidence With A Personal touch
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Personalized, Strategic DefenseEvery case is different. We build customized defense strategies and works directly with clients, offering responsive, one-on-one representation.
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Former Prosecutor InsightAfter years of experience at the DA’s office handling everything from felonies to capital murder, Todd Nickle knows how prosecutors think—and how to counter them.
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Board Certified in Criminal Law
As a Texas Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, Todd Nickle holds a distinction earned by fewer than 10% of attorneys statewide.
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Proven Trial ExperienceWith over 100 jury trials under his belt, Todd Nickle thrives in the courtroom. He’s not afraid to go to trial—and he knows how to win.
How Is Federal Court Is Different Than State Court?
Federal court differs significantly from state court in terms of rules, procedures, and jurisdiction, which is why having a criminal defense attorney experienced in federal cases is vital.
The process in federal court involves strict guidelines, such as mandatory sentencing rules and adherence to the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Additionally, federal prosecutors and investigators often have more resources and experience than their state counterparts.
Their additional resources often combine with lighter caseloads, meaning they can devote more attention to the cases they do try. For defendants, this further heightens the need for a lawyer with the kind of in-depth knowledge that can help level the playing field.
Todd Nickle understands the nuances of federal sentencing guidelines, knows how to deal with federal prosecutors, and is skilled in navigating the complexities of the federal court system. He’s someone you can count on to be in your corner and be well-prepared for whatever the feds bring.
FAQs About Federal Crimes
We'll be Your Resource At Every Step
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Are plea bargains possible in federal court?Yes, plea bargains are possible in federal court, but they differ from state court in that federal prosecutors often have less flexibility due to stringent sentencing guidelines. This narrower window of negotiation often further heightens the need for defendants to have a strong lawyer.
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How long does a federal investigation usually take?
Federal criminal cases usually take longer than state cases because they often involve extensive investigations and complex legal procedures. The timeline depends on various factors, including the nature of the charges, the amount of evidence, and whether the case goes to trial. Pre-trial processes such as discovery, plea negotiations, and motion hearings can add months or even years to the case. Trials themselves can take weeks or longer.
The time federal investigators take often means that their prosecutors will be exceptionally well-prepared in court—meaning a defendant’s lawyer must be ready to match that level of attention to detail. We are.
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What are the potential penalties for federal crimes?
Penalties for federal crimes can be severe and often include lengthy prison sentences. For example, drug trafficking can lead to decades in prison, especially if large quantities are involved. White-collar crimes like fraud may carry financial penalties and imprisonment.
A Track Record of Success
Over the course of Todd Nickle’s long career, he’s been in the courtroom more than a few times. He knows what it takes to present a case before a jury and win them over. Just as important, federal prosecutors know about his record. They know he won’t roll over for them, and they know he won’t be easy to defeat in court. It’s a psychological factor that can work in favor of our client from the first plea-bargain conversation, even if the case never ends up at trial.
We routinely work with defendants in Georgetown, Pflugerville, Leander, Cedar Park, Round Rock, and the surrounding area. Contact our federal crimes lawyer today.
Call us at (737) 215-3408.
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“He worked really hard and ultimately got all the cases dismissed. Our kid is doing great now and we are so thrilled to have this behind us.”- K.E.
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“Todd fought hard and won a dismissal of my case. We knew it would be an uphill battle but he never quit.”- Former Client
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“He was always very responsive to me while following up proactively with all parties to bring the case to a close. Highly recommend Todd!”- Peter T.
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“I definitely feel like I got fair representation and would recommend him to anyone.”- Dylan A.
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“Dealing with a federal charge as a court appointment attorney, his advice was sound and in my best interest overall. Though he wasn’t a lawyer I hired, he still treated me with respect and walked me through the whole process flawlessly.”- Teryn S.
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“Todd was a great lawyer. I hired him for a case first time 3 years ago and he provided me the best outcome. Since then, I have personally had to use him 2 more times, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with my results.”- Kazim M.
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“Mr. Nickle is by far one of the very best lawyers in the Central Texas area if not the very best. He was very professional and very ethical. He truly cares about his clients whether he is retained or appointed.”- Allen C.