Facing Federal Criminal Charges in Alabama? You Need a Strong Defense.

Being charged with a crime by the United States Government is much different than being charged by the state or city. Federal cases move fast, and the rules are very strict. If you are being investigated by a federal agency, such as the FBI, DEA, IRS, ATF, HSI, or another federal agency, you need a law firm that understands the Federal Court system.

• FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation: They are the main detectives for the U.S. government. They handle a huge variety of crimes, from bank robberies and kidnappings to computer hacking and government corruption.
• DEA – Drug Enforcement Administration: They focus entirely on illegal drugs. They try to stop the big dealers and organizations that move drugs between states or into the country.
• IRS – Internal Revenue Service: Most people know them for taxes, but their Criminal Investigation unit focuses on tax crimes. This includes tax evasion (not paying what you owe) or hiding money made from illegal businesses.
• ATF – Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives: They handle crimes involving illegal guns, explosives, and the illegal sale of alcohol or tobacco. If a crime involves a weapon or an arson (fire), the ATF is usually there.
• HSI – Homeland Security Investigations: This is part of the Department of Homeland Security. They focus on things that cross our borders, such as smuggling, human trafficking, and cyber (internet) crimes.

At The Hickman Firm, we help people in Mobile and throughout Southern Alabama face these serious charges. We provide a clear, honest defense when the stakes are at their highest.

What Makes Federal Charges Different?

Federal crimes are handled in the U.S. District Court (like the one in downtown Mobile). These cases are often more complex than state cases for several reasons:

• Federal Prosecutors: The government has nearly unlimited resources to build a case against you.
• The Sentencing Guidelines: Federal judges use a specific point system to decide on jail time. This makes the penalties very predictable and often very harsh.
• High Conviction Rates: The federal government usually does not bring charges unless they believe they have a very strong case.

Common Federal Cases We Handle

Federal Drug Crimes

While state police handle local drug arrests, federal agencies step in for larger cases. This includes Drug Trafficking (moving drugs across state lines) or Manufacturing.

• Mandatory Minimums: Many federal drug crimes come with Mandatory Minimum prison sentences, meaning the judge must give you a certain amount of years if you are convicted.

White Collar Crimes

These are non-violent crimes usually involving money or business.

• Examples: Fraud (bank, wire, mail, or healthcare), identity theft, money laundering, and embezzlement.
• Our Approach: These cases involve thousands of pages of paperwork. We look through the data to find where the government’s story doesn’t add up.

Bank Fraud

Bank fraud means using a false statement or a scheme to get money or property from a bank. It is one of the most serious federal fraud charges and can carry up to 30 years in prison.

Identity Theft and Aggravated Identity Theft

Using someone else’s name, Social Security number, or account information without permission is a federal crime. If it is used while committing certain other federal crimes, like bank fraud or wire fraud, prosecutors can add a charge of Aggravated Identity Theft. That charge carries a mandatory two-year prison sentence that must be served on top of any other sentence.

Weapons Charges and Felon in Possession

It is a federal crime for certain people to own a gun, or to have a gun while committing another crime. Federal Felon in Possession charges carry very heavy prison time.

Bank Robbery

Robbing a federally insured bank or credit union is a federal crime, even when no weapon is involved. The charges become much more serious if a weapon is used or someone is hurt.

Conspiracy

In federal court, you can be charged with Conspiracy just for planning a crime with someone else, even if the crime never actually happened. The government often uses this to arrest many people at once.

RICO

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, known as RICO, lets prosecutors charge people for taking part in an ongoing criminal organization. RICO cases often involve many defendants and years of evidence.

Why You Need The Hickman Firm for a Federal Case

If you are facing a federal indictment, you cannot afford to wait. The government has likely been building their case for months before you were even arrested.

• Experience in U.S. District Court: We understand the local rules for the Southern District of Alabama.
• Early Intervention: Sometimes, we can talk to federal prosecutors before you are officially charged to help protect your interests.
• Straight Talk: We explain the Federal Sentencing Guidelines in plain English, so you know exactly what you are facing.

Protect Your Future Today

A federal investigation is a life-changing event. Do not talk to federal agents without a lawyer present. Anything you say can—and will—be used to build a case against you.

Contact The Hickman Firm at (251) 445-8312 to schedule a Confidential Case Review. Defending clients in Mobile, Baldwin County, and across South Alabama.