Being indicted on federal criminal charges is life-changing. The federal government is aggressive, resource-heavy, and methodical—when they file an indictment, it often means they’ve been secretly investigating for months or even years. If you’ve been indicted in San Antonio or anywhere in Texas, time is not on your side. You need a skilled federal criminal…
Continue reading ›Legal Pad: Federal Defense Attorney Blog
Welcome to the Legal Pad by Almonte Law—a resource for navigating the complexities of the federal justice system. Here, we break down high-stakes topics like white-collar crime, public corruption, drug conspiracies, internet crimes, exploitation crimes and immigration offenses into clear, practical insights. Drawing on years of experience as a former federal prosecutor turned federal criminal defense attorney, each post offers real-world perspective to help clients, families, and readers better understand the legal landscape.
Stay informed. Know your rights. Understand the system.
Disclaimer: The content on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Reading or interacting with this site does not create an attorney-client relationship with Almonte Law. Robert Almonte, Federal Criminal Defense Attorney.
Introduction If your company receives a Notice of Inspection (NOI) or an I-9 subpoena from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), you are no longer dealing with routine HR compliance—you’re now on federal law enforcement’s radar. As a federal criminal defense attorney, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly a seemingly civil…
Continue reading ›Defending Against PPP Fraud Allegations: Understanding the DOJ’s Aggressive Crackdown The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was a lifeline for small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with billions of dollars distributed under this emergency initiative, the federal government is aggressively investigating and prosecuting individuals suspected of PPP fraud. If you are facing allegations of misusing…
Continue reading ›Wire fraud is a frequently prosecuted federal crime in the U.S., involving the use of electronic communications to execute fraudulent schemes. It can impact individuals, businesses, and entire industries. If you’re facing wire fraud charges, understanding the legal implications and securing an experienced federal defense lawyer is crucial. Understanding Wire Fraud Wire fraud is defined…
Continue reading ›Federal tax fraud is a serious offense that can have devastating consequences. The U.S. government has strict laws in place to ensure that individuals and businesses pay their fair share of taxes, and violations of these laws are prosecuted aggressively. If you are facing federal tax fraud charges, it is critical to understand the charges,…
Continue reading ›Money laundering. It’s a term that conjures images of shadowy figures and suitcases full of cash. Many conclude money laundering investigations only involved drug trafficking cartels. But what exactly does it mean, and what are the legal ramifications? This blog post aims to demystify federal money laundering charges in the United States, providing a clear…
Continue reading ›Federal investigations are a critical component of the U.S. justice system, impacting individuals, businesses, and society. This will serve as a summary into the intricacies of these investigations, providing an overview of their purpose, process, and implications. Introduction to Federal Investigations Federal investigations aim to uncover violations of federal law, ensuring accountability and upholding the…
Continue reading ›If you or a loved one is facing charges for illegal re-entry into the United States, it’s essential to understand the federal laws that apply, the elements the government must prove to secure a conviction, and the range of penalties that may be imposed. Here, we will break down the critical components of federal criminal…
Continue reading ›Federal Felon in Possession and Firearms Charges Federal firearms charges are often pursued by federal prosecutors, partly because the government finds many of these cases relatively easy to prove. However, don’t be deceived—these cases are not as straightforward as prosecutors might suggest. There are numerous legal requirements that must be satisfied before the government can…
Continue reading ›As a former Federal Prosecutor, I understand the many tools and investigative techniques law enforcement will use. One of the most critical documents you might encounter is a federal target letter. This letter serves as an official notice from a federal prosecutor (Department of Justice) that you are under investigation for a potential crime. If…
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