Written by Zachary Newland, Founding Partner. Last updated October 1, 2026.

Phoenix Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys

On This Page

• Federal Criminal Cases in Phoenix and the District of Arizona
• Federal vs. State Criminal Charges in Arizona
• Federal Drug and Fraud Crimes Prosecuted in the District of Arizona
• What to Do During a Federal Investigation in Phoenix
• Why Clients Choose Evergreen Attorneys for Phoenix Federal Defense
• How Evergreen Attorneys Defends Federal Cases in the District of Arizona
• Frequently Asked Questions

Federal criminal prosecutions in the Phoenix area are handled by the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, Phoenix Division. That division covers Maricopa, Pinal, Yuma, La Paz, and Gila counties, and proceedings take place at the Sandra Day O’Connor U.S. Courthouse at 401 West Washington Street in Phoenix.

If you are under investigation, have received a target letter or grand jury subpoena, or are facing federal charges in this district, the consequences are serious: federal convictions carry mandatory minimums, federal sentencing guidelines, and collateral consequences that follow you for life.

If federal agents have contacted you or you have received a federal document, contact Evergreen Attorneys at (303) 948-1489 before responding or producing information.

Federal Criminal Cases in Phoenix and the District of Arizona

The District of Arizona is a single federal judicial district with three divisions: Phoenix, Prescott, and Tucson. The Phoenix Division is the largest by population and handles a significant volume of federal criminal filings arising from investigations conducted by agencies such as the FBI, DEA, IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, ATF, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Secret Service, and the Bureau of Land Management.

Federal criminal cases in the Phoenix Division follow the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, not Arizona’s state criminal rules. Judges in the District of Arizona apply the United States Sentencing Guidelines, and federal sentences do not include the early-release mechanisms available under Arizona state law. Understanding these procedural and structural differences is critical for anyone facing federal criminal exposure in the Phoenix area.

Federal vs. State Criminal Charges in Arizona

The distinction between federal and state criminal charges determines the court, the prosecutor, the procedural rules, the sentencing framework, and in many cases, the severity of the outcome.

• Charging authority: Federal charges are brought by a United States Attorney or an Assistant United States Attorney. Arizona state charges are filed by a county attorney or the Arizona Attorney General.
• Court: Federal cases proceed in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona. State cases proceed in Arizona Superior Court or other state courts.
• Applicable law: Federal cases involve violations of federal statutes, such as Title 18 or Title 21 of the United States Code. State cases involve violations of the Arizona Revised Statutes.
• Investigating agencies: Federal investigations may involve the FBI, DEA, IRS-CI, HSI, ATF, CBP, or other federal agencies, often working in multi-agency task forces. State investigations are typically conducted by local police or Arizona DPS.
• Sentencing: Federal sentencing is governed by federal sentencing guidelines and mandatory minimums established by Congress. Arizona state sentencing follows the Arizona sentencing code.
• Parole and release: The federal system abolished parole in 1987. Federal defendants serve at least 85% of their sentence. Arizona state defendants may be eligible for different release calculations.

When federal and state agencies investigate the same conduct, the case may be prosecuted in either system or both. Federal prosecution generally results in more severe sentencing exposure.

Federal Drug and Fraud Crimes Prosecuted Phoenix, Arizona

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona prosecutes a range of federal offenses. Two categories are particularly common in this district: drug offenses and fraud.

Federal Drug Crimes in Phoenix

Federal drug cases in the District of Arizona frequently involve allegations of trafficking, distribution, possession with intent to distribute, importation, and conspiracy under 21 U.S.C. §§ 841 and 846. The Department of Justice has reported specific prosecutions in the district involving alleged fentanyl distribution investigated by the DEA, HSI, FBI, ICE, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, CBP, Border Patrol, USPIS, Secret Service, and BLM. These prosecutions illustrate the multi-agency task force model that characterizes federal drug enforcement in Arizona.

Federal drug penalties depend on the substance, the quantity alleged, the defendant’s criminal history, and applicable mandatory minimums. A conviction for distribution of fentanyl, for example, can carry a mandatory minimum of five or ten years under 21 U.S.C. § 841(b). Learn more about federal drug crimes defense.

Federal Fraud Crimes Prosecuted in Arizona

The District of Arizona has also seen significant federal fraud prosecutions. A Department of Justice report on District of Arizona health care fraud charges described allegations involving over $1.2 billion in false claims submitted to federal health care programs. Those charges, which are allegations and not proven guilt, illustrate the scale and seriousness of federal fraud enforcement in this district.

Federal fraud charges commonly prosecuted in the District of Arizona include wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343), health care fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1347), money laundering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1956, 1957), and violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b). Each offense carries distinct elements, penalties, and sentencing exposure. Learn more about federal fraud crimes defense.

Colorado’s Supreme Court-proven Federal Criminal Defense Team.

What to Do During a Federal Investigation in Phoenix

If you become aware of a federal investigation involving you, your business, or your professional practice, the steps you take immediately can shape the outcome of your case.

• Do not make voluntary statements. Federal agents are trained to elicit incriminating statements during what may appear to be casual conversations. Politely decline to answer questions and state that you wish to consult an attorney.
• Do not consent to a search. If agents arrive at your home or business, ask to see the warrant. If there is no warrant, you are generally not required to consent. If there is a warrant, do not obstruct its execution, but note its scope.
• Preserve all records. Destroying, altering, or concealing documents after learning of an investigation can result in separate federal charges for obstruction of justice (18 U.S.C. § 1519) or contempt.
• Determine your status. Your classification as a witness, subject, or target affects your rights and your exposure. A target letter means the government has substantial evidence linking you to a federal crime.
• Retain federal defense counsel immediately. Early involvement of a federal defense attorney allows for evaluation of the investigation’s scope, communication with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and strategic positioning before charges are filed.

If you receive a grand jury subpoena, do not ignore it, but do not comply without legal counsel reviewing its scope and advising on privileges.

Why Clients Choose Evergreen Attorneys for Phoenix Federal Defense

Evergreen Attorneys is a federal criminal defense practice that focuses exclusively on federal matters. The firm represents clients nationwide in federal investigations, federal trial defense, and related proceedings.

Clients facing federal criminal exposure in the District of Arizona choose Evergreen Attorneys for several reasons:

• Exclusive federal focus: Every case the firm handles is a federal matter. This means the attorneys work within the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, the United States Sentencing Guidelines, and federal rules of evidence every single day. .
• Partner-level representation: Evergreen Attorneys provides only partner-level representation. Clients work directly with a named partner throughout the case.
• Nationwide reach: The firm serves clients in federal districts across the country, including the District of Arizona, without the limitations of a single-state practice.
• Proven federal experience: Zachary Newland, Founding Partner, has appeared as counsel of record in more than 130 federal cases since 2016.
• U.S. Supreme Court Winners. Evergreen Attorneys secured a 9-0 victory for their client in United States v. Hemani at the U.S. Supreme Court.

How Evergreen Attorneys Defends Federal Cases in the District of Arizona

Federal defense in the District of Arizona requires attention at every stage of the federal process. Evergreen Attorneys provides representation across each critical phase:

Pre-charge investigation. When clients learn of a federal investigation before charges are filed, the firm evaluates the investigation’s scope, communicates with the U.S. Attorney’s Office or investigating agency, advises on document production and interview strategy, and works to prevent or narrow charges.

Grand jury proceedings. Grand jury subpoenas in the District of Arizona require prompt evaluation. The firm advises on the scope of compliance, asserts applicable privileges, and represents clients who may be called to testify.

Post-indictment defense. After an indictment is returned in the Phoenix Division, the firm reviews discovery, files appropriate pretrial motions, challenges the sufficiency of the government’s evidence, and prepares for trial or negotiates a resolution based on the specific facts.

Sentencing advocacy. Federal sentencing in the District of Arizona is governed by the United States Sentencing Guidelines. The firm prepares detailed sentencing memoranda, identifies mitigating factors, and advocates for departures or variances when the facts support them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, Phoenix Division?

The United States District Court for the District of Arizona is the federal trial court serving all of Arizona. Its Phoenix Division covers Maricopa, Pinal, Yuma, La Paz, and Gila counties. The court identifies the Sandra Day O’Connor U.S. Courthouse at 401 West Washington Street in Phoenix as the Phoenix Division location. All federal criminal cases arising from conduct in these counties are filed and heard in this division.

How do federal criminal charges differ from state criminal charges in Arizona?

Federal charges allege violations of federal law and are prosecuted in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona by a U.S. Attorney, while state charges allege violations of Arizona law and proceed in Arizona state courts. Federal cases may involve agencies such as the FBI, DEA, or IRS Criminal Investigation, follow the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, and are sentenced under federal sentencing guidelines. The charging authority, court, applicable statutes, investigative agencies, and sentencing framework all differ depending on whether the case is federal or state.

What should I do if I am contacted during a federal investigation in Phoenix?

Do not make substantive statements, agree to an interview, or produce documents before consulting a federal defense lawyer. Preserve relevant records, because destroying or altering them can lead to separate federal obstruction charges. Have counsel determine whether you are classified as a witness, subject, or target, because the distinction affects your rights and the appropriate response. The specific action required depends on the agency involved, the nature of the contact, and the scope of the investigation.

What federal drug and fraud crimes may be prosecuted in the Phoenix area?

Federal cases in the District of Arizona can involve alleged drug trafficking, distribution, conspiracy, wire fraud, health care fraud, money laundering, kickbacks, and offenses involving Medicare or Medicaid. DOJ releases have described specific alleged prosecutions in the district involving fentanyl distribution and health care fraud. Those releases describe allegations, not proven guilt. The potential charges and penalties depend on the statute, the alleged conduct, the evidence, and the procedural posture of the case.

When should someone facing federal exposure in Phoenix retain a federal defense attorney?

Retain federal defense counsel as early as possible, ideally before charges are filed. If you have received a target letter, grand jury subpoena, or contact from a federal agent, you are likely already the focus of an investigation. Early intervention gives counsel the opportunity to communicate with the government, evaluate the evidence, advise on your rights, and potentially prevent or narrow charges before an indictment is returned. Waiting until after charges are filed limits available defense strategies.

If you are facing a federal investigation or federal criminal charges in the District of Arizona, contact Evergreen Attorneys at (303) 948-1489 or email Zachary Newland at [email protected] for a confidential case evaluation today.