The Napier Law Firm, PLLC – Aggressive Representation for Federal Criminal Charges in Houston and Beyond
If you’re facing federal charges in Houston, you need an experienced and strategic legal team on your side. Federal criminal cases are not like state prosecutions—they involve powerful agencies like the FBI, DEA, IRS, and Homeland Security, and are handled in federal court under a completely different set of rules, deadlines, and sentencing structures.
At The Napier Law Firm, PLLC, Monica Cooper Napier is a former federal prosecutor with firsthand knowledge of how the government investigates, charges, and litigates these high-stakes cases. We serve clients throughout the Southern and Eastern Districts of Texas and beyond.
What Is a Federal Crime?
A federal crime is any offense that violates U.S. federal law. These cases often involve:
- Conduct that crosses state lines
- Federal programs or agencies (e.g., Medicare, IRS)
- Criminal activity on federal property
- Internet-based or international offenses
- Referrals from state to federal authorities
Federal crimes are prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys or DOJ Trial Attorneys in the U.S. District Courts and typically carry more severe sentences than state-level charges.
Types of Federal Charges We Handle
As a federal defense law firm based in Houston, we regularly defend clients against a wide range of federal charges, including:
1. Federal Drug Crimes
- Trafficking, manufacturing, or distributing controlled substances
- Federal conspiracy under 21 U.S.C. § 846
- Mandatory minimums (5, 10, or 20+ years) based on quantity and prior convictions
2. White Collar & Financial Crimes
- Mail and wire fraud
- Securities fraud and tax evasion
- Health care fraud (Medicare, Medicaid billing fraud)
- Bank, mortgage, or PPP loan fraud
- Embezzlement and identity theft
Attorney Monica Cooper Napier formerly served as a trial attorney for the DOJ’s Fraud Section, giving her exceptional insight into how these cases are built and how to dismantle them.
3. Conspiracy Charges (18 U.S.C. § 371)
You can be charged with a federal conspiracy even if the underlying crime wasn’t completed. The prosecution only needs to prove:
- An agreement between two or more people
- An overt act in furtherance of that agreement
Conspiracy charges often accompany drug and fraud cases.
4. Child Pornography & Internet Offenses
- Receipt, possession, or distribution of illegal images
- Use of file-sharing platforms and encrypted devices
- 5-to-15-year mandatory minimums and lifetime sex offender registration
5. Firearms Offenses
- Felon in possession of a firearm (18 U.S.C. § 922(g))
- Possessing a firearm in connection with a drug crime
- Illegal transfers or trafficking
These charges often involve consecutive federal sentences and guideline enhancements.
6. Immigration Offenses
- Illegal reentry after deportation
- Smuggling or harboring undocumented immigrants
- Visa or naturalization fraud
- Convictions carry harsh penalties and lifelong immigration consequences.
What Makes Federal Cases Different?
Federal criminal cases in Houston are handled at the Bob Casey U.S. Courthouse and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys or DOJ Trial Attorneys. Here’s what sets them apart:
- Lengthy Investigations: Often months or years before charges are filed
- Powerful Federal Agencies: FBI, DEA, IRS, ATF, HHS, ICE
- Mandatory Minimum Sentences: Less room for judicial discretion
- Complex Court Rules: Different procedures, bond standards, and timelines
- No Parole in Federal Prison: Defendants serve almost the entire sentence
That’s why it’s crucial to hire a federal defense attorney in Houston who understands the intricacies of the U.S. District Court and sentencing guidelines.
What to Expect in the Federal Court Process
Investigation Phase
You may be contacted by agents, receive a subpoena, or be named in a target letter before any charges are filed.
Indictment
A grand jury issues formal charges. After indictment, you must appear for arraignment and enter a plea.
Pretrial Motions
We can challenge unlawful searches, surveillance, and the admissibility of evidence.
Plea Negotiations
Many cases resolve with a plea deal. We’ll evaluate cooperation agreements, guideline calculations, and sentencing alternatives.
Trial
Federal trials move fast. Our team prepares as if every case will go to trial—because that’s how you get leverage and results.
Sentencing
Federal sentences follow the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, but departures and variances are possible. We fight for reductions based on role, cooperation, and mitigating factors.
Appeal
If the trial or sentencing involved legal error, we’ll preserve your right to appeal to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Why Choose The Napier Law Firm for Federal Criminal Defense in Houston?
✔️ Federal Court Experience
We know the judges, procedures, and personnel in Houston’s federal courts. Monica Cooper Napier has handled major federal cases from indictment through trial in the Southern District of Texas.
✔️ Former Federal Prosecutor
As a former trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice, Monica Cooper Napier understands how cases are built and how to expose their weaknesses.
✔️ Early Intervention = Better Outcomes
Our goal is often to prevent indictment entirely, or position you for the best possible outcome before charges are filed.
✔️ Trial-Ready & Strategic
We prepare every case as if it were going to trial.
Areas We Serve
- Houston
- The Woodlands
- Spring
- Sugar Land
- Katy
- Conroe
- Harris County, Montgomery County, Fort Bend County, Galveston County
- Southern District of Texas (Houston, Galveston, Laredo, Corpus Christi, McAllen, and Brownsville)
- Eastern District of Texas (Jefferson, Smith, Collin, Denton, Grayson, Bowie, and Harrison)
Contact a Federal Defense Attorney in Houston Today
If you’ve been indicted, arrested, or contacted by a federal agent, do not wait. Every minute counts.
The Napier Law Firm, PLLC is ready to provide confidential, aggressive, and skilled defense for anyone facing federal charges in Houston and across Texas.📞 Call Now: (713) 470-4097
📨 Schedule a Confidential Consultation
🏛 Located near the Bob Casey Federal Courthouse, Houston, TX