Federal Charges

April 24, 2024

10 Things To Know When Facing Federal Charges

Houston Galveston Lawyer Defense Strategies DOJ, USAO

The potential for a conviction on a federal offense can shake the very foundation of your future. However, knowledge and the right legal guidance can turn the tide in your favor. At Tad Nelson & Associates, we have extensive experience lawyering cases in United States courts. If you’re seeking legal representation or need to talk with a federal criminal defense attorney, contact our office at any time. We’re available 24/7 to schedule your free consultation […]

United States Supreme Court columns in black and white.

November 29, 2023

Defenses Strategies for Federal Drug Offenses

Houston Galveston Lawyer Defense Strategies Drug Trafficking, Federal Drug Offenses

Individuals charged with criminal offenses involving drugs or “controlled substances” at the federal level will be prosecuted under the guidelines of Title 18 of the United States Code. “Title 18” governs Crimes & Criminal Procedure. Successfully fighting federal drug charges requires not just legal knowledge but a strategic approach by an experienced criminal defense lawyer. At Tad Nelson & Associates, our combined expertise, rooted in the unique backgrounds of Attorneys Tad Nelson & Amber Spurlock, […]

November 27, 2023

Challenging Federal Wiretap & Surveillance Evidence

Houston Galveston Lawyer Defense Strategies Evidence in Federal Cases, Illegal Federal Evidence, Surveillance Evidence, Wiretap Evidence

The Intricacies of Wiretap Evidence Wiretap and surveillance evidence is often critical for federal prosecutions. At Tad Nelson & Associates, we understand that such evidence can be a double-edged sword for the DOJ. While wiretap evidence under Title III of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (often just called Title III) can be a potent tool for prosecution, it’s not infallible. As seasoned federal criminal case attorneys, we know how to […]

Immigrant Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers

October 20, 2023

Criminal Defense for Immigrants: Deportation Risks

Houston Galveston Lawyer Federal Charges Criminal Deportation, Deportation, Immigrant Defense, Immigration

If you’re an immigrant caught up in the U.S. legal system, it can lead to multiple consequences and can be downright daunting. If you’re a non-U.S. citizen facing criminal charges in Texas, we can help you. At Tad Nelson & Associates, we specialize in developing effective defense strategies. We know that the stakes are incredibly high and can lead to deportation proceedings. If you have questions about working with our law firm on your case, […]

Property Confiscation - Federal Criminal Asset Forfeiture

September 28, 2023

Fighting Asset Forfeiture in Federal Criminal Cases

Houston Galveston Lawyer Federal Charges Asset Forfeiture, Civil Asset Forfeiture, Criminal Asset Forfeiture, Fourth Amendment

Asset forfeiture strikes a chord as one of the most debated, often misunderstood, and potentially consequential aspects for individuals entangled in federal criminal cases. Asset forfeiture is a legal mechanism that allows law enforcement agencies to seize assets they believe are connected to criminal activity. This tool, wielded by both federal and state authorities, is rationalized as a way of disrupting the financial structures of criminal organizations. But here’s the catch: It’s not as straightforward […]

Man in Federal Jail - Pretrial Detention

September 28, 2023

The Impact of Pretrial Detention in Federal Cases

Houston Galveston Lawyer Federal Charges Department of Justice, DOJ, Federal Detention, Pretrial Detention

The moment you’re arrested on a federal charge, the clock starts ticking. The trajectory of your case begins to unfurl. If you’re held in pretrial detention, it can feel like a double punishment. It’s like a form of punishment before the trial has even commenced. But what’s even more alarming is the consequential impact this detention can have on the outcome of your case. It is here, in these critical early stages, that legal representation […]

August 23, 2023

Plea Bargaining in Federal Cases

Houston Galveston Lawyer Federal Charges Federal Criminal Charges, Feds, Plea Agreement, Plea Deal

Plea bargains are as intricate as the legal tapestry they’re woven into. These negotiated settlements involve a defendant agreeing to plead guilty to a lesser charge, thereby potentially receiving a lighter sentence. Simple, right? Not quite. Like a chess game, each move holds significant weight. As veteran federal defenders, we, Attorneys Tad Nelson & Amber Spurlock, grasp the gravity of this situation. To get a general idea of how plea deals work in federal criminal […]

Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Tad Nelson

August 3, 2023

Confronting Federal Evidence: Building a Solid Defense

Houston Galveston Lawyer Federal Charges Affirmative Defenses, Alibi Defense, Chain of Custody, Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Evidence Collection, Exclusionary Rule, Federal Criminal Charges, Federal Legal Counsel, Federal Rules of Evidence, Forensic Analysis, Fruit of the Poisonous Tree, Good Faith Exception, Mapp v. Ohio, Witness Credibility

Imagine stepping into a federal courtroom flanked by a throng of prosecutors armed with a mountain of evidence, fortified by the might of the U.S. government. If you live in the Greater Houston area and need help with a criminal case in federal court, I’m here to help you build an effective defense strategy. I’m Attorney Tad Nelson, and my esteemed colleague is Attorney Amber Spurlock. Together, we’ve helped hundreds of people with federal criminal […]

July 11, 2023

Federal Criminal Charges & RICO Act Violations

Houston Galveston Lawyer Federal Charges Federal Criminal Charges, Federal Law, Houston Criminal Defense, Legal Defense Strategies, Pattern of Racketeering Activity, RICO Act, RICO Penalties

RICO Act: A Brief Overview RICO is an acronym for the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Enacted in 1970, the RICO Act, entrenched in 18 U.S.C. § 1961, was intended as a weapon to fight the Mafia. It has since broadened to encapsulate a wide range of criminal activities. The Breadth of RICO Predicate Offenses Central to any RICO case is the concept of ‘predicate offenses.’ Under the RICO Act, a person or organization […]