Investigations can begin quietly
Grand-jury activity, subpoenas and coordinated agency work may develop long before an arrest.
Federal criminal defense
Federal cases reward early, disciplined preparation.
A target letter, agent visit, search warrant, subpoena or indictment can mark the beginning of a process with unfamiliar rules and enormous resources behind it. Mary Ann Bird brings meticulous preparation and verified federal-court admissions to the defense.
Admitted to practice
U.S. District CourtEastern District of CaliforniaNorthern District of CaliforniaU.S. Court of AppealsNinth CircuitAdmissions reported by the attorney · since 2000State court is not federal court
Different system. Different pressure. Different preparation.
Discovery can be enormous
Financial records, devices, communications, surveillance and cooperating witnesses demand organized review.
Sentencing is highly structured
Statutes, guideline calculations, criminal history and fact-specific arguments can all affect exposure.
Federal matters
Built for cases with layers.
The firm’s published practice includes complex federal charges involving drugs, fraud, embezzlement, weapons, internet activity, alleged gangs and other multi-defendant or document-heavy matters.
The right approach depends on the evidence, the client’s role, potential sentencing consequences and the posture of the case.
01Drug conspiracy & trafficking
02White-collar & fraud
03Weapons allegations
04Internet-related offenses
05Multi-defendant cases
06Sentencing advocacy
The federal case journey
Every stage creates decisions.
Not every matter follows every stage. Early counsel helps a client understand the posture and prepare deliberately.
Pre-charge
Investigation, target or subject status, interviews, search warrants and subpoenas.
Initial court
Arrest or summons, first appearance, counsel and detention or release litigation.
Case development
Discovery analysis, investigation, motions, negotiations and trial preparation.
Resolution
Dismissal, plea or trial may be possible depending on facts and law; no result can be promised.
Sentencing & review
Guideline disputes, mitigation, statutory factors, judgment and potential appellate issues.
If federal agents contact you
You do not need to make an immediate decision about an interview.
Be respectful. Do not lie, destroy information or interfere with a search. Ask whether you are free to leave, state that you want legal advice before answering questions and contact counsel promptly.
General information only. Follow lawful court orders and seek advice about your specific facts.Federal counsel in Stockton
Get oriented before the government sets the pace.
Call to discuss a federal investigation, target letter, subpoena, search, indictment or sentencing matter with the firm.
Call 209-507-0479Free initial consultation