Criminal Conspiracy

Federal Conspiracy Defense Attorney in Houston

The Law Offices of James Alston

Federal conspiracy charges are among the most powerful and frequently used tools in federal criminal prosecutions. Through conspiracy law, prosecutors may seek felony convictions even when a person is not accused of directly committing the underlying crime. These cases often involve multi-defendant indictments, extensive investigations, and the potential for significant federal prison sentences.

If you are under investigation or charged with a federal conspiracy offense in Houston or the Southern District of Texas, experienced legal representation is critical from the earliest stage of the case.

James Alston is a Houston criminal defense attorney with more than 30 years of criminal law experience, including service as a former Assistant United States Attorney. He understands how federal prosecutors build conspiracy cases, develop cooperating witnesses, and pursue indictments—and he uses that knowledge to defend individuals facing serious federal conspiracy allegations.

Former Federal Prosecutor With Extensive Federal Court Experience

Before entering private practice, James Alston served as an Assistant United States Attorney, prosecuting serious federal criminal matters. Today, he applies that insider perspective to defending clients accused of federal conspiracy and related felony charges.

He brings:

  • More than three decades of criminal law experience
  • Over 20 years practicing in federal court
  • Hundreds of federal criminal cases handled in Houston
  • Board Certification in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

This experience provides valuable insight into:

  • how federal conspiracy investigations are developed
  • how prosecutors use informants and cooperating witnesses
  • how evidence is presented to the grand jury and at trial
  • when allegations or enhancements may be challenged

For individuals facing federal conspiracy accusations, federal-level experience matters.

What Is Federal Conspiracy?

In federal law, a conspiracy generally involves:

  • an agreement between two or more people
  • to commit a federal criminal offense, and
  • at least one overt act taken in furtherance of that agreement.

Because conspiracy focuses on agreement rather than direct action, prosecutors may attempt to hold individuals responsible for:

  • acts committed by others
  • conduct occurring without their presence
  • broader criminal activity within an alleged group

This makes conspiracy allegations especially serious and complex.

Common Federal Conspiracy Charges

The Law Offices of James Alston represents clients accused of conspiracy in connection with:

  • Drug trafficking conspiracies
  • Fraud and white-collar conspiracies
  • Money laundering conspiracies
  • Firearms-related conspiracies
  • Internet or financial crime conspiracies
  • Multi-defendant federal indictments

These cases frequently involve extensive evidence, recorded communications, financial records, and cooperating witnesses, all of which require careful legal analysis and strategic defense.

Federal Sentencing Exposure in Conspiracy Cases

Federal conspiracy convictions may result in:

  • substantial federal prison sentences
  • penalties tied to the underlying alleged offense
  • sentencing enhancements based on role, quantity, or prior history
  • financial penalties, restitution, or forfeiture

Because sentencing can be severe—even for individuals accused of limited participation—early and strategic defense is essential.

Strategic Defense for Federal Conspiracy Allegations

Defending a federal conspiracy charge often requires:

  • challenging the existence of any agreement or intent
  • disputing alleged knowledge or participation
  • attacking the credibility of cooperating witnesses or informants
  • analyzing communications, financial data, and digital evidence
  • contesting sentencing enhancements or scope of conduct
  • preparing the case for federal trial when necessary

Every conspiracy case demands a carefully developed, evidence-driven defense strategy tailored to the specific allegations.

Early Intervention in Federal Conspiracy Investigations

Many conspiracy cases begin long before indictment, often involving:

  • surveillance or wiretaps
  • confidential informants
  • grand jury subpoenas
  • document seizures or search warrants
  • multi-agency federal task force investigations

Early legal representation may help:

  • protect constitutional rights
  • limit exposure during the investigation
  • challenge investigative methods
  • position the case for the strongest possible defense

Speak With a Houston Federal Conspiracy Defense Attorney

If you are under investigation or charged with a federal conspiracy offense in Houston, do not delay in seeking experienced legal counsel.

Contact The Law Offices of James Alston
📞 (713) 280-5615
to schedule a confidential consultation.

Early action can make a critical difference in a federal conspiracy case.