Federal Criminal Defense in Louisiana
This resource covers federal criminal proceedings in the Eastern District of Louisiana, one of the busiest federal districts in the country. The EDLA encompasses the greater New Orleans metro area, Baton Rouge, and surrounding parishes — a jurisdiction known for high-profile prosecutions involving public corruption, drug trafficking, and financial crimes.
Federal charges carry different — and often harsher — consequences than state-level offenses. Understanding the federal court process, the role of the U.S. Attorney's Office, and your legal rights is essential for anyone facing or monitoring federal proceedings in Louisiana.
Recent Coverage
- Federal sentencing guidelines in the Fifth Circuit
- Corporate fraud prosecutions in Louisiana
- Tax enforcement cases and DOJ Tax Division activity
- Public corruption in local government
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The Eastern District at a Glance
The Eastern District of Louisiana handles thousands of federal criminal cases annually. The U.S. Attorney's Office, headquartered at 650 Poydras Street in New Orleans, maintains specialized units for public corruption, national security, narcotics, violent crime, and cybercrime. The district has produced landmark federal prosecutions — including major corruption cases involving city officials, police officers, and business figures — that have shaped federal criminal law and procedure both locally and nationally.
Key Differences Between Federal and State Prosecution
Federal prosecution differs from state prosecution in several critical respects. Federal prosecutors have broader investigative resources and longer statutes of limitations. Federal sentences, governed by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, tend to be longer and are served in federal facilities (there is no parole in the federal system). Federal grand juries have broad subpoena power, and federal investigations often involve multiple agencies working in coordination. Understanding these differences is essential for anyone who may be the subject of federal attention.
Recent Articles
Federal Plea Agreements in the Eastern District of Louisiana
How plea negotiations work in EDLA, what prosecutors typically offer, and how federal sentencing guidelines affect outcomes for defendants who plead guilty.
Federal Sentencing Guidelines in the Fifth Circuit
The advisory Guidelines framework, how offense levels are calculated, and how Fifth Circuit precedent shapes sentencing outcomes in EDLA cases.
Wire Fraud and Mail Fraud: Federal Prosecutions in Louisiana
18 U.S.C. §§ 1341 and 1343 in EDLA practice: how these statutes are charged, what elements prosecutors must prove, and common defense strategies.
RICO Prosecutions in the Eastern District of Louisiana
How federal prosecutors use RICO in EDLA, what constitutes a racketeering enterprise, and the significant sentencing exposure defendants face.
Money Laundering and BSA Violations in Federal Louisiana Cases
18 U.S.C. § 1956 and Bank Secrecy Act violations as charged in EDLA: how transactions become federal crimes and asset forfeiture implications.
Federal Drug Trafficking Charges in Louisiana: Mandatory Minimums
Drug quantity thresholds that trigger mandatory minimum sentences under federal law and how EDLA prosecutors charge multi-defendant trafficking conspiracies.
Federal Asset Forfeiture in Louisiana Criminal Investigations
Civil and criminal forfeiture procedures used in EDLA, how to contest a forfeiture action, and protecting assets during a federal investigation.
Extradition Treaties and Federal Criminal Defendants
How U.S. extradition treaties operate, which countries have no treaty with the United States, and options for defendants facing international extradition requests.
Interpol Red Notices in U.S. Federal Criminal Cases
What a Red Notice is, how it relates to U.S. federal charges, and the legal options for individuals who appear on Interpol's Red Notice list.