Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer in Sweetwater County

Facing Federal Charges & Unsure Where To Turn

Learning that you are under federal investigation or have been indicted is frightening. Federal cases move quickly, the rules differ from those in state courts, and the penalties can be severe. When your future and your freedom are on the line, you need steady guidance from someone who understands this system.

At The Law Offices of Hampton & Newman, L.C., we help people and families whose lives are suddenly upended by serious criminal allegations tied to this part of Wyoming. Our attorneys have spent nearly 40 years practicing law in Wyoming, and we know how federal cases that start here can affect every part of a person’s life. We work to protect your rights from the first call through every stage of the case.

Talk to a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer now. Protect your rights before you speak to investigators. Free, confidential consultation.

Why Strategic Defense Matters In Federal Cases

Federal criminal cases are not simply larger versions of state charges. The procedures are more formal, the sentencing guidelines can be complex, and federal prosecutors often have significant resources. Having an experienced defense team is especially important when the stakes are this high.

Our attorneys, David A. Hampton and Michael D. Newman, have practiced law in Wyoming courts for nearly four decades. Over those years, we have handled serious criminal matters that require close analysis of evidence, strong motion practice, and readiness to go to trial when needed. This background helps us understand how federal investigations unfold and how to respond in a focused, strategic way.

Because we have lifelong connections to Wyoming, we understand the realities facing people who live and work here. Our long-standing relationships in the legal community and our familiarity with how cases that begin in Sweetwater County move into the federal system allow us to provide realistic advice about risk and possible outcomes. We strive to give clients clear guidance they can trust, rather than vague reassurances.

We are also litigators who know what it means to stand up in court and challenge the government’s case. That trial mindset shapes how we negotiate with prosecutors, evaluate plea offers, and prepare for hearings. It means we look closely at every part of the case, from how evidence was gathered to how the charges are framed, and we work to find the strongest path forward for each client.

Common Federal Charges In Wyoming

People in this area can find themselves facing federal charges for many different reasons. Sometimes a case becomes federal because it involves alleged conduct on federal land or in connection with a federal program. Other times, the government focuses on activity that crosses state lines or that it believes involves larger groups or conspiracies.

Each situation is different, and the specific charge will depend on what federal agents and prosecutors believe they can prove. Some cases focus on financial records or electronic communications. Others may be tied to searches, surveillance, or statements that agents say were made during an interview. The type of charge often affects what evidence the government uses and how sentencing may work.

Examples of federal matters that can affect Wyoming residents include:

• Allegations involving financial transactions, mailings, or electronic communications that cross state lines
• Drug-related cases where the government believes there is distribution, conspiracy, or activity across borders
• Firearm-related accusations that arise in connection with other alleged federal offenses
• Matters tied to federal land, public resources, or federal benefit programs
• Investigations involving statements to federal agents or alleged obstruction of a federal inquiry

Not every serious case becomes a federal case, and not every federal case starts with an arrest. Sometimes the first sign of a problem is a letter, a visit from agents, or a request for records. If you think you may be involved in a federal investigation, talking with a lawyer locally is an important step in understanding your position and your options.

What To Do If Agents Contact You

For many people, the first sign of a federal matter is contact from agents. They might come to your home or workplace, call you on the phone, or leave a card asking you to get in touch. In other situations, you might receive a subpoena for documents or a letter explaining that you are a subject or target of an investigation.

This can be unsettling, and the natural reaction is often to try to explain your side of the story. However, what you say at this early stage can have a lasting effect. Agents are trained to ask questions and record answers in ways that may be used later in court. Staying calm and taking careful steps can help protect you.

If federal agents contact you about a possible case, consider these steps:

• Remain polite and avoid arguing, but remember that you generally do not have to answer questions without a lawyer.
• Ask for identification so you know which agency you are dealing with, and keep any business cards or paperwork you receive.
• Avoid volunteering information, guessing, or trying to fill in details you are not sure about.
• Do not destroy documents or messages. Preserving information can be important in your defense.
• Contact a federal criminal defense attorney. Sweetwater County residents can speak with us as soon as possible to discuss what happened and what to do next.

When you call our firm, we listen carefully to how agents approached you, what they said, and what they asked for. We then discuss practical options, such as whether to have any further contact and how to respond to subpoenas or requests. Our goal is to step in early, before decisions are made that are difficult to undo.

How We Defend Federal Charges

Once a case is in federal court, there are usually several stages. Many matters begin with an investigation that may have been ongoing for some time before you hear about it. After that, there may be an arrest or a summons, an initial appearance, and a series of hearings. Throughout this process, we work to keep you informed and prepared.

We start by gathering information. This includes reviewing charging documents, discovery provided by the government, and materials you share with us. We look at how the investigation was conducted and how evidence was obtained. If there are grounds to challenge searches, statements, or other aspects of the case, we can file motions asking the court to consider those issues. Our experience in Wyoming courts over many years helps us evaluate which challenges may be worth pursuing.

At the same time, we talk with you about your goals and concerns. Some clients want to focus on limiting potential penalties, while others want to explore every possible defense and consider a trial. A federal defense lawyer that Sweetwater County residents rely on must be able to explain the practical risks and potential benefits of different paths, so you are making informed decisions rather than guesses.

In many federal cases, there are discussions with prosecutors about potential resolutions. Our background as aggressive trial lawyers shapes how we approach these conversations. We prepare cases as if they may go to trial, and we use that preparation to assess the strength of the government’s position and our own. We do not promise specific results, but we work to secure outcomes that take into account your future, your family, and your work.

Throughout the case, communication is a priority. Federal matters can last months or longer, and it is common to feel stressed or uncertain about what is coming next. We schedule time to answer questions, explain upcoming hearings, and talk through important decisions. Our long-standing presence in Wyoming means we understand how a federal case can affect life in this area, from employment in local industries to family responsibilities, and we keep that broader picture in mind as we advise you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you handle federal cases from Sweetwater County?

Yes, we represent people whose federal cases arise from conduct tied to this part of Wyoming. Incidents here are generally handled in the federal district that serves the region. We use our decades of Wyoming practice to guide local residents through that process from investigation through resolution.

How quickly can you help after an arrest?

We strive to get involved as early as possible. If you or a family member has been arrested or has a first court date scheduled, contacting us quickly allows us to review paperwork, discuss what to expect at the initial hearing, and begin planning how to address conditions of release and the charges.

What should I do if federal agents call me?

In most situations, it is safer to speak with a lawyer before talking to agents. You can take their information, remain polite, and explain that you prefer to have counsel present. Then you can contact us to discuss what they asked and how to respond in a way that protects your rights.

Can you explain how federal sentencing works?

Federal sentencing often involves guidelines that take into account the type of offense and a person’s history. Judges have some discretion within those ranges. We review the guideline issues with clients, explain how certain facts can affect potential sentences, and work to present information that supports the most favorable outcome possible.

What can I expect at our first meeting?

At our first meeting, we listen to your account of what has happened and review any documents you bring. We explain the general steps in a federal case, discuss immediate concerns such as upcoming hearings, and outline ways we can help. Our goal is to provide clear next steps.

Talk With Our Federal Defense Team

If you are facing a federal investigation or charges tied to Sweetwater County, the decisions you make now can have long-lasting effects. You do not have to sort through confusing procedures and serious risks by yourself. Speaking with an experienced lawyer can help you understand where you stand and what can be done.

At The Law Offices of Hampton & Newman, L.C., our attorneys bring nearly 40 years of Wyoming practice, strong trial backgrounds, and deep local roots to every serious criminal matter we handle. We work to make a complex process more manageable, answer your questions with honesty, and focus on protecting your future and your family’s peace of mind.

To talk confidentially with our team about a potential federal case, you can call us and schedule a time to meet. We are here to listen, explain your options, and begin planning a path forward.

Call (307) 226-2266 to speak with our team. We will listen, explain your options, and outline the next steps today.