When Federal Agents Come Knocking, You Need Federal Defense Counsel
Federal criminal cases are fundamentally different from state prosecutions. When the FBI, DEA, IRS Criminal Investigation, ATF, OIG, or U.S. Department of Justice targets an individual or business, the investigation typically begins months or years before any charges are filed. Federal prosecutors work with highly specialized agents, virtually unlimited resources, and sentencing guidelines that carry significant mandatory minimums.
The Skier Law Firm represents individuals and businesses under federal investigation or indictment in West Palm Beach and throughout the Southern District of Florida. Attorney Scott Skier has been admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida since 2006 and has handled federal matters from the investigative stage through trial and appeal.
Federal Case Results
Results in federal court require a precise understanding of the Sentencing Guidelines, prosecutorial discretion, and the procedural posture of each case. The following are select outcomes in federal matters.
Note: Results in federal court require a precise understanding of the Sentencing Guidelines, prosecutorial discretion, and the procedural posture of each case. The following are select outcomes in federal matters.
Outcome
Matter
Description
Downward Variance Secured
USA vs Jackson
Federal Patient Brokering prosecution.
Downward Variance Secured
USA vs Selius
Federal Unlawful Money Transmission case.
Why Federal Defendants Choose Scott Skier
- Southern District Admission
- Multi-District Federal Practice
- Pre-Indictment Experience
- Deep Local Roots
- Trial-Ready Counsel
- Direct Attorney Access
- Admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida since 2006. Not all criminal defense attorneys are admitted to practice in federal court.
- Also admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida (2018), Eastern District of Michigan (2018), and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit (2014).
- Scott regularly represents clients at the investigation stage, before charges are filed, when early intervention can have the greatest impact
- A lifelong West Palm Beach resident, Scott grew up in the Palm Beach County court system and has built long-standing relationships throughout the legal and judicial community.
- Having handled more than 50 jury trials as a public defender and continued trial practice since founding his firm in 2006, Scott brings genuine trial experience to every federal engagement.
- Clients work directly with Scott Skier. Federal cases are not handled by associates or delegated to less experienced staff.
About Scott Skier
Scott Skier is a West Palm Beach native who grew up immersed in the Palm Beach County court system. His father worked as a Judicial Assistant to the Honorable James Stewart and the Honorable Fred Hazouri. That early exposure to the courts shaped his understanding of how the justice system operates from the inside.
Scott graduated cum laude from the University of Florida in 1997, earned his J.D. from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law in 2002, and was admitted to the Florida Bar in January 2003. He began his legal career as an Assistant Public Defender in the 15th Judicial Circuit, Palm Beach County, where he tried more than 50 jury cases in three years.
In 2006, he founded The Skier Law Firm as a solo practice focused on criminal defense. That same year, he gained admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, formalizing his federal practice. His federal court admissions now span three U.S. District Courts and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
Bar Admissions and Federal Court Credentials
- Florida Bar, 2003
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, 2006
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, 2014
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida, 2018
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, 2018
Federal Cases We Handle in West Palm Beach
The firm’s federal practice covers a broad range of charges prosecuted in the Southern District of Florida, including:
Federal Drug Offenses
West Palm Beach sits along major transportation corridors and international entry points, making it a priority enforcement area for federal drug investigations. Federal drug charges carry mandatory minimum sentences under 21 U.S.C. and are typically investigated by the DEA, FBI, or multi-agency task forces. The firm defends individuals charged with:
- Drug trafficking and distribution conspiracies
- Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
- Importation offenses
- Continuing Criminal Enterprise (CCE) charges
Federal White-Collar Offenses
Federal economic crimes are investigated by agencies including the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation Division, SEC, and the Office of Inspector General (OIG). Prosecutions are often the result of years of financial record review before an indictment is sought. The firm defends against:
- Wire fraud and mail fraud (18 U.S.C. Section 1343, 1341)
- Healthcare fraud and Medicare/Medicaid fraud
- Tax evasion and IRS criminal violations
- Securities fraud and insider trading
- Bank fraud and mortgage fraud
- Money laundering (18 U.S.C. Section 1956)
- Embezzlement and theft of federal funds
Federal Patient Brokering & Healthcare Offenses
South Florida has been a focus of federal prosecution for patient brokering, substance abuse treatment fraud, and kickback schemes. These cases often involve parallel civil and criminal exposure and require defense counsel experienced in both federal healthcare statutes and the Sentencing Guidelines.
RICO & Organized Crime Charges
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (18 U.S.C. Section 1961) is among the most powerful tools in the federal prosecutor’s arsenal. RICO charges can sweep in individuals tangentially connected to an alleged criminal enterprise and carry severe sentencing exposure. Federal RICO defense requires early intervention, a thorough review of the predicate acts alleged, and an understanding of how conspiracy liability attaches.
Federal Internet & Exploitation Offenses
Federal internet crimes are aggressively prosecuted and often involve multi-agency investigations coordinated through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), FBI Cyber Division, and other federal entities. Charges in this category include offenses under 18 U.S.C. Chapters 109A and 110, as well as federal human trafficking statutes.
How Scott Skier Approaches Federal Defense
Federal cases require a defense strategy that begins at investigation, not arraignment. The following outlines the firm’s approach:
Grand Jury & Subpoena Response
Federal investigations frequently involve grand jury subpoenas for documents, financial records, or testimony. The firm advises clients and witnesses on how to respond, assert applicable privileges, and navigate grand jury proceedings without creating additional exposure.
Appeals in the Eleventh Circuit
Admission to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit allows the firm to continue representing clients through the appellate process when trial-level issues warrant review.
Suppression & Evidentiary Challenges
Federal agents operating under search warrants, wiretap orders, and administrative subpoenas are still constrained by constitutional requirements. The firm scrutinizes every aspect of the government’s investigative process to identify Fourth and Fifth Amendment violations, improper warrant applications, and chain-of-custody issues that can affect the admissibility of evidence.
Federal Sentencing Advocacy
If a conviction or plea results in sentencing, the Guidelines calculation is only the starting point. The firm prepares comprehensive sentencing memoranda, identifies grounds for downward departures and variances under 18 U.S.C. Section 3553(a), and presents mitigation evidence that can meaningfully reduce the sentence imposed.
Pre-Indictment Representation
If you know or believe you are under federal investigation, contact the firm immediately. Statements made to federal agents before counsel is retained can significantly affect the outcome of a case. The firm engages with investigators and prosecutors at the earliest stage to protect your rights and, in some cases, to prevent charges from being filed at all.
What Clients Say
"Scott Skier is an exceptional attorney. From the moment we contacted him, he was professional, compassionate, and incredibly knowledgeable..."
…he took the time to listen to all the details and explained everything in a way that made us feel informed and confident. Scott’s deep understanding of criminal law and the legal system was evident in every interaction. If you’re looking for an attorney who genuinely cares about his clients and will fight for your rights, Scott Skier is the one you want in your corner.”
Speak Directly with a Federal Defense Attorney
Federal charges require experienced counsel from the moment you learn you are a target or subject of an investigation. Contact The Skier Law Firm to discuss your matter in a confidential consultation with Scott Skier.
Phone: (561) 264-6362 | The Skier Law Firm, P.A. West Palm Beach, Florida
Southern District of Florida Service Area
The firm represents individuals and businesses in federal matters throughout the Southern District of Florida, including Palm Beach County, Broward County, Miami-Dade County, Martin County, St. Lucie County, Okeechobee County, and Lee County. Cases handled before the U.S. District Court in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami.
Federal Criminal Defense in West Palm Beach
What is the difference between a Federal crime & a State crime?
Federal crimes are offenses that violate U.S. federal law, are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in U.S. District Court, and investigated by federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, IRS Criminal Investigation, ATF, OIG, or Department of Homeland Security. State crimes are prosecuted by county or state attorneys in state court. Federal cases typically involve more resources, longer investigative timelines, stricter sentencing guidelines, and significantly higher sentencing exposure than comparable state charges.
I received a target letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. What should I do?
A target letter means federal prosecutors have identified you as a subject of a grand jury investigation and believe you may have committed a federal offense. Do not contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office, speak with federal agents, or discuss the matter with anyone other than an attorney before seeking legal counsel. Retain federal defense counsel immediately. Early representation can affect the scope of the investigation, what evidence is gathered, and in some cases whether charges are ultimately filed.
Federal agents came to my home or business. Do I have to speak with them?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to counsel. You are not required to speak with FBI agents, IRS investigators, DEA agents, or any other federal law enforcement without an attorney present. Politely decline to answer questions, ask whether you are free to leave, and contact a federal defense attorney before making any statements. Voluntary statements made to federal agents can and will be used against you, and making false statements to federal investigators is itself a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. Section 1001.
How does federal sentencing work?
Federal sentencing is governed primarily by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which assign a base offense level to each charge and adjust it based on factors such as the defendant’s role in the offense, drug quantity, loss amount, and criminal history. The resulting Guidelines range serves as an advisory starting point. Judges may impose sentences above or below that range based on the factors listed in 18 U.S.C. Section 3553(a). A downward variance or departure can substantially reduce the sentence imposed. Effective sentencing advocacy requires a thorough understanding of the Guidelines, mitigating factors, and how to present them to the court.
What is a grand jury subpoena and what are my options?
A grand jury subpoena is a legal order requiring you to produce documents or appear and testify before a federal grand jury. Grand jury proceedings are secret and one-sided; only the prosecutor presents evidence. If you receive a grand jury subpoena, retain counsel before responding. Options vary depending on whether the subpoena is for documents or testimony, your status (target, subject, or witness), and whether any applicable privileges exist, including the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and attorney-client privilege. Counsel can negotiate the scope of the subpoena, assert applicable protections, and accompany you to the extent permitted.