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McGuire Law

South Carolina Federal Crimes Defense Attorney

Federal criminal charges mean facing the full power of the United States government—FBI investigations, DEA task forces, federal prosecutors with unlimited resources, and convictions carrying mandatory minimum decades in federal prison without parole. When federal agents execute search warrants or present target letters, every statement you make either builds your defense or strengthens prosecution against you.

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Available 24/7 - Immediate Response for Federal Criminal Matters

Attorney Matt McGuire

Federal agencies including FBI, DEA, ATF, IRS-CI, Secret Service, and Homeland Security Investigations conduct multi-year investigations across South Carolina building cases through wiretaps, confidential informants, financial analysis, and undercover operations before you even know you're under investigation. Federal prosecution differs fundamentally from state court—different rules, harsher sentences, no parole, and prosecutors who rarely lose because they only charge cases they've spent months or years building.

Matt McGuire has defended federal criminal cases throughout South Carolina for over three decades, appearing in U.S. District Court in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Florence, and other divisions protecting clients from convictions that destroy lives. Whether arrested by FBI, charged by DEA, accused by ATF, or facing federal prosecution anywhere across South Carolina for drug trafficking, white collar crimes, firearms violations, or any federal offense, these cases demand immediate, experienced representation.

The Legal Expertise of McGuire Law

Federal criminal prosecution requires defense attorneys who understand the unique complexities of federal court, U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and constitutional protections against government overreach that distinguishes federal practice from state court proceedings.

Federal Court Experience

Three decades appearing in U.S. District Court across South Carolina—Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, and Florence divisions—understanding federal procedures, local rules, and relationships that shape case outcomes.

U.S. Sentencing Guidelines Mastery

Deep knowledge of complex sentencing calculations including base offense levels, enhancements, departures, and variances essential to minimizing federal prison sentences that often span decades.

Constitutional Rights Protection

Aggressive Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment defense challenging illegal searches, coerced statements, wiretap violations, and other constitutional breaches that can suppress government evidence.

Federal Agency Investigation Defense

Experience defending against FBI, DEA, ATF, IRS-CI, and Homeland Security investigations understanding how federal agencies build cases and where their methods create vulnerabilities.

Complex Federal Litigation

Handling multi-defendant conspiracies, RICO prosecutions, extensive discovery, expert witnesses, and sophisticated legal arguments federal cases demand.

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Types of Federal Crimes We Defend

From drug trafficking to white collar fraud, federal charges carry severe mandatory minimum sentences and require experienced defense throughout South Carolina's federal courts.

Federal Drug Trafficking

Cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, or marijuana distribution triggering federal mandatory minimums of 5, 10, or 20 years based on drug type and quantity.

White Collar Crimes

Wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, securities fraud, tax evasion, and embezzlement charges investigated by FBI and IRS-CI with complex financial evidence.

Federal Firearms Violations

Felon in possession under 18 U.S.C. § 922, straw purchases, illegal trafficking, and armed career criminal enhancements carrying mandatory sentences.

Cybercrimes

Computer fraud, identity theft, hacking, and internet-based criminal schemes prosecuted with sophisticated technical evidence.

Money Laundering

Charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1956 when financial transactions allegedly involve proceeds of illegal activity, often added to drug or fraud cases.

RICO Prosecutions

Racketeering charges alleging participation in criminal enterprises through patterns of activity, carrying severe sentences and complex multi-defendant proceedings.

Federal Bank Robbery

Charges under 18 U.S.C. § 2113 carrying up to 20 years, or life if death results, with extensive federal investigation resources.

Mandatory Minimums Eliminate Judicial Discretion

Federal drug trafficking and firearms charges trigger mandatory minimum sentences judges cannot reduce without substantial assistance cooperation or safety valve qualification.

McGuire Law's Core Values

Federal criminal defense demands unwavering commitment to protecting constitutional rights, challenging government overreach, and fighting for every available sentence reduction when clients face the full power of federal prosecution.

Fearless Federal Advocacy

We fight federal prosecutors aggressively, challenging evidence, filing suppression motions, and taking cases to trial when the government's case has weaknesses.

Immediate Crisis Response

When FBI executes search warrants or federal agents arrest you, we respond immediately to protect your rights during the critical first hours of federal prosecution.

Strategic Case Analysis

We thoroughly analyze federal discovery, identify constitutional violations, evaluate sentencing exposure, and develop defense strategies tailored to each case's specific circumstances.

Client Communication

Federal cases are complex and frightening. We explain procedures, sentencing calculations, and options clearly so clients understand their situations and make informed decisions.

Sentencing Advocacy

We fight for departures, variances, and below-guideline sentences presenting mitigation evidence and legal arguments to minimize federal prison exposure.

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Federal vs. State Prosecution Differences

Understanding what makes federal prosecution fundamentally different from South Carolina state court helps defendants appreciate the stakes and necessity of experienced federal defense.

No Federal Parole

Defendants serve minimum 85% of federal sentences under truth in sentencing laws—a 10-year sentence means at least 8.5 years in Federal Bureau of Prisons custody.

Longer Sentences

U.S. Sentencing Guidelines calculations produce significantly longer sentences than South Carolina state courts for comparable conduct.

Mandatory Minimums

Federal drug trafficking and firearms charges trigger mandatory sentences eliminating judicial discretion—5, 10, 15, or 20 years with no possibility of reduction.

Better Discovery

Federal rules provide more defense access to government evidence than state proceedings, enabling thorough case analysis and defense preparation.

Grand Jury Indictments

Federal prosecution requires grand jury indictment conducted secretly without defense participation—you may not know you're under investigation until indicted.

Distant Incarceration

Federal Bureau of Prisons houses convicted defendants often hundreds of miles from South Carolina families, making visitation extremely difficult.

The McGuire Law Difference

When you face the unlimited resources of federal prosecutors backed by FBI, DEA, and IRS investigations, you need a defense attorney with decades of federal court experience who understands how to fight the government effectively.

Three Decades of Federal Defense

Over 30 years defending federal criminal cases throughout South Carolina, understanding U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, federal procedures, and strategies that produce results in federal court.

Statewide Federal Court Coverage

Appearing in all South Carolina U.S. District Court divisions—Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Florence—with knowledge of local practices that affect case outcomes.

Same-Day Response

When federal agents execute search warrants or make arrests, we respond immediately to protect your rights during the critical moments that shape federal prosecutions.

Constitutional Rights Defense

We scrutinize federal investigations for Fourth Amendment search violations, Fifth Amendment interrogation issues, and other constitutional breaches that can suppress evidence.

Sentencing Reduction Focus

We fight for every available sentence reduction—departures, variances, safety valve, and acceptance reductions—to minimize federal prison exposure when conviction occurs.

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Defense Strategies and Constitutional Protections

Effective federal defense requires challenging government evidence at every turn, exploiting constitutional violations, and presenting mitigation that reduces sentence exposure.

Evidence Suppression

  • Fourth Amendment challenges to illegal searches, seizures, or surveillance
  • Fifth Amendment suppression of coerced statements or Miranda violations
  • Title III wiretap challenges attacking compliance and minimization
  • Confidential informant reliability challenges exposing fabricated evidence

Sentencing Mitigation

  • Departures and variances arguing for below-guideline sentences
  • Safety valve provisions avoiding mandatory minimums for qualifying defendants
  • Acceptance of responsibility reductions for timely guilty pleas
  • Brady violations when prosecutors hide exculpatory evidence

Entrapment Defense Available

When government agents induced crimes defendants weren't predisposed to commit, entrapment provides complete defense to federal charges.

Your Rights During Federal Investigations

Knowing and asserting your constitutional rights when federal agents contact you protects your defense and prevents self-incrimination.

Never Speak Without an Attorney

FBI, DEA, and ATF use sophisticated interrogation techniques. Assert Fifth Amendment rights immediately stating "I want my lawyer and will not answer questions."

Do Not Consent to Searches

Never consent to searches of homes, vehicles, computers, or phones. Force federal agents to obtain warrants and preserve your ability to challenge search legality.

Refuse to Provide Passwords

Fifth Amendment protections may apply to compelled disclosure of passwords and encryption keys. Do not provide access without attorney guidance.

Handle Subpoenas Carefully

Do not respond to grand jury subpoenas without attorney review. Privileges must be asserted and scope negotiated before compliance.

Understand Proffer Agreements

"Queen for a Day" letters don't provide complete immunity. Never make statements to prosecutors without understanding exactly what protections exist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding federal criminal prosecution helps defendants make informed decisions about their defense throughout South Carolina.

What should I do if FBI contacts me?

Do not answer questions or provide statements. Politely assert your Fifth Amendment rights and contact an attorney immediately. FBI agents are skilled at extracting damaging admissions during seemingly casual conversations.

What are federal mandatory minimums?

Congress requires specific minimum prison sentences for certain crimes regardless of circumstances. Drug trafficking triggers 5, 10, or 20 year minimums. Firearms violations add 5, 7, 10, or 15 years. Judges cannot impose shorter sentences without specific exceptions.

Can federal charges be dismissed?

Yes. Constitutional violations can result in suppressed evidence leading to dismissal. Insufficient evidence, entrapment, and procedural defects also provide grounds. We fight for dismissal when the government's case has vulnerabilities.

What is the federal safety valve?

Safety valve allows qualifying defendants to avoid mandatory minimum sentences in drug cases. Requirements include minimal criminal history, no violence or weapons, truthful debriefing, and not being an organizer or leader.

Will I get bond in federal court?

Federal bond is harder to obtain than state court. Judges presume detention for drug trafficking, firearms, and serious offenses. We present employment, family ties, and mitigation to argue for release pending trial.

What is substantial assistance?

Cooperation providing information about other criminal activity can earn below-guideline sentences. However, cooperation has serious risks and consequences. We advise clients thoroughly before any cooperation decision.

Where would I serve federal time?

Federal Bureau of Prisons assigns defendants to facilities based on security level and programming needs. South Carolina defendants are often sent to facilities in other states, sometimes hundreds of miles from family.

How long do federal cases take?

Federal cases typically take 6-18 months due to complex discovery, expert analysis, and motion practice. We push for efficient resolution while thoroughly preparing defense.

Matt McGuire - Attorney

About South Carolina Attorney Matt McGuire

Matt McGuire South Carolina Criminal Defense Personal Injury Family Law Attorney

With over 30 years of experience defending South Carolina, McGuire Law provides elite legal representation with national recognition. McGuire Law has grown from a small practice into one of the most trusted law firms in South Carolina. We understand that legal issues can be overwhelming, whether you're facing criminal charges, dealing with injuries from an accident, or navigating family law matters.

McGuire Law is committed to each client's unique situation, and we don't believe in boilerplate solutions. Every case requires careful analysis, strategic planning, and aggressive representation. Our firm combines over 30 years of experience with cutting-edge legal strategies to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.

McGuire Law serves all 46 South Carolina counties. We know these counties, their courts, their legal communities, and most importantly, the people who live here. This local knowledge, combined with our legal expertise, gives our clients a significant advantage.

Matt McGuire received his B.A. from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina.

Matt has served as a law clerk for a State Circuit Judge, an Assistant Attorney General for the State of South Carolina, and an Assistant Solicitor in the Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office.

Matt is a proud husband, father of two, and a long-time resident of Richland County, South Carolina.

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When facing the full power of federal prosecution in South Carolina, you need more than just any attorney – you need Matt McGuire and McGuire Law.

Don't let another day pass without proper legal protection against federal criminal charges. Call McGuire Law now and experience the difference that experienced federal defense representation makes when your freedom is at stake.

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Columbia Office

2001 Assembly Street, Suite 102-B
Columbia, SC 29201

(888) 499-5738

Contact McGuire Law Today

Matt McGuire has defended federal criminal cases throughout South Carolina for over 30 years, appearing in U.S. District Court divisions across the state protecting clients from convictions carrying mandatory minimum decades in federal prison.

"Counsel with courage, cases with care."