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When Your Future is at Stake Trusted Guidance to Navigate the Complexities of Federal Criminal Defense

Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer in Orange County, CA

Serving Clients Nationwide in Federal Charges for Over Two Decades

Federal criminal defense is a particular and complex area of law. Few defense attorneys practice in federal courts, and even fewer have extensive experience in this field. At Law Office of Diane C. Bass our attorney has years of federal court experience and has handled every type of federal criminal case. 

Diane C. Bass has obtained extraordinary results for her clients, including dismissals. She has developed a solid reputation with federal prosecutors and judges, making her a tremendous asset to clients. In federal court regularly, she also attends federal law seminars and lectures to keep up with the latest developments.

If you know you are under investigation by a federal agency, hiring a proven federal criminal defense attorney is critical. This allows your attorney to contact the U.S. Attorney’s office to attempt to work out a pre-indictment resolution of your case. These agencies can range from the FBI to the IRS, DEA, and more.

Contacting a U.S. Attorney before an indictment can limit the charges you face. Additionally, you may avoid the humiliation of being arrested and can arrange to walk into a court of your own accord rather than in handcuffs.

Discuss your case in a confidential consultation with our Orange County federal criminal defense attorney. Send us an email via our online contact form or call (949) 990-4195 

  • Selected by Super Lawyers Since 2022
  • Avvo 10.0 Rating
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Orange County Bar Association
  • Top 100 Lawyers

    Can Cooperating with Investigators Help Those Charged with Federal Crimes?

    You may be able to significantly reduce your sentence in a federal case if you are willing to provide the government with information about the offense you are charged with. This is known as “cooperation.”

    It can favorably impact your case if you have information about other individuals involved with the offense you face or other crimes. If your cooperation is substantial, the U.S. Attorney’s office can recommend that the court significantly reduce your sentence. When cooperating with the U.S. Attorney’s office or any federal agency, you must always be accompanied by an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights.

    Call (949) 990-4195 for a confidential consultation with our Orange County criminal defense lawyer. Or reach us on our contact page to get started. 

    Trusted By Clients

    Find out what our satisfied clients say about their experiences with federal crimes attorney Diane C. Bass and her team. With thousands of cases resolved over decades, we take pride in the quality of client service we can offer to individuals in Southern California and nationwide facing federal investigations, arrests, and charges. 

    • "She will put your anxiety at ease and get you through the tangled system."
      Diane is the perfect mix of gentle understanding and fierce action you’ll need if you find yourself dealing with the OC court system.
      - Angie T.
    • "Whatever you’re going through, I’m confident Diane will achieve the best outcome you could hope for."
      My first impression was that she’s very experienced, no-nonsense, knows the law, how the system works, and was very busy as a result. I quickly realized that she exceeded even those first impressions but also cared very much about my story, needs, an
      - Daniel B.
    • "From the start of my case, she has been there for me."
      First of all, I would like to thank Diane for everything she has done for me. From the start of my case, she has been there for me. Only very few people were granted bond and she pulled it off in my case. I know for a fact not too many lawyers could have done that. I am on probation for three years.. while “the others” will not have the chance to raise their children and live their lives. I was headed to prison….I am free.. and for that, I am forever grateful.
      - John H.
    • "Diane Bass is a phenomenal attorney."
      After meeting with Diane I felt immediate comfort, and I was sold on the fact that I could trust this amazing person with my life. Diane Bass was there for me every step of the way like no other attorney had ever been.
      - Ryan O.
    • "She is not afraid to battle for you. With her, you will never be alone."
      Diane is a brilliant attorney. She listens carefully to your problems and clearly advises you with honesty. She was with me from the first day of my case and I have never been disappointed in any way.
      - Maria K.
    • "I highly recommend Diane if you are dealing with legal troubles of your own."
      Since this being my first Federal offense, I had no idea what to expect. I was extremely anxious. After talking to Diane, I felt like she was the attorney I needed to help me get through these challenging times. Her professionalism and knowledge of the law
      - Adam P.
    • "Diane’s work is second to none."

      Diane’s work is second to none. I was charged with felony DV, and after working with one firm in Irvine that did absolutely nothing, I did some hard research and found Diane. She worked quickly and diligently and got the case dismissed. I absolutely don’t foresee me needing a criminal lawyer down the road, but if I do, it’ll be Diane hands down!

      - Shadic A.
    • "Diane is the most professional, thorough attorney I have ever met."
      Her expertise, connections, analysis, and comprehensive review of my situation were more than I could ever ask. I am extremely grateful and couldn't be happier with my choice!
      - Jeff R.

      What Practice Areas Do Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys Represent?

      Federal criminal defense lawyers like Diane C. Bass provide legal representation to clients facing criminal charges for many offenses, including but not limited to:

      • Anti-kickback statute violations. Like insider trading violations, this white collar crime law prohibits remuneration from kickbacks and other forms of induced rewards.
      • Bank fraud, check fraud, and credit card fraud.
      • Bribery and public corruption. Bribery of public officials is a severe federal crime.
      • Child pornography charges. The U.S. government strictly prohibits the possession, distribution, or creation of pornographic materials featuring minors.
      • Conspiracy. This is a standard charge when one or more people are involved in a scheme to commit a crime. 
      • Embezzlement on a federal level.
      • Federal sex offenses. Sexual abuse or the exploitation of a minor and any aggravated or particularly violent sexual assault can be a federal crime.
      • Federal drug crimes. Sales of large quantities of drugs, transporting and trafficking illegal drugs across state lines or national borders, and drug crimes while in possession of a deadly weapon can be charged as federal crimes.
      • Healthcare or Medicare insurance fraud. The Department of Health and Human Services criminalizes activity that seeks to defraud healthcare benefit programs.
      • Mail fraud.
      • Anti-kickback violations. This is similar to the anti-kickback statute, except Stark Law is expressly for certain healthcare professionals and physicians.
      • Tax crimes. Whether you are accused of avoiding taxes or intentionally committing tax fraud, the IRS will aggressively pursue federal charges.
      • White collar crimes like money laundering and securities fraud.
      • Wire fraud and internet-related crimes.
      • Mortgage and real estate fraud.

      No matter how convinced prosecutors and federal agents may be of your complicity in federal crimes, everyone is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Even if the evidence is stacked against you, a conviction is not always certain. 

      When faced with state or federal law violations, a competent criminal defense lawyer can be your greatest ally in and out of the courtroom. If any federal agency files charges against you, your business, or someone you care about, seeking legal representation from an attorney with proven results is essential. 

      Attorney Diane C. Bass has represented some of Southern California’s most high-profile, high-stakes criminal defense cases. She prides herself on creating a healthy attorney-client relationship that clients can trust when dealing with criminal law issues.

      • Top-Rated & Award-Winning Legal Representation
        We consistently deliver results that exceed expectations, earning the trust of clients and accolades from the legal community.
      • 25+ Years of Criminal Defense Legal Experience
        With over 25 years of criminal defense legal experience, we bring a wealth of seasoned insight and a proven track record of success to every case we handle.
      • Extensive Knowledge & Experience With Federal Cases
        With extensive knowledge and experience in federal cases, we offer comprehensive legal strategies tailored to the complexities of each situation.
      • An Outstanding Reputation Amongst Clients & Peers
        Our reputation among clients and peers alike reflects our unwavering dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes for those we represent.
      • Featured in the Media
        Attorney Bass is frequently featured in media outlets such as The Washington Post, LA Times, ESPN, Forbes, the Wall Street Journal and more.
      • Track Record of Success
        With a track record of handling some of the most significant cases in the Central District of California, our firm brings unmatched experience to every client's defense.

      How Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help Your Federal Crimes Case?

      The federal government’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigates crimes and fraud relating to the misuse of healthcare and human services programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Department of Labor.

      The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is primarily in charge of pursuing federal charges against those who have violated the law in cases of terrorism, online crimes, organized crime, public corruption, drug trafficking, and other drug crimes.

      The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) investigates instances of white collar crime, such as tax crimes, money laundering, securities fraud, and mortgage fraud. Sometimes, the IRS and the FBI work together in a federal investigation.

      The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is in charge of the investigation into significant drug crimes. Federal agents for the DEA oversee and enforce drug trafficking, illegal street drugs, and the federal crime of the unlawful distribution of opioids by licensed professionals.

      Though every case is unique, the federal government employs aggressive lawyers as prosecutors and will often pursue the maximum penalty for those convicted of federal crimes. When facing such prosecutors, you need a federal criminal defense attorney who will fight just as aggressively to defend your legal rights.

      At Law Office of Diane C. Bass, we offer an attorney-client relationship that seeks to keep you involved at every stage of your case. Attorney Diane C. Bass will work to provide a defense that raises a reasonable doubt, calls witness testimony into question, establishes possible mistaken identity, and other unique strategies that could help see charges dropped and a case dismissed before it ever goes to trial.

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