Federal Criminal Defense Attorney in Jacksonville, FL
Defending Federal Criminal Cases in Jacksonville & Northeast Florida
Dan Eckhart Law provides focused federal criminal defense representation to clients in Jacksonville and throughout Northeast Florida. With more than 30 years of federal court experience and approximately 1,500 federal court appearances, Dan Eckhart brings a level of federal knowledge and courtroom experience that few criminal defense lawyers serving the Jacksonville area can match.
Areas of Practice
Federal criminal cases are prosecuted under federal law, handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and governed by strict procedural rules and sentencing guidelines that differ significantly from state criminal cases in Florida.
These practice areas reflect our focus on defending individuals in serious federal criminal matters. From white collar investigations to drug, firearms, and financial crimes, we provide disciplined, strategic representation at every stage of the federal criminal process.
White Collar Criminal Defense
White Collar Criminal Defense
The consequences of criminal investigations and prosecutions can run the spectrum, from a routine interview or “knock and talk” by law enforcement, to months-long investigation to months or years in prison. Given the fact of your case, Dan Eckhart can mitigate your exposure during discreet and productive negotiations with state or federal prosecutors. His ultimate goal is to persuade authorities to forego prosecution, decline charging you with a criminal offense…
Money Laundering Defense
Money Laundering Defense
As a Special Agent and Federal Prosecutor, Dan Eckhart investigated and prosecuted dozens of significant federal money laundering cases. In furtherance of these investigations, attorney Dan Eckhart has worked at various U.S. Embassies with a number of foreign law enforcement agencies to include the Mexican National Police, the Federal Police of Brazil, the Republic of Ireland’s An Garda Siochana, Criminal Assets Bureau, the Panamanian National Police, and more…
Asset Forfeiture Defense
Asset Forfeiture Defence
Criminal forfeiture can be part of a federal or state prosecution action and requires the government to identify property used or derived from criminal activity. This can include real property, currency, bank accounts, vehicles, aircraft, jewelry, etc. An experienced forfeiture lawyer can help negotiate forfeiture matters before indictment as well as during the plea bargaining process…
Drugs
Drugs
Drug trafficking is a very serious offense that can be charged in either state or federal court. It involves the movement of large quantities of controlled substances (Marijuana, Cocaine, Heroin, etc.) for distribution and is usually charged in addition to conspiracy and money laundering…
Firearms
Firearms
Prosecutors also allege a firearm offense if there is a weapon present or an accused is a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Drug trafficking and firearms convictions can lead to minimum mandatory prison sentences and it is crucial that clients retain an experienced former federal agent and prosecutor, like attorney Dan Eckhart, to provide them with the best defense possible…
Child Pornography
Child Pornography
Attorney Dan Eckhart defends individuals facing child pornography and child sexual abuse material (CSAM) allegations. These cases rely heavily on digital forensics and electronic evidence.
As a former federal prosecutor, he provides a non-judgmental, strategic defense focused on protecting his clients’ rights and future.
Whistleblower
Whistleblower
Federal False Claims Act cases can take years to resolve and damages may be up to three times the government’s losses plus penalties for each false claim. A whistleblower’s reward is contingent on a number of factors. If the government intervenes and recovers funds, the whistleblower is entitled to 15 percent to 25 percent of the recovery…
Bank Fraud
Bank Fraud
Attorney Dan Eckhart has personally conducted internal investigations in both the public and private sector and can provide government regulators and/or law enforcement with arguments as to why matters should be resolved without criminal charges…
End-to-End Federal Criminal Defense Representation in Jacksonville
Our practice focuses on defending clients through every phase of a criminal case, including investigations, arrests, hearings, negotiations, trials, and appeals. We handle complex federal criminal matters and high-stakes defense where experience and precision matter most.
Pre-Indictment & Federal Criminal Investigations
Advising individuals who are targets or subjects of federal criminal investigations before charges are filed, with the goal of influencing charging decisions and protecting constitutional rights.
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Federal Arrests & Indictments
Immediate representation for clients arrested, summoned, or formally charged with a federal crime in the Jacksonville area.
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Federal Detention & Bond Hearings
Advocacy during federal detention hearings, where release standards are more restrictive than state court bond proceedings.
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Grand Jury Investigations
Strategic counsel regarding federal grand jury subpoenas, testimony considerations, and Fifth Amendment protections.
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Federal Motion Practice
Motions to suppress evidence, challenge search warrants, or seek dismissal of federal criminal charges based on violations of federal law.
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Plea Negotiations & Cooperation Agreements
I advocate for our clients in plea negotiations, cooperation agreements, and sentencing guideline reductions with federal prosecutors.
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Federal Sentencing Advocacy
Preparation of sentencing memoranda and advocacy for downward variances from federal sentencing guideline ranges.
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Federal Trials & Appeals
Representation in federal jury trials and post-conviction appeals when litigation becomes necessary.
Why Clients in Jacksonville Choose Dan Eckhart Law
Jacksonville has many criminal defense attorneys, but very few who focus almost exclusively on federal criminal matters. Clients choose Dan Eckhart Law because experience in federal court matters—especially when liberty, reputation, and long-term consequences are at stake.
Key differentiators include:
- 30+ years handling federal criminal defense cases
- Approximately 1,500 federal court appearances
- Former federal government attorney (23 years)
- A practice focused on federal criminal defense—not volume state cases
- Direct access to your defense attorney
- Strategic, responsive representation in serious federal matters
Clients often come to Dan Eckhart after learning that attorneys with strong online visibility lacked meaningful federal experience. In federal criminal defense, that experience gap can be decisive.
