Did Your Case Move Into Federal Court?

Federal Crimes Attorney in Saratoga Springs, NY

Iseman PLLC represents people facing federal charges in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York and in other federal courts across the state. A federal criminal case arising in Saratoga County is heard in Albany at the James T. Foley United States Courthouse.

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Federal cases often begin with investigations by agencies that use subpoenas, record requests, interviews, and surveillance before any arrest. By the time a person learns there is a federal investigation or sees an indictment, the government may already have collected substantial information.

The firm represents:

  • People indicted in federal court
  • People told they are subjects or targets of a federal investigation
  • People whose state cases have been transferred or related to federal cases

Communications with our office are confidential.

Scott Iseman, federal criminal defense attorney, addressing a New York courtroom

Who defends your case

25+ Years

Of combined experience

Recognized by

Rated by Super Lawyers
Best Lawyers
Avvo
University at Buffalo School of Law
New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Saratoga County Bar Association

01What we handle

Federal Matters We Handle in Saratoga Springs

Iseman PLLC represents clients in a broad range of federal criminal matters.

Federal Charges

  • Conspiracy charges
  • Money-laundering and structuring allegations
  • Obstruction-of-justice charges
  • False-statements charges
  • Perjury allegations
  • Federal robbery and extortion charges
  • Aggravated identity theft charges
  • Firearm offenses charged in federal court
  • Kidnapping and carjacking charges
  • Cases involving electronic surveillance or wiretaps

Stages of a Federal Case

  • Initial appearances and arraignments
  • Detention hearings and release conditions
  • Asset-forfeiture matters
  • Cooperation decisions and consequences
  • Sentencing advocacy
  • Supervised-release violations
  • Cases that move from state court to federal court

For more focused information, visit our pages on government investigations, white collar defense, drug crimes defense, and criminal appeals.

02Who defends you

Federal Trial Experience in Saratoga Springs

Scott Iseman has defended federal cases through trial, including a jury trial he tried to verdict and a Southern District of New York case where he served on the defense trial team and delivered the opening statement.

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He is admitted in New York, the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Southern, and Eastern Districts of New York, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. His experience includes approximately 300 criminal matters and approximately 35 jury trials to verdict.

“The government’s power must be tested. A defense lawyer examines the evidence and the legal theory and requires the prosecution to follow the law.”

Scott Iseman

Tried to verdict

Federal Sting Case: Not Guilty on Firearm Counts

Federal agents conducted a sting operation that led to firearm and drug charges. The client accepted responsibility for drug conduct but disputed the firearm counts and declined the plea offer.

The defense presented an entrapment theory, arguing that the government created the firearm offenses. The jury returned not-guilty verdicts on both firearm counts. The client retained all appeal rights, and the appeal is pending.

Scott Iseman, federal criminal defense attorney in Saratoga Springs, New York
Scott W. Iseman · Iseman PLLC

Scott Iseman’s Experience

About 35Jury trials
to verdict
About 300Criminal matters
handled
2021 to 2026Super Lawyers
criminal defense
Three DistrictsAdmitted in three federal districts
and the Second Circuit
Michael Blasie, trial litigator and appellate counsel, Iseman PLLC
Michael Blasie · Trial Litigator & Appellate Counsel

Your Legal Team

Michael Blasie, Trial Litigator & Appellate Counsel

Michael Blasie handles legal research, motions, and briefs. He has practiced in New York and Colorado and clerked for the Colorado Court of Appeals.

Federal cases often involve significant written motions and legal questions about statutes, elements, and the government’s theory. Michael’s work supports those issues.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The verdicts above applied to the firearm counts. The drug charges were not part of that verdict. Client names are withheld.

Representative Federal Case Result

Tried twice, theory challenged both times

Public-Corruption Theory Rejected by the Supreme Court

Scott served on the defense trial team in a high-profile public-corruption case in the Southern District of New York. The client was tried twice, and the defense challenged the legal theory of the prosecution in both trials.

The United States Supreme Court later overturned the convictions, and the Court’s analysis rejected the government’s theory of prosecution. When the government pursued the case again under a different theory, the matter resolved without additional prison time.

View Results

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Scott served on the trial team and delivered the opening statement. Separate appellate counsel argued the Supreme Court appeals. Client names are withheld.

Client reviews

Saratoga Springs Client Reviews on Google

“Scott Iseman, quite simply, is a man of character.”

Jim L.Google Review

“Scott really helped me!… I recommend you consider hiring him to help you!”

LarryLee FiberGoogle Local Guide

Testimonials and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Beyond this page

Practice Areas Related to Federal Charges

A federal case can reach into these related practices:

Not sure which of these applies? Call and we will figure it out with you.

Call Us. (518) 633‑1528 or schedule a confidential consultation

Quick answers

Saratoga County Federal Case Questions, Answered

The questions people ask once a case turns federal.

What makes a case federal instead of state?

A federal case is charged by a United States Attorney’s Office and heard in federal district court. The same conduct may fall under both state and federal statutes, but which prosecutor’s office files charges determines the court and procedures that apply.

Where is a Saratoga County federal case heard?

Federal criminal cases arising in Saratoga County are heard in Albany at the James T. Foley United States Courthouse, part of the Northern District of New York.

How does release work in federal court?

Pretrial release is decided at a detention hearing before a magistrate judge. Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure require that a person arrested be brought before a magistrate judge for an initial appearance without unnecessary delay. The judge explains the charges, advises the person of rights, and considers release or detention.

Federal agents came to my home. What should I do?

Keep any business cards, letters, or documents agents provided. Do not destroy or alter potential evidence. Speak with a lawyer before making detailed statements or consenting to interviews.

Can the same matter be charged in both state and federal court?

In some situations, conduct can be investigated or charged by both state and federal authorities. The systems are separate, with different courts, prosecutors, and rules.

How long do federal investigations run before charges?

Many federal investigations involve months or longer of record collection, surveillance, interviews, and subpoenas. A person may learn of the investigation late in that process.

Do I need a lawyer admitted in federal court?

Yes. Your lawyer should be admitted to the federal district court handling your case. Scott Iseman is admitted in the Northern, Southern, and Eastern Districts of New York and the Second Circuit.

What happens at the first appearance?

At the initial appearance, a magistrate judge confirms your identity, explains the charges, reviews your rights, and addresses pretrial release or detention. The court may schedule further hearings, including arraignment and detention.

Speak With a Saratoga Federal Defense Lawyer

Bring the indictment, complaint, target letter, subpoena, or agent’s business card to your consultation. Do not alter the documents or delete related records before speaking with counsel.

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Visit us

Iseman PLLC
59 Franklin Street
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 633‑1528 scott@scottisemanlaw.com Get directions

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This page is general information and is not a prediction about any individual matter. Iseman PLLC, 59 Franklin Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, (518) 633-1528.