Our Glendale office
Federal Criminal Defense — Los Angeles & Southern California

Facing Federal Charges?
Fight Back With a Trial Attorney.

Federal investigations move fast. The moment federal agents contact you — before charges are filed — is when your defense strategy is built. KN Law Firm, APLC defends clients in U.S. District Court, Central District of California and throughout the 9th Circuit.

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1,000+ Cases Defended
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Recent Federal Case Outcomes

Outcome
Charges Dismissed

Federal Drug Trafficking — 18 kg

Outcome
Not Guilty

Federal Wire Fraud — $2.3M

Outcome
Pre-Charge Decline

Federal Conspiracy / RICO Investigation

Outcome
Sentence Reduced

Federal Money Laundering — Probation Only

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Why Choose KN Law Firm

Federal Defense Is a Different
Game. We Know the Rules.

Federal prosecutors prepare for years before filing charges. We level the playing field.

Admitted to U.S. District Court & 9th Circuit

Chris Nalchadjian is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Central District of California, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court — every court your case may reach.

Pre-Indictment Strategy

Most defense attorneys wait until charges are filed. We intervene early — during the investigation — to prevent indictment altogether. If you received a target letter or grand jury subpoena, call now.

Full-Spectrum Federal Defense

From drug trafficking and RICO to wire fraud and immigration crimes — we handle every category of federal charge in Southern California with hands-on trial experience, not just settlements.

Chris Nalchadjian, Criminal Defense Attorney
KN Law Firm, APLC Chris NalchadjianFounder · KN Law Firm
Call (888) 950-0011Free consultation · 24/7

Available now — emergencies welcome

Your Federal Defense Attorney
Chris Nalchadjian
Founder & Lead Attorney — KN Law Firm, APLC

Attorney Nalchadjian has built KN Law Firm, APLC into one of Los Angeles County's respected criminal defense practices, with a particular emphasis on federal cases in the Central District of California. With over 1,000 cases defended across state and federal courts, he brings courtroom-tested experience at a level most defendants never see — and federal prosecutors know it.

Federal charges carry mandatory minimums, federal sentencing guidelines, and the full resources of the U.S. government. The difference between an attorney who appears in federal court occasionally and one who practices there regularly is the difference between a prepared defense and a reactive one.

California State Bar
U.S. District Court — C.D. Cal.
9th Circuit Court of Appeals
Client Reviews

What Our Clients Say

5.0 ★★★★★ · 48 Google reviews
“
★★★★★

Chris helped me through a very stressful situation, and I’m really happy with the service I received. He was easy to talk to, honest, and explained everything clearly. He made me feel confident and always kept me updated. Chris worked hard on my case and got me the best outcome possible. I’m very grateful for his help and would recommend him to anyone who needs a criminal defense attorney.

A
Arthur Kirakosian a month ago
“
★★★★★

KN Law Firm exceeded all my expectations. Khachik and his team were incredibly professional, responsive, and truly committed to helping me throughout the entire process of my car accident. They kept me updated every step of the way and made everything feel smooth and reassuring. I’m truly grateful for their dedication and highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and compassionate law firm.

J
Jacqueline Gevorkyan 2 months ago
“
★★★★★

I can’t say enough good things about Vahe and Chris and the way they handled my DUI criminal case. From the very beginning, they took the time to clearly explain every step of the process, what to expect in court, and the possible outcomes. They broke everything down in a way that was easy to understand, which really helped calm my nerves during a stressful time. Throughout the case, they were patient, responsive, and always willing to answer my questions—no matter how small. They made sure I understood my rights, my options, and the strategy they were using to defend me. I never felt left in the dark. What stood out the most was how supportive and professional they were. They treated me with respect, didn’t judge me, and genuinely cared about getting the best possible result. Their experience and confidence in the courtroom gave me a lot of reassurance. If anyone is going through a DUI case and needs attorneys who are knowledgeable, thorough, and truly invested in their clients, I highly recommend Vahe and Chris. They made a difficult situation much easier to handle, and I’m very grateful for their help.

A
Azo Kazaryan a month ago

Common Questions

Federal Defense FAQs

I received a federal target letter. What does that mean?

A target letter means federal prosecutors believe they have substantial evidence linking you to a federal crime and consider you a likely defendant. It usually invites you or your attorney to contact the prosecutor. Do not call the agent or prosecutor yourself. Speak with a federal defense attorney first, because what happens next can affect whether charges are filed.

How is a federal case different from a state criminal case?

Federal cases are brought by the U.S. Attorney's Office, investigated by agencies such as the FBI, DEA, HSI or IRS, and heard in U.S. District Court. They often involve months of investigation before anyone is charged, and some offenses carry mandatory minimum sentences and are sentenced under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Because the government usually builds its case before an arrest, getting a lawyer early matters.

Can a federal case be resolved without going to trial?

Yes. Most federal cases end without a trial, through negotiations with prosecutors, motions that challenge the evidence, plea or cooperation agreements, or sometimes a decision not to file charges at all. The right path depends on the facts of your case, so never accept an offer without advice from your own attorney.

What federal courts does KN Law Firm appear in?

KN Law Firm defends clients in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, which covers Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, and in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

How quickly should I hire a federal defense attorney?

As soon as you learn you may be under investigation, for example when agents contact you, you receive a target letter or grand jury subpoena, or a search warrant is served. A lawyer involved before charges are filed can protect your rights during questioning, speak with prosecutors on your behalf and, in some cases, influence whether or what charges are brought.

Chris Nalchadjian

Chris Nalchadjian

Founder · KN Law Firm, APLC

Federal Charges Won't Wait.
Neither Should You.

The government has already started building its case. Get experienced federal defense counsel on your side today — free, confidential, no obligation.

Call (888) 950-0011Free consultation · 24/7 Or request a free case review