FEDERAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE
In addition to our white collar practice, Kelleter Law routinely handles the full range of criminal cases in federal court, including matters involving maritime investigations, complex narcotics and firearms charges, and post-conviction relief. As a federal criminal defense attorney, Trey Kelleter brings decades of experience navigating high-stakes cases across the Eastern District of Virginia and beyond, both at trial and during sensitive investigative phases.
Maritime Cases
Kelleter Law advises domestic and international maritime businesses, as well as vessel officers and crew members, in Coast Guard investigations and federal criminal proceedings. Past representations include:
- An engineer of an international cargo vessel prosecuted for alleged oily water separator pollution offenses, resulting in his full acquittal at a federal jury trial.
- An international shipping line in a Coast Guard investigation arising from a vessel collision off the East Coast.
- A captain of a commercial vessel in a seaman’s manslaughter investigation arising from a significant vessel collision resulting in multiple deaths.
- Numerous other clients, as owner, charterer, or crew, in oily water separator environmental crimes investigations.
- A large fish wholesaler involved in the criminal investigation of alleged Lacey Act violations involving large scale harvesting in prohibited zones.
- A commercial fisherman and a sport fisherman investigated federally in separate cases for alleged harvesting in prohibited zones.
- Additionally, Trey Kelleter, Attorney at Kelleter Law, has been recognized as one of the Go-To Lawyers by Virginia Lawyers Weekly in October 2025 for his extensive experience in federal maritime criminal defense. With 28 years of practice, Trey regularly handles complex pollution crimes and Lacey Act violations for international shipping lines, commercial fisheries, and maritime businesses.
Narcotics and Firearms Cases
As a trusted federal defense attorney, Trey Kelleter has handled dozens of cases involving complex, multi-defendant drug conspiracies. Kelleter Law has also represented clients in a range of federal firearms cases, including:
- Multiple 924(c) cases involving the use of a firearm in drug trafficking or crimes of violence
- Multiple 922(g) cases involving felons in the possession of a firearm
- Multiple 924(e) cases involving the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA)
Collateral Relief
Kelleter Law also provides representation in post-conviction and habeas cases, helping clients pursue relief after sentencing through strategic legal motions and petitions, including:
- Multiple clients seeking to terminate supervised release
- Multiple clients seeking compassionate release from the Bureau of Prisons
- Multiple clients seeking habeas and Sections 2254 and 2255 relief from federal and state convictions and sentences
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Eastern District of Virginia, and why does it matter?
The Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) is known for its quick-moving federal docket, often called the “Rocket Docket.” Cases proceed quickly, making early legal intervention critical.
What are common maritime crimes prosecuted federally?
Maritime criminal cases may involve pollution violations (such as oily water separator bypasses), vessel collisions, safety violations, and fisheries offenses under laws like MARPOL and the Lacey Act.
Can I be charged in federal court for drug or firearm offenses?
Yes. Federal prosecutors routinely bring charges involving drug conspiracies, firearms possession, and the use of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. These charges often carry mandatory minimum sentences and require experienced federal defense.
What is post-conviction relief, and how do I know if I qualify?
Post-conviction relief includes efforts to reduce or overturn a sentence after conviction, such as compassionate release, habeas corpus petitions, or motions to terminate supervised release. A qualified federal criminal defense attorney can assess your eligibility based on your case history.