Ineffective assistance of counsel?
criminal defense attorney Washington Aug 19, 2026
I was federally indicted for wire fraud in 2024 and given 3 days to either sign a plea deal for 8 years or go to trial. I made less than $50,000 in consulting fees from this transaction but am being charged with nearly $50 million. I 100% categorically denied the allegations and played no part in this scheme. My federal public defender tells me I was facing a completely different case from a different AUSA who said they would not charge me in that case if I sign this plea. He also said if I did not sign I would be indicted with the two main culprits vs. a cooperating defendant who played a minor role. So I reluctantly signed and am waiting for sentencing. Fast forward to today, I've been able to uncover hundreds of text messages and email evidence that proves the majority of the allegations in the statement of facts were a gross misrepresentation if not outright lies. My question is if I should either 1) disclose this to my lawyer or try to replace him with another federal public defender and/or 2) do I have a chance in arguing prosecutorial misconduct and/or 3) do I withdraw my guilty plea and argue ineffective assistance of counsel or 4) none of the above and bring all this up at sentencing? Location: Washington DC
