Last modified: May 17, 2026
Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
Johnson/Citronberg is a nationally recognized litigation firm that focuses exclusively on complex criminal defense cases. With offices in Alexandria, Virginia and Atlanta, Georgia, we represent clients across the country in federal criminal cases.
By employing highly-skilled investigators, leading experts, and the latest technology, we have been able to achieve a truly impressive list of dismissals, acquittals, and some of the most lenient sentences possible. Some of the areas that we specialize in include:
CALL US TODAY 855-959-4003
FEDERAL SEX CRIMES
Federal sex crime charges carry severe consequences that can alter the course of your life. Our lawyers have years of experience defending these cases across the country, and we are one of the few firms that truly specializes in this area — using computer forensics experts and aggressive pretrial motions to pursue dismissals and sentence reductions.
FEDERAL INVESTIGATIONS
Federal investigations can begin long before any charges are filed, leaving individuals uncertain about their rights and next steps. Our lawyers represent clients in federal court nationwide and have the expertise to handle complex federal investigations, ensuring you receive the strongest possible defense from day one.
FEDERAL WHITE COLLAR CRIMES
Federal white collar crimes carry severe penalties, including substantial prison time and financial consequences. Our lawyers have years of experience defending clients against a wide range of federal charges — from wire fraud and money laundering to health care fraud, false statements, and mortgage fraud.
FEDERAL DRUG CRIMES
Federal drug crimes, including conspiracy, are serious offenses with harsh consequences. Even before you are formally charged, an experienced attorney can safeguard your rights and work to minimize potential penalties. We thoroughly investigate every case and negotiate aggressively on your behalf.
FEDERAL APPEALS
A federal conviction is not the end of the road. Direct appeals and 2255 motions (habeas corpus) are important tools for challenging wrongful convictions and unfair sentences in federal court. Hiring an experienced federal appellate lawyer as soon as possible after sentencing is critical to a successful outcome.
Related Practice Areas
Case Results
Pilot Found Not Guilty in Major Federal Drug Conspiracy Case
Our client was a pilot and retired military officer. He was accused of knowingly transporting a large quantity of cocaine from southern Texas to Atlanta. If convicted, he likely would have died in prison. We were able to show a jury that our client had no knowledge of the drugs on board his aircraft. The jury returned a not guilty verdict in less than an hour of deliberating.
Federal Judge in Eastern District of Virginia Gives Lowest Possible Sentence to Autistic Client
Our client, a federal employee, was convicted of federal child pornography charges. Based on his autism diagnosis, we convinced a federal judge to give the lowest sentence possible.
Time-Served Sentence in Major Federal Drug Conspiracy Case in Atlanta
Our client was facing life in prison after being charged in a wide-sweeping drug conspiracy case in the Northern District of Georgia. We were able to show that our client was abused by her husband and forced to ingest drugs, which led her becoming addicted. The judge determined that her culpability was the least of the many who were charged and granted our request for a sentence of ‘time-served’ which means no additional jail time. Our client was able to go home to her children the same day that she was sentenced.
Dismissal of Child Pornography Charges in Richmond, Virginia for Autistic Client
Our client, a working professional, was charged with distribution of child pornography after law enforcement raided his home. We helped our autistic client and convinced the court to defer all charges for dismissal due to his disability.
Where We Practice
While many of our cases are in the Eastern District of Virginia and the Northern District of Georgia, we have represented clients in federal court from Washington State to Florida and everywhere in between. If you are looking for an aggressive, passionate law firm to fight back against the U.S. government, you have come to the right place.
From our offices in Alexandria, Virginia and Atlanta, Georgia, we are able to take on even the most complex federal matters anywhere in the country. We understand that federal court can be a challenging environment, but our lawyers have the experience and skill to get the best possible results for our clients. Below you can learn more about the federal practice areas that our lawyers have experience in handling.
Contact Our Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers for Assistance
No matter how serious the charges are that you are facing, we are fully prepared to assist you. Contact us at 855-959-4003, or by e-mail using our secure online form.
Federal Criminal Defense Legal Resources
- U.S. Department of Justice – Sample Target Letter — Gives users a better understanding of what a federal target letter is and why early legal counsel matters.
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia — Useful for people with cases, hearings, or filings in one of the firm’s primary federal jurisdictions.
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia — Helpful for users navigating federal proceedings in another key jurisdiction served by the firm.
- U.S. Courts – Criminal Cases — Explains how federal criminal cases typically proceed, including pretrial motions, trial, and sentencing.
- Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure — Provides the official procedural rules that govern federal criminal cases in U.S. district courts.
- Federal Bureau of Prisons – Inmate Locator — Helps families and loved ones locate individuals in federal custody.
Federal Criminal Defense in Key Jurisdictions Like Virginia and Georgia
Federal criminal cases often move through some of the country’s busiest and most demanding court systems. From Alexandria, Virginia, near the federal legal activity of the Eastern District of Virginia, to Atlanta, home to one of the South’s major business and transportation hubs, federal investigations and prosecutions can place enormous pressure on individuals, families, and professionals. In these high-stakes environments, early legal guidance can make a meaningful difference.
Johnson/Citronberg, PLLC represents clients in federal matters across the country while maintaining strong ties to key jurisdictions such as the Eastern District of Virginia and the Northern District of Georgia. With a defense strategy tailored to federal procedure, complex investigations, and the realities of U.S. district court practice, clients can move forward with stronger protection of their rights, freedom, and future.
Meet Our Attorneys
Jess Johnson
Jess B. Johnson is a Partner & Founder at Johnson/Citronberg, PLLC with more than 15 years of experience in criminal defense and civil litigation. He represents clients in federal courts across the country and is licensed in Georgia, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Jess has handled complex investigations, trials, and appeals for elected officials, business leaders, whistleblowers, and individuals. He has secured dismissals, acquittals, favorable sentences, and major whistleblower awards. A University of Georgia graduate, Jess was selected as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers Magazine every year since 2012.
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Cary Jacob Citronberg
Cary Jacob Citronberg is the Partner and Founder of Johnson/Citronberg, PLLC in Alexandria, Virginia, where he focuses on federal and state criminal defense matters. Licensed in Virginia since 2011, he brings more than 14 years of courtroom experience along with a strong record of advocacy. Cary received his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 2010 after earning his B.A. from Northwestern University in 2006. His work has been repeatedly recognized by Super Lawyers, with selections as a Rising Star from 2016 through 2021 and to the Super Lawyers list from 2022 through 2025.
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