What is the ballpark figure an attorney charges for a federal case? it would be defending conspiracy to commit a crime, intent to posses and distribute drugs in an ATF sting operation?
I don't post fee quotations to the internet, especially since I know nothing at all about you, your case, what drugs, how much, your prior criminal history, etc. Suffice it to say these are serious charges and you should expect to pay serious money.
There is no 'ball park' other than the range of from 0 to many tens of thousands of dollars. Every case if different and needs to be negotiated between the client and attorney as to what is the fee basis - flat fee, hourly fee, per appearance day fee, etc. Federal felony defense, meaning fighting the case and taking it to trial to try to avoid prison, is not going to be cheap, but I'm reasonable. If serious about this, feel free to contact me.
Many lawyers charge by the hour. Many others would work for a flat fee, but they would need to know more about the case before they would give you a quote. Even then, different attorneys would probably quote you very different amounts. Bear in mind that some lawyers are more skilled than others. Also, the most expensive often aren't the best, just as the least expensive often aren't the worst.