When You Need Legal Defense for Federal Charges, Hire an Experienced Federal Defense Lawyer to Aggressively Defend Your Rights.
The federal government has the power to prosecute criminal acts committed on federal property or that cross state lines. They also prosecute a number of federally defined crimes, which include but are not limited to, embezzlement, bank and wire fraud, as well as financial, drug, and gun crimes. A federal defense lawyer is an essential defense against notoriously harsh prosecution and punishments. When you need a federal defense lawyer on your side, we’re here to help.
If you or a loved one is under investigation or facing federal criminal charges, contact the federal defense lawyers at Rudolf, Smith, Griffis & Ruggieri, LLP today to discuss the details of your case: (508) 570-3037 or fill out a contact form online.
How Federal Crimes Are Brought to Trial and Prosecuted
Federal crimes are prosecuted in United States district courts by appointed federal prosecutors and tried by district court judges who hold lifetime appointments. Most federal cases follow this path or similar. A federal defense lawyer provides vital support from your very first encounter with law enforcement. Here are important terms that you should know.
- Investigation. Investigation. During investigation – which can last months or even years – you might be contacted by federal officials from agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, United States Secret Service or even Homeland Security. These various agencies are employed to collect and report information to federal prosecutors, in their respective districts.
- Indictment. An indictment occurs when charges are formally brought against a defendant, because there is a belief that a crime was committed. Federal law requires the US government to present sufficient evidence to an empaneled group of grand jury members, in which a minimum of 12 must vote in the affirmative, in order for the defendant to be officially charged.
- Arrest. A warrant can be issued against a defendant for their arrest once charges are established against them.
- Initial hearing and arraignment. Arraignment refers to a defendant’s first appearance in front of the judge, and is when they are formally presented with the charges. During this time, the defendant is asked whether they will plead guilty or not guilty.
- Discovery. During discovery, the prosecution shares documents or evidence they used to form their case with your federal defense lawyer. Your defense attorney can then use that information to begin to develop a strong defense strategy.
- Pre-trial motions. Prior to trial, your federal defense attorney can request that the court decide as to certain issues that may affect the trial, courtroom, evidence or testimony. Common pre-trial motions include but are not limited to, motion to dismiss, motion to suppress or motion for change in venue. During this stage of the trial process, your federal defense attorney can help determine whether accepting a plea bargain (if available) or moving forward to trial is in your best interest.
- Trial. During trial the facts of the defendant’s case are presented to the jury by the prosecution and the defense. Evidence is used to prove whether the defendant did or did not commit the crime.
- Post-trial motions. If convicted, there are several post-trial motions a defendant and their federal defense lawyer can consider, including motion for a new trial, acquittal, or to correct a clerical error.
- Sentencing. In a federal criminal trial, the judge will receive guidance for sentencing as to minimum and maximum punishments available, from such sources as sentencing commissions. A judge also has the discretion to consider outside factors such as whether the defendant has committed the same crime prior, and even whether the defendant expresses regret.
- Appeal. The defense can appeal after sentencing if they believe they were wrongly convicted or given a sentence that is too harsh.
Your Best Defense Is With a Federal Defense Lawyer
If you are being charged in a federal court, it is reasonable to assume that the prosecution can and will devote a lot of time, resources, and energy to proving your guilt. It takes a determined federal defense lawyer to stand against the power of a federal prosecutor. Our federal defense lawyers know your rights are committed to providing the highest quality legal defense to pursue a favorable outcome for you. Always remember, just because you have been accused does not mean you will be convicted.
If you want to achieve the best possible outcome for your federal case, our team of attorneys at Rudolf, Smith, Griffis & Ruggieri, LLP are ready to speak with you. To request a free consultation or to simply get in touch, call (508) 570-3037 or fill out a contact form on the website.