Seeking skilled legal representation becomes indispensable when one is under federal scrutiny or indictment for various types of federal crimes. At Chambers Law Firm we understand the intersections and unique differences between state and federal criminal defense strategies.
Facing an investigation by a federal law enforcement agency can be daunting, and it is crucial that you exercise your right to remain silent and promptly seek counsel from an expert federal criminal defense attorney. Timely intervention from a seasoned legal professional can often tip the scales towards a favorable case outcome.
Unfortunately, not all criminal attorneys are adept at handling federal cases, given the specialized expertise and knowledge required of federal statutes and court processes. Some federal offenses can be multifaceted with substantial evidence requiring careful evaluation to devise a sound defense strategy. Due to this complexity, many attorneys lack the resources or experience to undertake such cases. At Chambers Law Firm, we offer phone consultations at 714-760-4088 for defendants and family members to discuss representation options.
Understanding Federal Prosecution and Enforcement Agencies
The United States government prosecutes federal crimes. Unlike state crimes, which fall under the jurisdiction of the District Attorney’s Office of the respective states, federal prosecutions are handled by the United States Attorney’s Office – a segment of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Federal crime investigations involve several law enforcement agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Department of Homeland Security, United States Marshals Service, among others. It is noteworthy that these federal agents often collaborate with local state law enforcement authorities in conducting sting operations or executing search warrants.
The Value of Early Intervention from a Federal Defense Attorney
Federal law enforcement agents often attempt to interview a defendant to obtain incriminating statements during an investigation. As such, prompt legal representation is crucial to navigate any interaction with government agents.
Although charges cannot always be avoided, the early intervention of an attorney might present opportunities for pre-indictment plea agreements or even cooperation, depending on the case specifics. Such early action could place the defendant in a more favorable position than others who choose to wait for an indictment.
Our team at Chambers Law Firm has successfully managed numerous cases where defendants collaborated with our attorneys to negotiate with law enforcement and federal prosecutors for a satisfactory disposition before the case was formally filed in federal court.
Unraveling Differences between Federal and State Courts
Once a criminal case is filed in federal court, the defendant must make a crucial choice – negotiate a plea agreement or contest the case in a federal jury trial.
Federal court plea negotiations are significantly more formal than state court processes, often involving formal written documents detailing factual basis, explicit appeal waivers, and sentence recommendation agreements. In stark contrast to state court plea deals, a federal plea deal rarely guarantees a fixed sentence to the defendant. Instead, the federal prosecutor typically agrees not to seek a sentence exceeding a certain amount, while the defendant agrees not to request a sentence lesser than a specific amount.
Federal Sentencing Guidelines and Jury Trials
Unlike state courts, federal sentencing utilizes the United States Sentencing Guidelines. At first glance, this might seem like a straightforward calculation of a prison term based on the offense level and criminal history. However, the defense advocacy for federal criminal defendants often hinges on arguing the applicability of departure factors that permit a federal judge to reduce or increase a guideline sentence based on various factors.
Owing to federal case law, the guidelines range is “advisory,” giving the federal sentencing judge significant discretion to deviate from the guidelines based on several factors. A persuasive sentencing memorandum by a federal criminal attorney can play a crucial role in influencing the judge to depart from the guidelines range, potentially resulting in a significantly reduced sentence.
Contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 if you require a free legal consultation with a federal defense attorney.
