This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founder, Daniel Perlman who has years of legal experience as a Federal Crimes attorney. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.
Being accused of a federal offense is an extremely serious matter, and when it comes to hiring a federal criminal defense lawyer to defend you against federal criminal charges, remember that not all lawyers are equal.
Suppose you have been arrested by federal authorities or charged with a crime at the federal level. In that case, you will want to be represented by a seasoned, well-respected federal criminal defense lawyer who can ensure that you are aware of the nature of the charges against you, aggressively fight for your rights, and help you get the best possible outcome in your case.
Facing criminal charges in federal court may be one of the hardest things you ever have to do. You need a federal defense lawyer in your corner who will ensure you understand what lies ahead and how to best handle each step as it comes your way. Perlman Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers represent defendants in various criminal cases, and we can give you your best chance at a winning defense.
Suppose you have just discovered that you are involved in a federal criminal investigation or have been indicted in federal court. In that case, you need a lawyer, not just any lawyer. You need an experienced and tenacious federal criminal defense lawyer you can rely on to aggressively protect your rights and represent your best interests throughout your case; one who has a good reputation, is well-respected within the legal community, and knows the law like the back of his hand.
A few tips for hiring the best federal criminal defense attorney to represent you include:
The very first thing you should consider when hiring a lawyer to represent your case is what kind of lawyer you need. You'll want to search for a lawyer specializing in his practice in the specific area of the law that applies to your case.
For instance, you wouldn't want to hire a DUI lawyer to defend you against white-collar crime charges, nor would you want a drug trafficking defense lawyer representing you in your divorce.
If you are facing charges in federal court for a white-collar crime, drug-related offense, sex crime, violent crime, or fraud offense, you need to hire a criminal defense attorney who has familiarity handling these types of charges at the federal level. You want a lawyer who is familiar with the area of the law that applies to your case, but you don't want to make the mistake of getting too specific.
If you are accused of a drug-related crime like drug manufacturing, finding a lawyer who has dealt with the specific federal statute under which you are being charged is less important than finding one who knows his way around the federal court process and has a considerable background representing defendants in federal drug cases.
Your criminal defense lawyer will be your most trusted resource, so it is imperative that you and your lawyer have a good relationship and communicate well.
It is up to your lawyer to ensure that you understand the charges you are facing, your rights under the law, and the options available based on your case's specific facts.
Your federal lawyer is also the person responsible for putting together a solid defense and presenting your side of the story to the federal government, and you will be doing yourself a great disservice if you hire a lawyer with poor communication skills.
You may be tempted to hire a lawyer who guarantees a good outcome in your case, but that lawyer is only telling you what you want to hear to get hired. When it comes to choosing the lawyer who will stand between you and a potential prison sentence, honesty and integrity are far more valuable than arrogance, bravado, and empty promises.
A good lawyer will, after conducting a thorough evaluation of your case, give you a sincere and straightforward assessment as to how the prosecution will proceed, but he won't make any promises that he can't deliver on.
Generally speaking, the cost of a federal criminal defense lawyer depends on how complex the case is. Some lawyers charge a flat fee, others charge by the hour, and others still charge fees for specific parts of a criminal case. You'll want to know this right off the bat when comparing potential lawyers to determine what you can afford.
Perlman Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers offers a free initial consultation. This means you can have a skilled federal criminal defense lawyer review your case without being obligated to hire our firm.
Scheduling a face-to-face consultation can help you determine whether you feel comfortable with a particular lawyer and have confidence in his expertise and analysis of your criminal case. If time allows, you can consult several lawyers to find the lawyer that best suits your legal needs.
Many law firms will offer a free consultation, and there is nothing wrong with consulting with a lawyer and then deciding to go with someone else.
If you've done the research, arranged consultations, and asked the right questions, you've probably narrowed your choice down to a couple of good options.
If both fit your specialty, experience, and cost criteria, go with the seasoned federal defense attorney you feel most comfortable with. You will spend a good amount of time with your lawyer, and you both have to want to work together.
Whether you have received a target letter from a federal prosecutor, have been charged with a federal crime, or are preparing to face trial or sentencing, it is important to know your rights. The right to legal counsel is one of the most essential rights you are afforded under federal criminal law.
Once you hire a criminal defense lawyer to represent you, it should be his top priority to ensure that you know your rights through each stage of the criminal process and work hard to protect those rights.
Now that you know how to hire the right federal criminal defense lawyer, you should also be aware of what you should do when choosing a lawyer to represent your case. The following are some things you should avoid if you have been accused of committing a federal crime and you need to hire legal counsel.
If you don't know a federal crimes attorney, it's not a bad idea to get a recommendation from a friend or family member. However, keep in mind that the outcome of your criminal case can determine the course of the rest of your life.
Don't hire a lawyer only because someone you barely know says he's the best. Ask someone whose opinion you trust, then do your research. Read client testimonials, find out how the lawyer charges clients and what his success rate is, and ask what area of the law he specializes in.
One of the biggest mistakes people make about a federal criminal case is waiting to hire a lawyer. No matter what stage your criminal case is in, we can confidently tell you that it's rarely too early to retain legal counsel.
In many cases, a federal criminal investigation goes on for months or years before charges are filed, which means if you have been charged with a crime, your lawyer likely has a lot of catching up to do to even the playing field. Hire a good lawyer and hire him early, and you can significantly improve your chances of winning your case.
This is one of the most important decisions you will ever have to make, so when you are selecting a criminal defense lawyer, don't be afraid to ask exactly how he can help you. The following are some questions you will probably want answers to:
A plea bargain is one way to resolve a criminal case; sometimes, it’s the best choice. However, not all cases should end with a plea. Some lawyers push clients to take plea deals just to avoid the work of going to trial. This isn’t fair to you.
Perlman Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers focus on what’s best for you. We give clear advice and strong representation at every step of your case. If the evidence against you is very strong, we may suggest a plea deal to reduce penalties. But if you can win at trial and want to go to court, we are ready to fight for you.
You deserve a lawyer who explains all your options and works to get the best outcome for your case. We are here to stand by your side and defend your rights.
After hiring a lawyer, trust them to handle your case. If you are confident in their skill and expertise, let them focus on building the best defense. While it’s natural to want input since it’s your future at stake, there are important things to keep in mind:
Your lawyer knows how to deal with federal prosecutors and understands how federal sentencing guidelines apply to your case. This expertise is crucial in getting through complex legal matters and creating a strong strategy. You should feel comfortable with your lawyer's approach, but it’s best not to interfere with their work. Trust their knowledge to guide you toward the best possible outcome.
If you are facing federal criminal charges for a federal offense, the government's main objective is to ensure that you are convicted of the crime, and it has the time, money, and manpower necessary to do this.
That being said, the federal government is held to a high standard of proof in criminal cases. To get a conviction for a white-collar crime or another federal offense, the government must prove the crime “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Don't assume that because you have been arrested for a federal offense, your case is hopeless. You can only lawfully be convicted of the crime in question if the prosecution can prove each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
Hiring a federal defense lawyer can feel confusing and stressful, especially if you’ve never dealt with the federal criminal process before. Perlman Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers work hard to make everything simple and clear for you.
Our lawyers have years of experience defending people accused of breaking federal law. We are known for being skilled, professional, and ready to challenge the federal government in court. Choosing the right lawyer is critical. It could be the difference between going to prison or keeping your freedom.
Contact us today. We’ll start working immediately to build a strong defense for your case, protect your rights, and help secure your future.
Daniel R. Perlman, the founding attorney at Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers, leverages his extensive background as a former prosecutor to provide superior defense strategies for clients across federal courtrooms. Earning his Juris Doctor from the Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law, he first honed his legal skills with the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office.
This diverse experience enables him to advocate effectively, understanding prosecution tactics intimately, which he expertly counters in defense of his clients. With a profound commitment to justice, Daniel leads his team in tackling complex federal cases, from white-collar crimes to violent offenses, ensuring the highest level of defense through every phase of the criminal process.
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