By: Daniel Perlman
A federal criminal charge means the government believes a person or organization broke a federal law. Local or state authorities handle most crimes in the U.S., but federal crimes are more serious. These cases involve violations of federal law and are handled through the federal criminal process. Federal agencies, such as the FBI, lead federal investigations to gather evidence.
Federal crimes come with harsh punishments, including long imprisonment, large fines, and other penalties. Because parole was eliminated for federal sentences after 1987, anyone convicted of a federal crime will likely serve the full sentence, with only a small reduction for good behavior.
If you are facing federal criminal charges, it is critical to act fast. Reach out to our seasoned attorneys at Perlman Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers immediately. We know how the federal criminal process works and will fight to protect your rights and future.
If you have been arrested and charged with a federal criminal offense, you need to act quickly to protect your rights and put a solid defense strategy in motion, but how do you know what to do first and where to turn for help?
Perlman Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers know how devastating it can be to be wrongfully accused of a crime and how important it is to know what to do first when faced with a federal criminal charge so you can avoid making any mistakes that could hurt your case. That is why we have compiled a comprehensive list of the first steps you should take after being arrested and charged with a federal crime.
You probably already know that you will need to hire a defense attorney to represent your case, but if you don't already have an attorney, finding one that best suits your needs can be a difficult task. The best advice we can give you is to consider the crime you are accused of committing and then start doing some research in that area of criminal defense.
Find a selection of attorneys who specialize in federal criminal defense and have extensive experience handling cases like yours in federal court.
Once you have narrowed down your list to a few federal criminal defense attorneys, schedule face-to-face consultations with each one. There is nothing wrong with consulting with an attorney and then deciding to go with someone else, but you want to make sure you feel completely comfortable with the attorney you hire, so don't make a final decision until you have spoken with each attorney.
Perlman Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers offers prospective clients a free consultation for this very reason: so they can meet with our legal team and determine whether it's a good fit.
Finding the right attorney to represent your case may take some time, and in the meantime, you will want to learn everything you can about the criminal charges you are facing.
Whatever criminal charge you face, you must get your facts straight to give your attorney a clear picture of the events as you remember them. As soon as you are charged with a crime, you should begin writing down everything you can think of that might pertain to your case.
Our memory isn't as reliable as we might like, and good written notes can give your attorney a better understanding of the facts of your case. If you decide to take notes, write “Attorney Client Privileged” at the top of each page and explain at the beginning of the document that the notes are for your attorney to review.
If you know what the case is about, you can begin collecting any documents that you think might be relevant to the case and make copies of them for your attorney. It's likely these documents won't come into play until later, but it doesn't hurt to have this step done in advance.
If you are facing a federal criminal charge, it means you are accused of violating one or more federal statutes, which are laws enacted by Congress.
Federal criminal offenses are investigated by federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, and IRS and are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office, representing the United States government. There are thousands of federal statutes penalizing a great number of criminal activities. It is important that you understand the criminal charges you are facing as well as your rights and options under the law.
The state government in California and the federal government are “dual sovereigns,” which means they can enact their own laws and prosecute crimes according to those laws.
Unfortunately, that means there are certain situations in which you can be charged with a crime in both state and federal court if your conduct violated both state and federal laws without the constitutional protection against double jeopardy being violated.
In the federal criminal justice system, it is possible for the government to bring criminal charges against a defendant who has already been convicted or acquitted of a state crime.
The federal court process is very different from the state process, and so long as you've hired an attorney with a background representing defendants in federal court, he can give you a detailed explanation of what you can expect during each stage of the court process. Some important steps in a federal criminal case include the following:
Your attorney will be a valuable legal resource throughout the course of your criminal case, so don't be afraid to ask any questions you may have about your charges or the court process. Knowing what to expect as your case progresses can help you stay calm and focused, which is extremely important when facing a federal criminal charge.
There are three main ways a federal criminal case can be resolved: the charges can be dismissed, the prosecution and defense can negotiate a plea bargain, or the case can proceed to trial. Some defense attorneys tend to push clients to accept a plea deal so they can reach a quick resolution to the case and avoid the trial process altogether.
Perlman Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers are committed to helping guide our clients toward the resolution that gets them the best outcome possible based on their specific circumstances. For some defendants, that means rejecting a plea deal and going to trial, and if that's the case for you, you will want a defense attorney in your corner who can adequately prepare you for and effectively represent you during a federal criminal trial.
You should feel comfortable with your attorney and the manner in which he is representing you, but you shouldn't get too involved in the specifics of your defense. So long as you agree with his defense strategy, let your attorney run your defense. He knows more about the law than you do, he has experience in federal court, and he knows what defense strategy makes the most sense based on the specific facts of your case.
Since we have shared the most important things you should do right away when you are arrested and charged with a federal offense, we will also detail some of the things you should do in this situation. The following are some of the things you should avoid when you are faced with a federal criminal charge.
It may seem obvious to say, but if you are facing federal criminal charges, you need a federal criminal defense attorney representing your case.
You don't want an attorney who specializes in DUI defense attempting to navigate the complicated federal statutes regarding drug trafficking or embezzlement, nor do you want to spend years in prison because you chose an inexperienced attorney who didn't know what he was doing.
If you find yourself with an unqualified attorney leading your defense, you will almost certainly not be happy with the results. When faced with a federal criminal charge, your future is quite literally on the line, and you need the legal assistance of a skilled criminal defense attorney with extensive proficiency in defending clients against federal criminal charges like yours.
Defendants in criminal cases have the right to represent themselves so long as a judge determines that they are capable of understanding and participating in the proceedings at hand. However, just because you legally can represent yourself in court doesn't mean you should.
Unless you have an extensive background in criminal defense, a comprehensive familiarity with federal criminal law, and the ability to analyze and interpret the evidence and compose a competent defense approach, you would only be doing yourself a disservice by representing yourself in your case.
Facing charges for a federal crime is scary and overwhelming, especially if you are innocent. But remember, being charged is not the same as being convicted. In federal cases, the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which is the highest standard in any court.
It might feel like federal officers and prosecutors have all the power, but you are not alone. With an experienced defense lawyer and a strong strategy, you can fight back. A skilled attorney can challenge the evidence and protect your rights. The key is to stay focused and work with someone who knows how to handle federal cases.
Facing a federal criminal charge can be one of the toughest challenges in your life. The outcome of your case could change your future forever. It’s important to ask your lawyer any questions you have. Before hiring a lawyer and during your case, ask about their experience, the court process, the possible penalties, and how they will defend you.
Your lawyer will work closely with you, so you should know their plan and feel comfortable. Make sure you and your lawyer are clear about everything from the start. Asking questions helps you stay informed and ensures you are prepared for what’s ahead.
Facing a federal criminal charge is an extremely serious matter; we won't try to tell you that it isn't. But with the right attorney handling your defense, you can significantly improve your chances of beating the charge and moving on with your life. Don't panic, just prepare.
Facing a federal offense can be overwhelming. Going up against the federal government in court is tough, especially if you don’t know how the criminal justice system works. This is why having an experienced lawyer by your side is so important. Perlman Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers understand how stressful it is for you and your family to face the possibility of being convicted and sent to prison for years -- or even life.
If you are under investigation or called before a grand jury, having an attorney present can make all the difference. Our skilled lawyers fight to protect your rights and build the strongest defense possible. No matter what federal offense you are accused of, we are here to help. Contact Perlman Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with our dedicated legal team.
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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