If you have been accused of a federal crime, you need an attorney who specializes in federal crimes. New York criminal attorneys with state experience will not be able to adequately defend you against a serious federal case.
Unlike cases in New York state court, federal cases are prosecuted by agencies with virtually unlimited resources. Consequently, federal investigations are thorough and complex.
Experience
Federal criminal law is complex, and a lawyer who specializes in the area can help you avoid serious consequences. A good Manhattan federal attorney will focus on the facts of your case and develop a strategy to prove your innocence or convince a judge that you deserve a lighter sentence. This process involves presenting character references, background information, friend and family testimonies, extenuating circumstances, and other mitigating factors to the court.
In general, federal cases involve crimes that violate federal law or that are prosecuted by the US Department of Justice. Unlike state crimes, federal prosecutions receive more attention and move through the legal system at an expedited pace. Moreover, crimes committed in federal courts have more severe penalties than state offenses. Therefore, it is imperative that you interview a number of federal defense attorneys before choosing one to represent you in a criminal case. An experienced NYC federal criminal defense lawyer can explain how federal sentencing guidelines may impact your case during a private consultation.
Knowledge of the Law
The federal criminal attorneys understand the rules and procedures of the federal court system. They have the experience to identify the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and present a vigorous defense. They have successfully defended clients against various crimes including white collar crime, tax fraud and mail fraud, drug offenses, money laundering and murder.
It is crucial that you have an experienced Manhattan federal lawyer on your side if you are accused of a federal crime in New York. This is because federal cases receive noticeably more attention and move through the legal process faster than state crimes.
In addition, a top federal criminal attorney is familiar with the various government agencies that investigate these types of cases. A knowledgeable lawyer will advise you not to talk to law enforcement officers or give a statement without first consulting with an attorney. This is because speaking with a federal agent can cause you to waive your constitutional rights.
Reputation
It is important to hire a federal criminal defense lawyer with a good reputation. This means that they have an excellent track record of successfully defending their clients and have a well-deserved reputation for honesty and integrity. In addition, they should be able to clearly explain the case to you and answer your questions.
Remember that federal cases are much different than state cases, and the law is extremely complex. Federal prosecutors have unlimited resources and highly trained investigators. The same goes for the judges who handle these cases, although their court dockets are typically not packed with as many cases as those of state judges.
It is also important to find out how experienced the attorney is in federal courts. Be wary of attorneys who claim to have a special relationship with a judge or prosecutor. While it is beneficial to have an attorney who has worked with a particular prosecutor in the past, their relationship should never be used as leverage or an attempt to influence the outcome of your case.
Fees
The thought of the federal government investigating you or bringing criminal charges against you can be terrifying. This is why it is crucial to get an attorney right away if you think you are being targeted by the Feds. A New York federal criminal lawyer will be able to defend you in these matters and also be knowledgeable of federal laws and the penalties that could be imposed.
Federal cases are costly, and the cost of a lawyer will add up quickly. In addition to the direct fees charged by the attorney, there are other costs that can be incurred such as copying and transcription charges, travel expenses and expert witness fees.
Some attorneys may charge by the hour, while others will take a flat fee or retainer. The latter entails the attorney depositing a certain amount of money in an account that will be drawn from as the case progresses. Some attorneys may charge a separate fee for each hearing, which can be very expensive as there are often multiple hearings in a case that is not going to trial.
