If you have been charged with a federal crime, you are most likely frightened and intimidated. Because of the seriousness of these charges, you should contact a Tustin federal criminal defense lawyer who has a proven track record of success. The stakes are much higher when you are facing these charges. Hiring a skilled criminal defense attorney could mean the difference between maintaining your dignity and freedom and serving time in prison. Our attorneys at The Law Office of Scott D. Henry are successful at managing federal cases and could provide you with an effective defense.
Every federal case is unique, but all are serious in nature and punished harshly. Some of the more common types of federal crimes include:
These crimes are punishable by a higher legal authority. Individuals facing federal charges should be proactive and seek the representation of a reputable defense lawyer in Tustin as soon as possible to increase their chance of obtaining a positive outcome.
Federal crimes violate a law passed by the United States Congress. These laws are intended to punish crimes that are considered serious offenses against the nation. These crimes are prosecuted by the United States Department of Justice and the United States Attorney’s Office. Additionally, federal courts follow substantially different rules and procedures and typically result in harsher penalties.
In contrast, a state crime violates a law that has been passed by the state legislature. State offenses are prosecuted by a district attorney under the jurisdiction of the state penal code. An experienced attorney in Tustin could determine how these differences may impact a particular federal case.
After an arrest, the defendant must go through the arraignment process. A federal magistrate judge will inform the defendant of their rights and the charges against them. The individual will enter a plea, which is usually a plea of not guilty. The judge will then either release them on their own recognizance or set bail that must be posted before they can be released.
After the arraignment, there are numerous court appearances where a defense attorney in Tustin would obtain evidence in a federal case and attempt to resolve the matter before trial. It is important to note that it is typically more difficult to obtain a plea deal these cases, but with the assistance of a skilled legal professional, it still may be possible. If a resolution cannot be reached, the case would then go to trial.
These courts have strict sentencing guidelines that are determined by the United States Sentencing Guidelines. Federal court judges are not allowed to use their discretion to decide what sentence is appropriate for a given crime. They must adhere to the guidelines set forth for all federal convictions. That is why it is essential to obtain the representation of an experienced attorney who can work to have the charges fall outside the mandatory sentencing guidelines.
Being investigated or charged with this type of offense is a serious situation. Federal prosecutors have the experience, dedication, and resources to prosecute your case aggressively. That is why it is imperative to have an experienced Tustin federal criminal defense lawyer who could effectively defend you against a relentless prosecution. Scott D. Henry and his team have extensive experience defending clients against federal charges of all types and severity. Our team is proactive and diligent and we leave no stone unturned when investigating the facts of a case. We could provide you with a solid defense to help defend your rights, dignity, and freedom. Please contact our office today for a free consultation.
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