The federal criminal law system in the United States is powerful, vast and complex. Federal criminal offenses are considered exceptionally serious and hence, one charged with a felony can face severe penalties and rigid sentences. As such, a conviction in the federal court can be consequential and grave, particularly affecting your reputation.
When faced with a federal criminal investigation – or after getting arrested – you would consider whether to hire a federal defense attorney. Do not be in doubt. The earlier you get legal counsel, the better it is for you – whether the crime is proven or not.
Discussed here are five reasons why you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer if you have been convicted of a federal crime.
1. Federal Criminal Cases are Investigated and Prosecuted Differently
Being charged with a federal crime is radically different from facing accusations in a state court. From investigation to grand jury procedures, arrests, and trials – everything is different in federal proceedings. Adding to the woe, federal criminal cases can be exceptionally difficult to understand. Each level of the process requires in-depth understanding or otherwise, you will lose the chance of winning.
A federal criminal defense attorney can be of great help here. Navigating complex federal laws all by yourself can be intimidating and time-consuming. This is where a proficient attorney can prove beneficial to you. They have a thorough knowledge of the applicable laws and federal court system, skillfully representing you legally to protect your rights and best interests.
2. Get Legal support for most Types of Federal Criminal Accusations
Another reason why you should have an attorney to legally represent you in the federal court is their vast expertise across different areas of law practice. Typically, a good federal attorney has the knowledge and proficiency to protect your rights and represent you for the following types of charges:
- White-collar crime
- Drug charges
- Cybercrime
- Illegal gun charges
- Violent crimes
- Post-conviction relief
Federal prosecutors in the United States tend to be highly experienced and have a success rate of 90%. In this scenario, only an expert and knowledgeable federal defense attorney can give you the confidence and support to win against a prosecutor. They understand the federal law system in-depth, from arrest to trial and all the way through judgment.
3. An Attorney can Protect your Rights and Save you from Troubles
When you have been charged or are under investigation for a federal crime, it is always a smart move to have a defense attorney represent you – regardless of whether you are innocent or not. Without their legal advice, you are likely to say or do something that can hurt your defense unknowingly.
When you get charged with a serious offense like drugs or a violent crime, you may be held in pre-trial detention or your bond may be denied. In such cases, only a good defense attorney can represent your case professionally to help you get released on bond.
4. Do not Give up on your Rights
In most cases, a defendant of federal crime isn’t aware of their legal rights and tends to give up inadvertently when accused or investigated. An expert federal criminal defense attorney will help you understand your rights and leave no stone unturned to protect your interests throughout the investigation and trial process.
When you are convicted with federal accusations – whether it is a drug offense or white-collar crime – the odds are mostly against you. Hence, you should take an arrest or investigation seriously. Hiring a good attorney is the best way to safeguard your rights and get a winning shot at a trial.
5. A Federal Defense Lawyer can help Reduce your Sentencing with Deals and Plea Bargaining
If you have been under trial and sentenced for a crime, an experienced federal defense lawyer can negotiate a plea bargain or deal with the prosecutor. They have excellent knowledge of the pertaining laws and regulations, and skills to negotiate your sentence. In many cases, this may help reduce your sentence and you may end up serving lesser time or on a rehabilitation program.
They can suggest the best procedures to follow throughout the trial that can help reduce your sentence. Often, pleading guilty in such cases can result in a shorter sentence.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are several reasons why you should hire a federal criminal defense attorney if you have been accused of federal charges. However, make sure you choose an attorney who has in-depth knowledge and experience in federal criminal laws, helping protect your legal rights and representing you at your best interests.