Federal charges are nothing to take lightly. If you have been charged with a federal crime in Portland, are under investigation for a federal offense or even feel you might be investigated, you need a lawyer. At Spodek Law Group, our criminal defense attorneys are different from most in that we focus on federal cases. We understand the nuances of federal law and how to fight a case in front of a federal judge. Our attorneys can fight your charge and help you preserve your freedom.

Why Hire a Lawyer Who Focuses on Portland Federal Criminal Defense?

If you’ve never faced federal charges before, you might not have considered the need for a lawyer who focuses on federal cases. Perhaps you or a family member has had a good experience in the past with a local Portland criminal attorney, and you’re considering hiring them to handle your federal case.
While Portland has no shortage of quality Portland criminal lawyers, only a tiny percentage are highly experienced in federal cases. Here are a few reasons to choose an attorney from this small subset:

Federal Court Is Different

Just like the different fields of medicine can be vastly different from one another — you wouldn’t see an ophthalmologist for a broken knee — state and federal courtrooms feature very different atmospheres and protocols. For one, federal judges are often much less lenient, even with first-time offenders. An inexperienced lawyer who goes into a federal case expecting clemency might be in for a rude awakening.
An experienced lawyer will approach your case with confidence and not get flummoxed by the idiosyncrasies of federal court.

The Outcome Can Impact the Rest of Your Life

The impact to your life of a federal conviction can resonate long after you have served your prison time or paid your fine. There is a special stigma attached to being a federal convict, one that can impact opportunities for employment, housing and even dating. Depending on the nature of the conviction, you might be barred outright from being hired for certain jobs and living in certain neighborhoods. An experienced federal criminal defense lawyer can help you avoid these outcomes and move on with your life.

Federal Criminal Defenders Are Familiar With Federal Judges

There’s no shortage of jokes and clichés about lawyers who know the judge. But there’s a ring of truth to the idea that knowing the judge in a case can benefit an attorney and their client. That doesn’t mean your attorney should be best buddies with the judge, but a familiarity with how a particular judge presides over cases and runs their courtroom can help your lawyer plan an effective strategy.
At Spodek Law Group, our attorneys have fought in many federal courtrooms in front of a wide array of judges. We will use this knowledge to your advantage when strategizing your defense.

Top Mistakes in Choosing a Portland Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Hiring the wrong federal criminal defense lawyer in Portland can lead to consequences that haunt you forever. Avoid these mistakes if you want the best chance of a favorable outcome to your case.

Going With a Friend’s Recommendation

If you’re open about your situation with friends and relatives, one of them at some point will probably mention a lawyer that either they or someone they know had a great experience with. Maybe the attorney helped them beat a DUI or traffic offense. While your friend is no doubt well-meaning, the fact is that most people have little experience with federal court and the importance of going with a lawyer experienced in federal cases. Rather than going with a friend’s recommendation, do your own research.

Not Asking Enough Questions

You should never hire a federal criminal defender without asking lots of questions about your case. Pay attention not just to their answers but to how confidently and clearly they deliver them. Your lawyer’s demeanor with you in a consultation offers a preview of what they will look like in court. Make sure you’re happy with how your lawyer plans to approach your case.

Selecting a Lawyer Who Avoids Trial at All Costs

Lawyers often recommend their clients take plea bargains to avoid going to trial. In a plea bargain, you admit guilt to a lesser charge with a lesser punishment. While this strategy is appropriate at times, it is often not the best move, particularly when it will still lead to a federal conviction. Be wary of any lawyer with a reputation for always pushing plea deals.

Spodek Law Group Will Fight Your Federal Charge

No matter the type of federal charge you are facing, Spodek Law Group has an experienced attorney who can help. Our team has successfully defended clients charged with the following and more:

• Federal drug crimes
• Federal sex crimes
• White collar crimes
• Tax evasion
• Cybercrimes

Schedule Your Consultation With Spodek Law Group Today

The first step to getting a skilled, competent federal criminal defense lawyer to fight for you in Portland is to set up an initial consultation. Call Spodek Law Group today!