Federal crimes are prosecuted in the federal court system, and this is significantly different from charges brought by a state prosecutor. Legal counsel is absolutely necessary for anyone facing criminal charges, but this is even more relevant to felony charges.
Understanding the different court systems can help you to appreciate the value of a federal criminal defense lawyer. The U.S. Constitution provides the right to legal counsel for anyone charged with a felony crime; however, there is no guarantee that the lawyer will be matched in skill and experience against the federal prosecutor on the case.[1]
Federal and State Crimes
State attorneys prosecute the vast majority of crimes that are committed. These are the typical crimes that people see on the news, for example. They include everything from traffic violations to murder. Many state lawyers who handle these cases are swamped with work loads that leave them little time to prepare a convincing case.
This can open up an opportunity for an experienced criminal defense lawyer to mount an effective defense. The outcome tends to favor the defendant. However, the situation is different at the federal level. The federal prosecutor has the resources and time necessary to prepare an aggressive case against you. The skills of your federal criminal defense lawyer must exceed the efforts of the federal prosecutor.[2]
The differences between state and federal court systems are also significant. Even experienced state criminal defense lawyers are ill-prepared to handle federal cases. The procedures for investigating crimes, making discoveries and filing motions are completely different in the federal court system.
The courtroom protocols are also different; the last thing you need to deal with is an inexperienced federal criminal defense attorney who’s trying to figure it all out on your time. Our firm understands how important it is to enter the federal court system fully prepared to take on a tough federal prosecutor and prevail. Contact our federal criminal defense attorney to schedule a consultation.
How to Hire a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
The process of hiring a federal criminal defense attorney is essential for anyone seeking an effective defense strategy. This means that your lawyer needs to develop a plan of action that is likely to prevail against any obstacles in the case. Hiring the first lawyer who responds to your inquiry is an inadequate course of action.
This can lead to costly mistakes or even a mistrial. Inexperienced attorneys often take cases in which they aren’t qualified to accept. They do this because they are looking to get experience, but this means that your case is the equivalent of their learning curve. Avoid this problem by simply reviewing the case history of the criminal defense attorney you’re considering hiring.
Qualities of a Tenacious Criminal Defense Lawyer
Communicating with your criminal defense attorney is central to the potential success of your case. There are various issues that might arise during these proceedings. The legal jargon is often confusing to people who are unfamiliar with the terminology. The role of the criminal defense attorney is to explain the situation in a manner that informs you while empowering good decision-making. The skills of the attorney can be assessed during the initial consultation.
Write down a list of the toughest questions you can think of regarding case law similar to yours. Contact our law firm, and ask the same queries that you posed to other attorneys. This is an effective way of ascertaining the actual competence of each federal criminal defense lawyer. Hire the attorney who builds your confidence in the prospects of the case while earning your trust through hard work, research and legal insights.
Felony Charges in Boston
Defense lawyers have the responsibility to protect the legal rights of anyone charged with a felony in Boston. The federal prosecutors are experienced in all aspects of federal law, and they are interested in getting a guilty verdict. This system can be intimidating to average people who are unfamiliar with the mechanisms of these powerful institutions. Facing felony charges is a serious threat to your liberty, freedom and well-being; trust with your attorney is critical for prevailing in an adversarial legal setting.
Your federal criminal defense lawyer is tasked with tipping the balance of power back in the favor of the defendant. The best leverage is the legal concept that you are innocent until proven guilty. The federal prosecutor has the burden of proving guilty beyond any reasonable level of doubt.
The goal of the federal criminal defense attorney is to increase this burden until there is, in fact, reasonable doubt. This process can take extended periods of time because the federal courts tend to act slower than the state courts. Make sure you have a high degree of confidence in your legal representative. This will have to sustain your confidence for the duration of the case.[2]
Defending Felony Charges in Boston
Felony charges are serious, and the defense lawyer must be adequately prepared to defend your rights in the federal court system. Sentences for felony convictions can be very severe. There is a sentencing manual published to give guidance for various felony offenses, and this can be referenced to see what kind of sentencing might be applicable in your case. [3]
Keep in mind that the criminal defense lawyer is the best chance you have of getting these charges dropped or reduced. There is a lot at stake, so make sure to find the best federal defense attorney for your specific case. Our law firm is committed to providing aggressive and tactful defense strategies for anyone charged with a felony offense in Boston. Contact our office today for a free consultation.
Citations:
[1] https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/right_to_counsel[2] https://fastlawpc.com/what-is-the-difference-between-state-and-federal-criminal-cases/
[3] https://www.ussc.gov/guidelines