The federal government has its own court system, where the stakes are much higher. To protect your rights and your freedom, you’ll need a federal criminal attorney with the licensing and experience to work within the federal system. The federal court system’s rules and procedures are different than in state courts, and in most cases, federal offenses have harsher punishments, higher fines, and longer prison terms.

Federal criminal lawyers know just how high those stakes are, and they’ll thoroughly investigate the accusations against you and gather supporting evidence. From then on, we’ll build the strongest case possible and work as hard as we can to achieve a positive outcome.

When Crimes are Charged as Federal Offenses

Criminal acts are usually illegal under state and federal law, but you can’t be charged with both. In most cases, if you’re accused of an offense within the state, you’ll face charges at that level. However, some factors lead to federal charges, such as:

• Violations of federal statutes
• Committing crimes on federal property, such as within a national park or federal building
• Committing a state crime on federal property, such as a national park or military base
• Criminal activities that cross state lines
• Being dea-investigation-lawyers/” >investigated and arrested by the FBI or DEA

Whether you’re charged with a federal or state crime may be at the prosecutor’s discretion. Once you’re under investigation, though, it’s important to contact a federal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Common Federal Charges

Defense attorneys with federal experience can represent and defend clients against the following charges:

• RICO/racketeering: Generally, racketeering charges involve interference with legal commerce using threats and violence. RICO encompasses several offenses and allows criminal ringleaders to be charged for things they ordered others to do.
• Conspiracy: Under US code, you may face conspiracy charges if federal authorities gather proof that you and another person planned and took steps toward the commission of a specific federal offense.
• Drug crimes: Drug possession, manufacturing, trafficking, and selling are all federal crimes. However, simple sales and possession are usually charged under state law. When offenses involve trafficking allegations, the crossing of state lines, or large quantities of drugs, they’re more likely to be charged on a federal level.
• Federal DUI: If you’re driving in a national park, on a military base, or on federal property and your BAC is above the legal limit, you may be charged under multiple federal laws.
• Gun crimes: Along with state firearm offenses, there are federal charges to consider as well. Federal gun charges are often pursued aggressively, and a conviction may result in a long mandatory prison sentence.

Federal Court: The Process

Federal court processes are significantly different from state procedures. For a federal prosecutor to charge you with a felony, a grand jury must be called. The grand jury will review the evidence and decide whether you will be charged, and if they believe there’s probable cause, you’ll be federally indicted.

After the indictment, you will likely be arrested or you’ll turn yourself in. From there, you’ll appear in front of a judge, where you’ll learn which charges you’re facing. If the government is requesting pretrial detention or if the case involves charges with rebuttable presumptions, the court will set a detention hearing date. Next comes the discovery phase, where the defense and the prosecution request evidence and share information. At that time, your attorney and the prosecutor may negotiate for a plea deal. Always consult a federal defense attorney before making a plea agreement.

Contact a Federal Lawyer for Help

Whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony, every federal charge should be taken very seriously. The best way to increase your chances of avoiding conviction is to work with an experienced and skilled federal attorney who will build a solid defense and protect your rights.

Boston Federal Appeals Lawyers

Oral arguments in appellate cases are poorly understood by most defendants. Most appeals are decided outside of the courtroom through back-and-forth communication between the judge or judges and the prosecution and defense teams. When oral arguments are heard in the appeal, the court follows a very formal process to decide whether the original verdict was legally sound.

These cases are often heard in historic courtrooms, and three judges sit at a high bench that’s located a considerable distance away from the prosecution and defense teams. Attorneys at appeals court address the judges with the utmost respect and never leave their podiums unless one of the judges grants them permission to do so.

How Oral Arguments Are Structured

The judges usually take some time at the start of the hearing to issue instructions on what is and what is not allowed. The amount of time allowed for oral arguments is strictly limited – usually between 20 to 30 minutes for each party relevant scheduled for oral arguments.

Sometimes, the judges allow attorneys and witnesses to make presentations, but many appellate judges simply ask questions. Judges might ask questions after a presentation if they want to clarify something related to the case. If your appeal makes arguments on multiple grounds, it’s important to prepare your case thoroughly in each area.

Judges won’t necessarily reveal which areas really interest them, so it’s critical to know your arguments for each point of your appeal. The oral arguments often can become lively, but don’t make the mistake of failing to offer respect to the judges. Judges will look negatively on arguments made from lawyers or witnesses who are ill-prepared.

It Could Take an Effort to Schedule Oral Arguments

Most appeals are handled administratively by the exchange of briefs. The judges will send any questions they have on the case in the form of a brief, and your lawyer will return a brief with your answer. Oral arguments are only held in about 20 percent of appeals, and that number is shrinking each year. The figure was at 40.1 percent just 20 years ago.

Unfortunately, the high costs and time constraints of scheduling appellate hearings have led to the decline in holding them. Busy judges can manage multiple cases each day by reviewing the legal briefs on them and coming to a consensus. Some judges admit that oral arguments seldom change their opinions after reading the briefs.

However, other judges and the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers disagree with the practice of reducing oral arguments. The judges that support increased oral arguments believe that it’s a necessary training ground to teach lawyers how to plan and execute appeals. The basis of the U.S. legal system is arguing in court face-to-face when disagreements arise. A healthy but argumentative oral culture is the backbone of the legal system.

Tips for Preparing for Oral Arguments in Appeal Cases

It’s important to know your arguments and begin any prepared statement with a clear and concise synopsis. You should be confident, accurate with facts and as succinct as possible. Other tips for appellate oral arguments include:

• Prepare opening arguments and a detailed plan of where the arguments might go.
• After making one argument, proceed immediately to your next argument.
• Always address judges as “Your Honor.”
• Respond to “yes” or “no” questions with the appropriate response, but you can then expand on the topic.
• If the bailiff displays a “Stop” card, you should stop speaking immediately.

Preparing your appellate arguments requires focusing narrowly on legal issues and not your guilt or innocence or challenges of the evidence. appeals are designed to cover legal and procedural issues.