Fugitive Charges: Why You Need an Experienced Federal Crimes Lawyer

Facing Fugitive Charges? Why You Need an Experienced Federal Crimes Lawyer on Your Side

Let’s be real – dealing with fugitive charges is scary. The federal government does not mess around when it comes to people evading arrest or prosecution. The penalties can be severe – we’re talking years in prison here.So if you’ve found yourself in this situation, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed or not know where to turn. But here’s the good news: having an experienced federal crimes defense lawyer can make all the difference in how your case turns out.I know this first-hand from representing clients facing similar charges over my many years as a practicing attorney. And in this article, I want to walk you through exactly why having skilled legal counsel is so important if you’re dealing with fugitive charges.

What are fugitive charges?

First, let’s make sure we’re on the same page about what fugitive charges actually are.In the federal system, a fugitive is generally someone who:

• Is facing criminal prosecution but purposely leaves the jurisdiction to avoid prosecution
• Is convicted of a crime but flees custody before sentencing or serving their sentence
• Flees to avoid giving testimony in a criminal proceeding

So if you’ve been accused of any of the above, you could be facing federal fugitive charges. Some of the most common federal laws used to prosecute fugitives include:

• 18 U.S.C. § 1073 – Unlawful flight to avoid prosecution
• 18 U.S.C. § 1071 – Concealing a person from arrest
• 18 U.S.C. § 1072 – Concealing an escaped prisoner

The penalties for fugitive charges can be severe depending on the circumstances – up to 5 years in prison in some cases. So this is not something you want to take lightly.

Why you need an experienced federal defense lawyer

If you’ve been accused of being a fugitive, having an experienced federal crimes lawyer on your side can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. Here are some of the key reasons why:

1. They understand the complex federal laws and procedures

The federal criminal justice system can be extremely complex, with different laws, rules, and procedures than state courts. An experienced federal defense lawyer understands these complexities inside and out. They know how to navigate the system and use the procedures to your advantage. A lawyer without federal experience simply won’t have the same specialized knowledge.

2. They’ve represented clients facing similar charges

Every case is unique, but having a lawyer who has actually represented clients facing fugitive or other federal charges before will bring practical experience to the table. They’ll have insight into the strategies and defenses that have been successful in similar cases. A lawyer without experience defending these specific charges may miss important angles.

3. They have relationships with federal prosecutors

Federal prosecutors have a lot of power and discretion over criminal cases. An experienced federal defense lawyer will often have working relationships with prosecutors in their district. This can help them negotiate effectively and potentially get better outcomes for clients. A lawyer unfamiliar with the federal system won’t have these connections.

4. They understand federal sentencing guidelines

Sentencing is a huge consideration in federal criminal cases. The federal sentencing guidelines and mandatory minimums can result in harsh sentences. An experienced federal defense attorney will have a deep understanding of the guidelines and how to argue for the lowest sentence possible. They’ll know how to present mitigating factors to the judge. This can make a major difference in the amount of prison time a client faces if convicted.

5. They can build a strong defense focused on the federal system

From the start, an experienced federal defense lawyer will build a defense strategy with the federal system in mind. They will focus on procedural issues, suppression of evidence, constitutional rights violations, and other angles that apply specifically to federal cases. This specialized defense is important for achieving the best possible outcome.As you can see, having a federal defense attorney who truly understands the federal system, the complex laws, and how these cases proceed can really pay off. Their specialized experience and knowledge about federal fugitive charges can increase the odds of a favorable resolution.

Practical tips for choosing the right federal defense lawyer

If you’re facing federal fugitive charges, making sure you have the right lawyer is extremely important. Here are some tips for choosing skilled legal counsel:

• Look for 5+ years of experience specifically handling federal criminal cases – this type of specialized experience is crucial. Don’t rely on a general practice lawyer.
• Ask about their experience defending against fugitive charges or other charges under Chapter 49 of the federal code. Specific experience with your type of charges is ideal.
• Find out their track record of results in federal criminal cases – have they gotten charges reduced or dismissed, favorable plea deals, acquittals after trial?
• Meet with them in person and make sure you feel comfortable and confident in their skills. This is a complex area of law – you want a lawyer who can break things down clearly.
• Be upfront about your situation and make sure they have defended against similar fact patterns. For example, if you fled the country, find a lawyer experienced with extradition laws.
• Understand the fees – federal cases often go on for months, so make sure your lawyer outlines their full fees and you know what to expect. Their experience is well worth the investment.

Taking the time to carefully choose the right federal defense lawyer for your specific situation can have a huge impact on your case. So do your research and find someone who knows the federal system inside out.

What will happen next if you are charged as a fugitive?

If you believe you are being investigated as a federal fugitive or have already been criminally charged, it’s essential to act quickly and engage skilled legal counsel immediately. Here’s an overview of what you can generally expect to happen next:

• If a warrant has been issued for your arrest, law enforcement will be actively working to locate and apprehend you. Getting legal help right away is crucial.
• If arrested, you will be taken into federal custody and brought before a judge for an initial appearance and arraignment on the charges against you.
• A federal defense lawyer can seek your release from custody through a bail hearing and argue to the judge that you are not a flight risk.
• Within 30-60 days is typically when prosecutors must produce discovery or evidence to your defense lawyer. Then your lawyer can start assessing the strength of the government’s case.
• Prosecutors may offer a plea bargain or your lawyer can move to get charges dismissed if there is insufficient evidence. An experienced federal lawyer will advise you on the best legal strategy.
• If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will defend against the government’s charges before a judge and jury in federal court.

Having skilled legal counsel to advocate for you right away is key, whether you’re under arrest or not. The stages of a federal criminal case move quickly, so engaging an attorney with federal experience from the outset can be crucial. Don’t wait to seek help if you believe you are being investigated as a fugitive.

Conclusion

Being accused of federal fugitive charges is extremely serious and can carry significant penalties. Having an experienced federal defense lawyer is critical to understand the complex laws and build an effective defense focused on the federal system. Don’t leave your future in the hands of just any lawyer – seek out counsel with specific experience defending against fugitive and other federal charges. The right lawyer’s knowledge and strategic defense can make the difference between prison time and preserving your freedom. So act now if you believe you are being investigated as a federal fugitive – experienced legal help is your best asset.<sup>