Last Updated on: 18th October 2023, 09:01 am

How to Choose a Federal Defense Attorney

Getting charged with a federal crime is scary. The federal government has like, so many resources. And they usually win cases. So you need a really good lawyer on your side.

Choosing the right federal defense attorney is super important. It could make the difference between going to prison or staying free. This article will help you figure out what to look for when hiring a lawyer for a federal case.

Experience Matters Most

The number one thing to look for is experience. You want a lawyer whose handled a ton of federal cases before. Preferably ones similar to yours. An experienced federal defense attorney will know all the rules and strategies that give you the best chance.

Ask any lawyer your considering how many federal cases they’ve worked on. And what types specifically. Have they taken cases like yours to trial before? Experience matters more than anything else.

Find Someone Who Specializes in Federal Law

Federal court is really different from state court. The laws, rules of evidence and procedure are not the same. So you need someone who focuses specifically on federal defense. Many lawyers only do state criminal cases. Avoid those. Look for attorneys who specialize in federal law.

The federal court system has its own set of laws and regulations. You need a lawyer whose an expert in the federal system. Don’t hire someone who mainly handles state-level cases. Federal law is complex. Find someone whose specialized in it.

Look for Experience with Your Specific Charges

Beyond just federal experience, try to find a lawyer whose handled cases involving your specific charges before. Federal law covers lots of different crimes – fraud, drug trafficking, child pornography, etc. You want someone whose defended against the specific charges your facing.

If your charged with tax evasion, find a federal defense attorney whose gotten tax evasion cases dismissed before. If its securities fraud, find a lawyer with securities experience. Don’t hire a drug crimes expert for a white collar case. Make sure your lawyer has experience with the exact charges against you.

Find Someone Who Knows the Prosecutors and Judges

Part of being an experienced federal defense attorney is knowing the prosecutors and judges. The legal community in federal court is pretty small. Prosecutors and judges in a certain district or circuit know each other well.

A lawyer who’s worked extensively in the federal jurisdiction your charged in will know the judges presiding over your case. They’ll also know the prosecuting attorneys. This inside knowledge can help them negotiate better deals and navigate the system more effectively.

Understand the Sentencing Guidelines

Federal cases often involve the sentencing guidelines. This is a whole system of rules that determines prison sentences based on the charges and circumstances. An experienced federal defense lawyer will know how to get the lowest possible sentence under the guidelines.

Make sure any lawyer you meet with can explain how the sentencing guidelines apply to your specific case. Their ability to get you the lowest sentence will depend on their knowledge of the guidelines.

Find Someone Aggressive Who Isn’t Afraid to Go to Trial

Most federal cases end in plea bargains. But you want a lawyer whose willing to take your case to trial if needed. The government will often offer better plea deals to defendants with lawyers who aren’t afraid of going to trial.

Ask any lawyer you meet with what percentage of their federal cases go to trial. And how often they get acquittals in those trials. You want someone whose proven they can win before a jury. That gives them leverage in plea negotiations.

Make Sure They Have Resources to Handle Discovery

Discovery is the evidence-sharing process before a federal trial. The government has to turn over all the evidence they have against you. In federal cases, this is often millions of pages of documents. You need a lawyer with the resources to handle massive document reviews.

A small law firm might not be equipped to efficiently review mountains of discovery. Big federal cases require specialized legal teams for document review. Make sure any lawyer can handle the workload before hiring them.

Find Someone Who Makes You Feel Comfortable

Lastly, it’s important to feel comfortable with the lawyer you choose. You’ll be working closely together for months or years. Make sure its someone you feel you can trust and talk openly with.

Consider factors like their personality and communication style. Do they listen and address all your concerns? Are they responsive? Do you feel confident in their skills? Go with your gut feeling here.

Conclusion

Choosing the right lawyer can make or break a federal case. You want someone experienced, aggressive, and specialized in federal defense. Vet any attorney thoroughly on these factors before deciding. Your freedom could depend on it.

References:

Federal Courts – Justice 101, US Department of Justice

2018 Guidelines Manual, United States Sentencing Commission