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

Michigan Federal Criminal Lawyers

Benefits of Hiring a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Here are some of the top benefits of securing experienced legal representation after being charged with a federal crime in Michigan:

• Explain the Charges – They will analyze the charges against you and explain what the government must prove, the associated penalties, and the strengths and weaknesses of the case.
• Develop a Defense Strategy – They will explore potential legal defenses and build a comprehensive defense strategy focused on achieving the best possible outcome for your unique situation.
• Guide You Through the Process – They will handle every step of the complex federal criminal process on your behalf so you can focus on your family, job, and other obligations.
• Conduct an Independent Investigation – They will thoroughly investigate the allegations, interview witnesses, collect evidence, and scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence to undermine their case against you.
• File Pretrial Motions – They can file motions to dismiss charges or suppress evidence by asserting important constitutional rights violations that may have occurred.
• Negotiate with Prosecutors – During plea bargaining they can negotiate with federal prosecutors to have charges reduced or dismissed, minimizing any penalties you may face.
• Defend You at Trial – If a reasonable plea deal cannot be reached, an experienced federal trial lawyer can defend you before a judge and jury and hold prosecutors to their burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Present Mitigating Circumstances at Sentencing – This can potentially lower your sentence under federal guidelines.
• Handle Appeals if Necessary – They will appeal your conviction or sentence if errors were made in your case that could result in an acquittal, dismissal, or reduced sentence on appeal.

Having an accomplished federal criminal defense lawyer protects your rights, freedom, and future at every stage.

Common Federal Criminal Defenses

When facing federal criminal charges, there are a variety of legal defenses that an experienced attorney may use to get charges reduced or dismissed. Here are some examples:

• Lack of Evidence – If prosecutors lack sufficient evidence to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, the case can be dismissed. Your attorney will scrutinize the evidence to identify holes.
• Illegal Search and Seizure – If evidence was obtained through an unconstitutional search, it may be suppressed. This could cripple the prosecution’s case.
• Miranda Rights Violations – If you were improperly interrogated without being read your Miranda rights, your statements may be inadmissible.
• Entrapment – If you were improperly induced or coerced into committing a federal crime you otherwise wouldn’t have, this may constitute entrapment.
• Self-Defense – For assault, murder, or other violent federal crimes, you may argue you acted in lawful self-defense.
• Duress – If you can show you committed a crime due to threats of immediate bodily harm against you or a loved one, this can negate intent.
• Statute of Limitations – Charges filed after the expiration of the statute of limitations for that particular federal crime may warrant dismissal.
• Misidentification – Eyewitness misidentification is a common problem. If identity is questioned, the case could fall apart.
• Mental State – For some crimes, prosecutors must prove you acted “knowingly,” “willfully,” or with specific intent. Negating this mental state provides a defense.

An experienced federal criminal lawyer will thoroughly analyze every aspect of your case to determine what defenses give you the best chance of success.