Why should I hire a federal crime defense lawyer?

There are many reasons to hire a defense attorney. The most important reason is that the government will stop at nothing to prosecute you. So you need someone who will fight just as hard to keep you from being convicted. Most people who get arrested do not know all of their rights. Sometimes people know their rights, but are misinformed as to how that applies to their current charges. For instances, most people are aware of their Miranda rights. But they mistakenly believe that if an officer doe
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Do I need a lawyer to help me with my federal crime charges?

Yes, you do. If you are indicted on a federal charge you have all the resources available to the United States government working against you to obtain a conviction. The government is not going to inform you of your rights and protect you from prosecution because they want to see you convicted. Having a lawyer is a constitutional right. If you do not hire a federal attorney to represent you are giving up the most important protection guaranteed to us as U.S. citizens. Hiring a lawyer ensures you
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How can an attorney help me with my federal crime charges?

The United States government has an attorney representing their interest, so you should have an attorney representing yours. When you hire an attorney to represent you in your federal case, the attorney works for you. The attorney can represent you in the grand jury proceeding and assist with that process. If the indictment is handed down, the attorney can help to arrange release conditions or bail. Attorneys review the evidence and the sufficiency of the charges and make arguments on your behal
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I have been arrested on federal offense charges and I am innocent, what should I do?

If you have been arrested for a federal offense you need to remain silent! Do not answer any questions and ask for an attorney immediately! Do not make any statements at all to anyone! Law enforcement will try to pretend like they can assist you if you cooperate and tell them what they want to hear. This is not true!! It is the prosecutor and the judge that make decisions as to the filing of your case and the sentence. Not the police! Answer every question with a request to call an attorney. Whe
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Who investigates federal crimes?

All federal agencies investigate federal crimes. In addition, if you commit a crime that is investigated at the state level, but it crosses the state lines or involves federal lands or federal property, the case can be taken by the federal government and prosecuted at that level. Some of the federal agencies that investigate federal offenses are: Homeland Security Secret Service Federal Bureau of Investigations Department of Environmental Protection Internal Revenue Service Securities and Exchan
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How is a federal crime different from other criminal offenses?

The only real difference between federal crimes and other crimes is the prosecuting agency. In a federal crime you are prosecuted by the government of the United States. In other crimes you are prosecuted by the state or municipality in which the crime is committed. Federal crimes differ from other offenses in the way they are prosecuted. A federal crime is brought by indictment issued by a grand jury. At the state level, a crime can be brought by the filing of an information by the prosecutor.
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Will I be able to get a job if I am convicted of a federal offense?

It depends on what type of job you are trying to get. In general, federal crimes are seen as more serious than state crimes, even though many of the crimes involve the same offenses. If your job requires a background check, no matter what the position, a federal conviction will probably keep you from getting the job. A conviction of a federal crime can disqualify you from military service, federal jobs, jobs with law enforcement and some positions that require professional licensing. If the conv
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What happens if I am convicted of a federal offense?

If you are convicted of a federal offense, you will receive an appropriate sentence. This could be probation, time in a federal prison or both. You will lose civil liberties such as the right to vote or hold a firearm. A conviction can result in your deportation if you are not a citizen. Conviction of a federal crime can disqualify you from military service and certain occupations. If the crime is sexual in nature then you may be forced to register for the remainder of your life. Because these c
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What are the federal sentencing guidelines?

The federal sentencing guidelines are rules set up to ensure consistency in sentencing. The guidelines set a minimum and maximum penalty for the crime charged. Your sentence must be within these guidelines unless your attorney shows that you qualify for an exception. Federal guidelines take many factors into consideration. These considerations include: The offender’s prior record (if any) The nature of the crime Any aggravating factors (such as did the person have a weapon or was the amount of m
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What is an indictment?

An indictment is the formal charging document issued by the grand jury that accuses you of a crime. It spells out the accusation against you so that you are aware of what illegal acts the government says you committed. There are constitutional safeguards regarding indictments and the hearings that must follow. If you do not hire an attorney familiar with federal law, your rights may not be protected. Make sure the attorney you hire is aware of all of the procedural safeguards in place to protect
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