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Federal Offenses

Federal Charges Differ From Florida State Charges. Let Our Experienced Punta Gorda Defense Team Work To Reduce Your Charges Today.

When someone is charged for a crime, the crime is usually brought forth by the state. The crimes are often handled at the county level that represents the state as a whole. With more severe crimes, one can be charged for having committed a crime against the United States – these are called federal crimes. Federal law enforcement agencies like the DEA, IRS, and FBI usually track and handle these crimes.

A few examples of crimes committed at the federal level include:

Do I Really Need A Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer?

If you are charged with a federal offense, it is mostly likely a felony. Felony convictions come with a large set of life-changing consequences. Not only with you serve a lengthy sentence in federal prison and spend decades paying off hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines, but you are ripped of your right to vote and participate in the American democracy, and finding employment or obtaining a loan will forever be difficult.

If you are facing such a situation, contact a team with decades of criminal defense experience to represent you.

What Happens If I Face Federal Charges?

Criminal cases for federal charges can go through many steps, and the government may be building its case against you before you even become aware of it.

While the exact process can vary from case to case, federal felony cases generally involve 10 distinct steps:

  • Investigation. Federal law enforcement agencies may seek a warrant to search for evidence of a crime. They may collect physical evidence and examine witnesses. It’s always in your best interest to speak with a criminal defense attorney before speaking to federal investigators.
  • Charging. Prosecutors review the evidence and decide whether to convene a grand jury. If the prosecutor can convince at least 12 members of the grand jury that you may have committed a crime, you will receive formal notice of your indictment.
  • Initial hearing. After you are arrested, you will be brought before a magistrate judge to learn about your rights and the charges against you. You will have an opportunity to contact an attorney if you haven’t already, and the judge will decide whether to keep you in prison or release you.
  • Discovery. During the discovery phase, your attorney will gather and examine the evidence for and against you. This includes both physical evidence and witness testimony. A thorough discovery can help prevent unwanted surprises in court.
  • Plea bargaining. Prosecutors can decide whether they wish to offer a plea deal. They may offer to reduce the charges and potential consequences in exchange for a guilty plea. If you accept, you do not get a chance to challenge the charges at trial.
  • Preliminary hearing. If you plead not guilty, the next step is often like a mini-trial. Notably, prosecutors may introduce evidence in preliminary hearings that they cannot introduce at trial. You may choose to waive the preliminary hearing.
  • Pretrial motions. Ahead of your trial, your attorney may file a variety of pretrial motions that ask the court to weigh in on legal concerns regarding things such as the courtroom, evidence and testimony. Prosecutors also have a chance to respond.
  • Trial. During your trial, your attorney will protect your rights during jury selection, the presentation of arguments and the examination of evidence.
  • Post-trial motions. There are several types of motions your attorney may file if the jury reaches a guilty verdict, but before the sentencing phase. These include motions for a new trial and motions to set aside the verdict.
  • Sentencing. If a judge or jury finds you guilty, the judge will weigh guidance from prosecutors and other sources, including minimum and maximum sentence guidelines. Based upon this guidance and the facts of the case, the judge will decide the severity of the punishment.
  • Appeal. An appeal does not argue the facts of the case. Rather, it argues that erroneous decisions during the trial or sentencing rendered the verdict or sentence unjust.

Learn More About Us And Your Charges. Schedule A Free Consultation Today.

Your first meeting with our firm is completely free and confidential, meaning that there is nothing to lose and everything to gain. After we have obtained a superficial understanding of your case, we can then present you with your options and take measures toward regaining your freedom and acquitting the charges. Your success in this pursuit does depend heavily on your choice of attorney, as may will simply try and take a deal instead of trying to have the charges dismissed altogether.

We have over 50 years of collective experience and know how to help you.

Contact our office at Leskovich Law Group, P.A., as soon as possible. Call 941-621-6623 or send us an email. Free consultations.