If you’ve been charged with a federal crime, you could face dire long-term consequences, including steep fines, prison time, and a complex legal process that moves quickly. This is why choosing a federal crimes lawyer will be very important to how the case turns out. Here are six factors you have to consider before hiring a federal crimes attorney.
Federal cases are brought in U.S. District Court so the location of your lawyer in relation to the jurisdiction of your case matters significantly. You should hire a federal crimes lawyer who is familiar with the local court procedures, judges, and prosecutors.
They should be able to file papers, respond to motions quickly, and negotiate matters in a timely and efficient manner. While it is okay to search online for ‘the best’, make sure that your attorney practices in the proper jurisdiction.
Not every lawyer is prepared to take on federal cases. The lawyer you choose should have prior experience in federal court, not just state cases. Federal court procedures are stricter and the sentencing guidelines vary. A federal crimes lawyer with experience will understand the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and pre-trial motion practice before federal courts along with providing know-how on federal plea bargaining. Ask how many federal cases they’ve handled and their outcomes before making your decision.
The federal law system includes many offenses from tax crimes, immigration crimes, computer crimes, organized crimes etc. Some lawyers have experience with criminal defense generally but not with the federal crime allegations you are facing. It is critical that you choose a lawyer who practices federal crime law in the area in which you are seeking assistance.
Federal criminal appeals can be laborious, so they’re also expensive, and you want to understand how it works. Some federal crimes lawyers charge a flat fee, while others follow hourly billing. Make sure you understand what the lawyer is including in their service—are they charging extra fees for motions or appeals?
A good federal crimes attorney shouldn’t beat around the bush about their fees or what you are paying them for. Cheaper is not always better, weigh the cost against experience and value.
A federal charge is stressful, so you want a lawyer who will communicate with you most clearly and concisely. Find a federal crimes lawyer who is easy to access, quick to respond to your queries while doing their very best to explain their complex legal world in everyday words.
If the lawyer you contact hardly answers your first email or takes an eternity to get back to you after an initial meeting, chances are it will stay that way. Good communication is essential to get trust and optimal service from your lawyer and keeps you up-to-date through the long journey.
Investigate your potential lawyer’s reputation as well. Look for independent reviews, testimonials, and professional ratings on websites like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or your state bar’s website. Is the lawyer Board Certified in criminal law?
A reputable lawyer will have good reviews demonstrating their professionalism and commitment to the client. Client feedback is also helpful, and you can ask for references and recommendations as well.
Meeting with a federal crimes lawyer for the first time can feel intimidating when serious legal charges are looming over your head. But if you prepare properly, you will get the most from the consultation and can begin to create a foundation for your defense to the charges against you.
The first thing to do is gather everything that might be helpful for your lawyer in evaluating your situation. Here is what you may need:
Bottom line, the more information your attorney has up front, the more informed decisions they can make regarding your situation.
Don’t forget to prepare questions. You could ask about the attorney’s experience with federal crimes, their process for developing a defense plan, their opinion on potential outcomes and next steps. You will want to discuss fees and expectations for regular communication as well.
Most importantly, be open. Your lawyer is not there to judge you, but to protect your legal rights and help you through a complicated system. Organized, honest, and prepared clients can help a federal crimes lawyer to develop a more effective defense plan from the very first moment you secure their services.
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