Facing federal criminal charges can have life altering consequences. If you’ve been accused of a federal crime, you need an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer to advocate for your rights. With so many lawyers available for federal cases, how can you choose the right one?
In today’s blog, we’ll take a look at some actionable steps you can take to help you choose a federal criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate the legal battlefield and fight for your ideal outcome. But first…
Why Do You Need a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Being charged with a federal crime is far more serious than being charged with a crime at a local or state level. You need a lawyer who is familiar with the complexities of federal law.
Federal law is a different beast compared to state law, with unique rules, procedures and sentencing guidelines. Federal crimes also typically carry much harsher penalties than state level crimes, including substantial fines as well as potential prison time.
Whatsmore, federal prosecutors have extensive resources they can tap into, including federal agencies like the FBI and DEA.
When you’re up against that kind of power, you need a federal defense lawyer’s expertise to have a fair chance. Federal Criminal defense lawyers have a deep understanding of the federal criminal system that is essential to helping you obtain the optimal outcome in your case.
Choosing an experienced federal defense attorney can even the playing field, with familiarity of the tendencies of the judges and prosecutors in your district. Their specialized knowledge is your key to a successful defense.
What to Look for in a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
When choosing the best federal defense lawyer for your case, there are a variety of qualities that are important to look for.
Experience
You’ll want a federal defense lawyer who has extensive experience defending – and even prosecuting – federal cases in your district. Their familiarity with judges and prosecutors can help gain valuable insights into their tendencies, and help craft a strong defense.
Specialization
Federal defense attorneys have different specializations, and you’ll want one whose specializations reflect your charges. For example, if you are facing federal drug charges, you may not want a federal defense attorney whose specialization is white collar crime. Your chances for a successful defense will increase with a lawyer who has defended similar cases before.
Personality and Communication
Many lawyers may have the experience and specialization that aligns with your case, but what about their personal approach to your defense? Do they make you feel at ease? How often will you be in communication with each other? Selecting the right federal defense lawyer can come down to finding the one who makes you feel that they genuinely care about your case. Afterall, your future is in their hands. Their personal approach to your case can make all the difference.
Payment and Fees
Before committing to a federal crime attorney, it’s critical to discuss payment structure and fees. Some lawyers for federal cases may require a retainer fee up front, while others may charge a flat rate or an hourly fee. Don’t be afraid to discuss your budget up front to ensure the right fit.
How to Find the Right Federal Criminal Attorney
Now that you know what to look for, we can discuss tips for finding the right attorney.
- Leverage Your Personal Network – If you don’t already have a lawyer in mind, reach out to family, friends, and others in your network for suggestions. They may be able to recommend someone whose qualifications align with your case. However, be sure to look into any recommendations thoroughly, and don’t simply choose a lawyer because your best friend recommended them.
- Take Your Search Online – Extending your search beyond your local area can yield a better chance of finding the right federal defense lawyer to handle your case. There are a variety of legal directories who can give you multiple names to research.
- Obtain Consultations from a Variety of Federal defense lawyers – You’ll need to talk to multiple lawyers before you find the one best suited to take your case. A consultation is like a quick getting to know you session, where you can discuss your case with a professional. Here you can get a sense of their experience, personality, and overall fit. Be sure to ask about their fee structure as well.
- Don’t Wait to Hire a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer – When you have been charged with a federal crime, time is of the essence. While you shouldn’t rush to find a lawyer, the earlier in the process you find the right federal defense lawyer, the quicker they can get up to speed and begin devising your defense.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions – When you’re facing federal charges, it’s your future on the line. Don’t hesitate to ask as many questions as you can during your search for the right federal defense attorney. Questions about their experience, the number of cases they’ve tried, and how often they negotiate/accept plea deals are all important and valid to ask. Don’t forget to ask for references from past clients as well.
Conclusion
Choosing the right federal criminal defense lawyer is an important decision that you can’t take lightly.
Remember, you need someone who has experience trying federal cases, along with specializations that match your case. It’s also important to choose a federal defense attorney whose personal style makes you feel that they truly care about your best interests.
When selecting a federal criminal defense attorney, seek multiple consultations and don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to make the right decision.
If you’re facing federal criminal charges, contact Sami Azhari Federal Criminal Lawyer for a consultation regarding your case.
Sami has over 17 years of experience defending federal and white collar crimes across the US. Sami has tried over 100 federal cases involving a litany of charges including wire fraud, bank fraud, racketeering (RICO), and conspiracy and other federal charges.
Don’t wait until the last minute to put your future in the right hands. Contact Sami Azhari Federal Criminal Lawyer for a consultation on your defense.
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