Top Federal Criminal Lawyers.

How to Hire the Right Federal Criminal Lawyer

If you’re being investigated in federal court, you need to hire the right federal lawyer to represent you. However, with so many lawyers available, it can be overwhelming to choose one. Many people make the mistake of hiring the first federal lawyer who returns their call, but that’s not the best way to choose a lawyer. To increase your chances of winning your case, it’s important to do your research and hire a federal lawyer who understands the charges against you and has a proven track record of beating them.

Hire the Right Type of Lawyer

The first step to hiring the right federal criminal lawyer is to ensure that you’re hiring the right type of lawyer. If you’re facing a federal criminal issue and are speaking to a divorce lawyer, that’s the wrong type of lawyer. You need a lawyer who has experience handling the specific federal criminal statute that applies to your case and knows how to navigate federal prosecutors and agents.

Check the Lawyer’s Background

It’s critical to hire a competent federal lawyer who is right for you. To find the right one, check their background. Look into what school they went to and what professional accomplishments they have. While none of these can guarantee that the lawyer is right for you, it’s a good starting point. Most importantly, look for a lawyer who is available to speak to you and will communicate with you throughout your case.

Discuss Money Upfront

Lawyers are expensive, and a good federal attorney can cost six figures. If you’re under investigation and don’t qualify for the public defender, be upfront with the federal lawyer you’re talking to about money. Learn how they charge you, and most federal lawyers charge by the hour. It’s challenging to determine how much time the case will require at the start, but discussing fees upfront will help avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.

How Do You Know You’re Under Federal Investigation?

If you’re facing a federal investigation, it’s crucial to act fast and seek help from an experienced defense lawyer. But how do you know if you’re under federal investigation? Some potential indicators can help you determine if you’re being investigated. If you’re still uncertain, work with a federal defense attorney who has experience in the early stages of criminal cases.

Questioned by a Federal Agent

If you or your loved ones have been questioned by a federal agent, it’s a good indication that you should contact an attorney. Even if you’re unsure whether you’re the primary suspect or just involved in the investigation process, having a lawyer on your side is essential to protect and guide you. With potential fines, jail time, and more on the line, taking action promptly is critical to defend your rights and your freedom.

Investigated by a Federal Agency

If federal agents come to your house, or otherwise approach you to ask questions about a case you’re suspected in, this gives you a hint that you’re under investigation. Federal agents may also inform you that you’re the subject of their investigation, or they may simply ask questions without letting you know how you’re connected to the criminal case. Either way, it’s crucial to contact a lawyer as quickly as possible if you’ve been questioned in association with a federal case.

Federal Target Letters and Charges

At a certain point, you may receive a letter stating that you’re the target of a federal investigation. The target letter may ask you to meet with investigators or a member of the attorney’s office. Never respond to a target letter without first securing a lawyer who can guide you through what to say and do to help your case.

Our Approach to Federal Investigations

At Todd Spodek Law Firm, we understand the importance of competent legal representation in complex federal cases. Our licensed federal defense attorneys have extensive experience handling federal investigations and charges, and are knowledgeable about strategies that work in cases involving fraud, drug crime, conspiracy, white-collar offenses, and more. We can walk you through the stages of your case, provide available options, and even lead you to achieving your desired result. With so much potentially on the line, don’t wait any longer. Connect with our team today to learn more about federal investigation defense and get started.

How Do You Know If You’ve Been Charged With a Federal Crime?

Being charged with a federal crime can be a daunting experience, but it can be even more overwhelming if you’re unclear about whether you’ve been charged. As a citizen, you have every right to a fair trial and investigation. Here’s how to know if you’ve been charged with a federal crime.

Arrest

If law enforcement arrives, places you in handcuffs, and reads you your rights, there’s not much ambiguity. You’ve likely been federally charged, and if you’re still unsure, see if your arresting officers are federally-based, such as FBI.

Charged Without Arrest

You don’t have to be put in handcuffs to be charged with a federal crime. You might receive a notice in the mail summoning you to federal court and detailing the charges. Make sure to read this to verify that these are indeed federal charges. As long as you’re keeping up with your mail, you should have enough time to make the necessary provisions to appear in court on their requested date.

Investigation Without Arrest

Just because federal officers don’t have a warrant to arrest you doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. You might be greeted one day by FBI agents possessing a search warrant who look around your home. This means a judge has determined there’s enough of a possibility of incriminating evidence to allow for a search of your home. You need to understand your rights and ask for physical evidence of a warrant. You also should remember to adhere to your right to remain silent, even if you haven’t been placed under arrest.

What To Say

If you learn or suspect that you’re under investigation for a federal crime, there might be an impulse to try to cover your tracks and insist upon your innocence, either at the time of a raid or when under questioning. This can greatly sabotage your case, as answering questions could leave you open to being caught in contradictions that could cast doubts over your innocence. You also shouldn’t be discussing your case with anyone but your attorney. The matters of your case should be considered confidential. Discussing them with others leaves them liable for questioning and investigation themselves. You could end up making your case even more complicated by discussing it.

What To Do

When you’ve been charged with a federal crime or are facing investigation, the best thing to do is nothing. You will need to consult with your lawyer and cooperate with authorities, but don’t do anything unless you’ve been specifically advised to do so. Do not tamper with evidence under any circumstances. Any files or documents that have been marked as evidence need to be kept intact. You could face additional charges of obstruction of justice. This also includes requesting any witnesses to your case recant or modify their testimony.

Legal Counsel

The right attorney can make all the difference when it comes to a federal investigation. If you’re in an industry that is frequently subject to federal charges, it would be wise to have a lawyer who can