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Bakersfield Federal Criminal Lawyers
Dealing with federal criminal charges can be an intimidating and confusing process. The federal justice system is vast and complex, with many intricacies that are unfamiliar to most regular folks. That’s why having an experienced Bakersfield federal criminal defense lawyer on your side is so important.
In this article, we’ll break down some key aspects of federal criminal law and how an attorney can help if you or a loved one is facing charges in Bakersfield’s federal court, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California.
Common Federal Crimes Prosecuted in Bakersfield
There are many types of federal crimes, but some of the most common charges filed in Bakersfield’s federal court include:
- Drug crimes – Drug trafficking, distribution, manufacturing, and possession often end up in the federal system, especially when larger quantities are involved. Charges can include conspiracy, distribution, manufacturing, and possession with intent to distribute.
- White collar crimes – Federal prosecutors go after many financial and business-related crimes like wire fraud, mail fraud, tax evasion, embezzlement, money laundering, and Ponzi schemes.
- Firearms offenses – Felons in possession of firearms, use of firearms in drug trafficking or violent crimes, illegal sales or transfers of guns, and gun smuggling cases go federal.
- Immigration crimes – Federal law handles cases like illegal re-entry, alien smuggling or harboring, passport fraud, and other immigration-related charges.
Those facing federal indictment in Bakersfield need legal counsel who understands how these complex cases work and the best defenses against the charges.
How Federal Cases Differ from State
When criminal charges are filed in federal court instead of California state court, the processes, laws, and potential penalties are quite different:
- More resources – Federal prosecutors have huge budgets and access to expansive investigative resources.
- Harsher sentences – Federal sentencing guidelines often call for lengthy mandatory minimums and enhanced penalties compared to state laws.
- Pre-trial detention – Many federal defendants are denied bond and held in custody until trial.
- High conviction rates – U.S. Attorneys win more than 90% of their cases, putting immense pressure on defendants.
These and other factors make federal criminal defense much more challenging than state cases. Working with a lawyer who regularly handles federal cases in Bakersfield is critical.
Key Defenses Against Federal Charges
While mounting a vigorous defense in federal criminal cases can be an uphill battle, experienced attorneys know how to craft the strongest defense possible. Common strategies include:
- Constitutional challenges – Violations of your 4th, 5th or 6th Amendment rights could lead to evidence exclusion or case dismissal.
- Lack of criminal intent – Prosecutors must prove you knowingly and willfully committed the alleged crimes.
- Entrapment – Undercover operations sometimes improperly induce otherwise law-abiding people to commit crimes.
- Self-defense – Use of force in protecting yourself or others may justify certain violent crimes.
- Mistaken identity – You may be wrongfully accused based on misleading evidence.
In addition to fighting the charges themselves, skilled federal defense lawyers also challenge issues like improper searches, defective warrants, Miranda violations, coerced confessions, unreliable informants, and more.
The Benefits of Early Intervention
Those facing federal investigation or potential indictment in Bakersfield should engage a lawyer as early in the process as possible, before charges are filed. This allows counsel to intervene during the investigative stage, which can sometimes prevent charges altogether. An experienced attorney can:
- Negotiate with prosecutors to dissuade them from filing charges.
- Educate investigators to undermine their case theories.
- Detect and prevent constitutional violations.
- Assert legal privileges and limit questioning.
- Avoid self-incrimination and other client mistakes.
Once charges are filed, the defense is essentially in damage control mode with fewer options to influence the trajectory of the case. Early counsel maximizes the chance of the best outcome.
Bakersfield Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers Offer Hope
The federal criminal justice system is designed to secure convictions and lengthy incarceration. But experienced Bakersfield federal criminal defense lawyers understand how to navigate each stage of the process to protect their clients’ rights and future. While the government wields great power, a good lawyer can still win dismissals, acquittals, and reduced charges or sentences.
Don’t go it alone against the formidable force of federal prosecution. Get an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer on your side immediately. They can evaluate your case, advise you of your rights, and start building a defense to give you the best chance of success. There is hope, even when facing serious federal charges.