Criminal Defense Lawyers

What to Do After Receiving Federal Charges

What to Do After Receiving Federal Charges

Getting Hit with Federal Charges? Here’s What You Need to Know

Getting charged with a federal crime can feel like the world is crashing down around you. The feds don’t mess around – they’ve got basically unlimited resources, and they’re not afraid to use them. So if you find yourself on the wrong end of a federal indictment, it’s absolutely crucial that you know what to do next. First things first, take a deep breath. I know it’s easier said than done when you’re staring down the barrel of serious prison time, but panicking isn’t going to help anyone. The most important thing right now is to avoid saying or doing anything that could potentially incriminate you further. 

Your First Steps After the Charges Drop

Once you’ve gotten those federal charges, the clock is ticking. Here are the first few things you’ll want to cross off your list:

Get Yourself a Top-Notch Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer – Like, Yesterday

I can’t stress this one enough – you need to retain a lawyer who specializes in federal criminal defense, and you need to do it immediately. Don’t try to handle this yourself, and don’t cheap out on a public defender or some general practice attorney. The feds play hardball, so you need someone who can hit back just as hard. A good federal criminal lawyer will have extensive experience, know all the ins and outs of federal court, and be able to craft an aggressive defense strategy. They’ll also be able to advise you on what to say and what not to say to avoid further incriminating yourself.

Look for a firm like Spodek Law Group that has a proven track record in federal cases. Our number is 212-210-1851 if you need to get in touch ASAP.

Understand Exactly What You’re Being Charged With

This one is important – you need to know precisely what federal crime or crimes you’re accused of committing. The charges can make a huge difference in terms of potential sentences, defensibility, and overall strategy. Some common federal charges include drug trafficking, firearms offenses, white-collar crimes like fraud and embezzlement, and crimes that cross state lines. The feds also handle any crimes committed on federal property or against federal employees.Don’t just take the prosecutor’s word for it either. Have your lawyer go through the charges with a fine-toothed comb to make sure you’re not getting overcharged or having extra charges tacked on to try and force a plea deal.

Prepare for the Long Haul

Federal cases tend to move a lot slower than state cases. The feds take their time building cases, and they’ve got plenty of resources to do it. It’s not uncommon for federal prosecutions to drag on for months or even years.Brace yourself mentally and financially for a long legal battle. Make sure your affairs are in order, because you could be tied up in court for the foreseeable future. Having a good support system will be crucial during this stressful time.

H3: What Happens After You Get Charged in Federal Court?

The Arraignment

This is where you go before the judge for the first time to get formally advised of the charges against you. You’ll be asked to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Obviously, you’ll be pleading not guilty at this stage.The judge will also set bail conditions if you’re being released pending trial. Be prepared – federal bail can be extremely restrictive, including electronic monitoring in some cases.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

Load more

Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

Discovery

Both sides exchange evidence and information that will be used at trial. Your lawyer will go through all the discovery materials with a fine-tooth comb looking for holes in the prosecution’s case.

Pre-Trial Motions

There’s a whole bunch of these – motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, you name it. This is where having an experienced federal lawyer really pays off, as they’ll know all the possible grounds for getting evidence thrown out or charges dropped.

The Trial

If you make it this far without taking a plea deal, it’s trial time. Federal trials are a bit different than state trials in terms of procedures and rules of evidence. You’ll definitely want someone who knows the ins and outs of federal court.

Sentencing

If you’re convicted at trial, it’s on to sentencing. Federal sentences are dictated by strict guidelines that don’t leave much room for judicial discretion. The potential penalties are no joke – decades in federal prison is very much on the table for serious offenses.

Building a Solid Federal Criminal Defense

So once you’ve got your lawyer lined up, what kind of defense can you expect them to build? It really depends on the specific charges and circumstances, but here are some common defense strategies in federal cases:

Attacking the Evidence
A big part of any criminal defense is poking holes in the prosecution’s evidence. Things like:

• Challenging search and seizure procedures
• Questioning the reliability of witnesses and informants
• Disputing forensic evidence like fingerprints or DNA

Asserting Your Constitutional Rights Were Violated
The feds have to follow all the rules around proper arrests, Miranda warnings, getting warrants, etc. If they screwed any of that up, it could be grounds for dismissal.

Claiming Entrapment
If you were induced to commit a crime you wouldn’t have otherwise committed, that’s entrapment – a solid defense if you can prove it.

Arguing for Diminished Capacity
Maybe you have a mental illness or defect that prevented you from fully understanding your actions. It’s an uphill battle, but could potentially lessen the sentence.

Negotiating a Plea Deal
Sometimes the best move is to try and cut a deal – admitting guilt in exchange for reduced charges and a lighter sentence. Your lawyer will know if and when it makes sense to go this route.The bottom line is that you want a lawyer who can leave no stone unturned in crafting the strongest possible defense. The feds are bringing the heavy artillery, so you need to be armed for battle.