NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FEDERAL LAWYERS
How Federal Criminal Lawyers Present the Best Defense at Trial
|Last Updated on: 29th September 2023, 10:13 am
How Federal Criminal Lawyers Present the Best Defense at Trial
Being charged with a federal crime is scary. The federal legal system can seem cold and intimidating. But having an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer on your side makes all the difference. As your legal counsel, I’m here to fight for you every step of the way. Let’s break down how I build the strongest possible defense so you can get the best outcome at trial.
First Steps After You’re Charged
If you’ve been charged with a federal crime, the first thing I’ll do is sit down with you to learn the details of your case. I’ll want to know about any interactions you’ve had with law enforcement, what charges they brought against you, and the evidence they have. This helps me start shaping potential defenses. I’ll also advise you not to talk to anyone about your case without me present – that includes investigators, police, prosecutors, even family and friends. Anything you say can potentially be used against you. So keep quiet and let me handle the talking!
Understanding the Charges and Evidence
Next, I’ll thoroughly examine the charges and evidence. Federal prosecutors need to prove “beyond a reasonable doubt” that you committed the crime. I’ll look closely to see if they can actually meet that high burden of proof. I’ll also determine if the charges are appropriate based on the facts. Oftentimes, the initial charges are inflated to coerce you into taking a plea bargain. I know prosecutors’ tactics and won’t let them bully you.
Common Federal Criminal Charges I Defend Against
Some of the most common federal charges I defend clients against include:
- Drug crimes like trafficking or distribution
- White collar crimes like fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion
- Violent crimes if they occur on federal property
- Child pornography, cybercrime, computer hacking
- Money laundering and RICO charges
- Federal gun charges
No matter the charge, my team and I will build the strongest defense by fully understanding the relevant laws, finding weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and presenting persuasive arguments on your behalf.
Examining the Evidence
A huge part of preparing your defense involves digging into the evidence. I’ll file discovery motions to get access to all the prosecution’s evidence so nothing comes as a surprise later. I’ll look for improper police conduct, like unconstitutional searches or coerced confessions. Those can get evidence thrown out. I’ll analyze any documents, phone records, surveillance footage, and other evidence to figure out what helps your case versus what hurts it. This allows me to build the most strategic defense.
Working with Experts
I often collaborate with experts to challenge the validity of the prosecution’s evidence and arguments. For example, I may work with a forensic computer analyst to inspect digital evidence and testify about flaws in the data collection. Or I could partner with a psychologist to explain why a confession you gave doesn’t match how innocent people behave. Experts add credibility and can blow holes in the prosecution’s case.
Negotiating with the Prosecutor
Many federal cases end in plea bargains, which involve negotiating with the prosecutor to get favorable terms. I’ll leverage weaknesses in their case and my willingness to go to trial to secure a better deal. This may mean getting charges dropped or reduced, or lighter sentencing recommendations. My past experience and reputation for taking cases to trial give me credibility at the negotiating table.
Deciding Whether to Go to Trial
Ultimately the choice of whether to go to trial or take a plea deal is up to you. I’ll advise you based on the likelihood of winning at trial versus the sentence you may get from a bargain. Factors include the strength of the evidence, potential sentencing if convicted at trial, and risks of appeals. My goal is getting you the best result with the least amount of risk.
Picking a Jury
If we decide to go to trial, jury selection will be a critical part. During voir dire I’ll try to pick jurors who seem sympathetic to you and your situation. I’ll ask them questions to reveal any anti-defendant biases. I’ll also challenge biased jurors to get them struck from the jury pool. Picking the right jury can make all the difference at trial.
Presenting Your Case-in-Chief
At trial, the prosecution presents their case-in-chief first. When it’s our turn, I’ll introduce evidence and call witnesses that support your innocence. For example, I may call an alibi witness who can testify you were somewhere else at the time of the alleged crime. I’ll also emphasize weaknesses in the prosecution’s case during my questioning. The goal is instilling reasonable doubt in jurors’ minds.
Cross-Examining Prosecution Witnesses
One of the most important parts of trial is cross-examining the prosecution’s witnesses. I’ll prepare extensively to find gaps and inconsistencies in their accounts. My questioning will show if they’re unreliable or biased against you. I look for opportunities to get them to contradict their previous statements or admit facts that help prove your innocence. Skilled cross-examination can unravel the prosecutor’s whole case.
Making Persuasive Closing Arguments
At the end of trial, I’ll make a closing argument summing up why the evidence shows you are not guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. I’ll point out where the prosecution fell short. I’ll appeal to the jurors’ reason as well as their emotions, reminding them of the stakes you’re facing. My goal is to leave them with no choice but to find you not guilty. All my trial experience goes into this final pitch to the jury.
Post-Trial Options
If you are convicted at trial, there are still options. I may file appeals based on legal errors made by the judge or prosecutor. I can also request a new trial if we uncover new evidence that could change the verdict. And at sentencing, I’ll advocate for the lowest possible prison term under the guidelines. I’ll keep fighting for you even after the trial is over.
Why Hire Me As Your Federal Criminal Lawyer?
As you can see, successfully defending federal criminal cases takes extensive experience and preparation. Over my career, I’ve handled hundreds of federal prosecutions from investigation to trial. I know how to protect your rights, analyze the evidence, undermine the prosecution’s case, and persuade juries. If you’re facing federal charges, I have the skills and tenacity to give you the best chance at a favorable outcome. Don’t leave your fate to just anyone – let me put my decades of experience to work fighting for YOU.