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How to Choose the Best Philadelphia Federal Criminal Lawyer for Your Case
How to Choose the Best Philadelphia Federal Criminal Lawyer for Your Case
If you or a loved one have been charged with a federal crime in Philadelphia, having an experienced defense attorney on your side is crucial. But with so many options to choose from, how do you find the best lawyer for your specific case?
Understand the Complexities of Federal Cases
First things first – federal criminal cases are extremely complex. The federal system has its own set of procedural rules and sentencing guidelines that most state-level lawyers simply don’t understand.
This means you need a lawyer well-versed in the federal system. Someone who regularly handles federal indictments related to charges like:
- White collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, etc.)
- Drug trafficking, distribution, or manufacturing
- Child pornography, exploitation, or trafficking
- Cybercrimes like hacking or identity theft
- Terrorism charges
- Public corruption
These types of federal cases call for an attorney specifically focused on federal defense versus a general criminal lawyer. Look for someone who dedicates at least 50% of their caseload to federal criminal defense.
Verify Their Experience with Similar Cases
All federal criminal allegations are serious – but not all lawyers have the same level of experience with particular types of charges.
For instance, a lawyer who mainly handles white collar fraud cases likely won’t be as strong for a complex drug trafficking trial. Their experience and connections simply lie elsewhere.
So beyond just “federal defense,” dig into the specific types of federal cases the lawyer handles. How often do they deal with charges akin to yours? What’s their track record of success?
At minimum, look for a lawyer who regularly deals with your primary charge as at least 15-20% of their federal criminal caseload.
Ask About Their Resources & Connections
Federal criminal defense isn’t something a lawyer can do alone. It requires tremendous time, experience, and resources to craft an effective defense strategy.
High-quality federal lawyers have access to critical resources like:
- Top private investigators to dig into the prosecution’s claims
- Forensic specialists like technology experts, accountants, etc.
- Highly qualified expert witnesses
- Other attorneys who can lend issue-specific guidance
- Connections with federal judges and prosecutors
Having access to resources like these separate the average lawyers from the federal defense powerhouses. Don’t be afraid to ask about what resources they plan to leverage for your case.
Review Their Case Results
At the end of the day, you need a federal lawyer with a proven record of getting real case results for clients facing similar allegations as you.
Now most lawyers can’t share specifics about active client cases. But you should still verify:
- How often they get charges dismissed pre-trial
- How many cases they take to trial (not just plea deals)
- How often they secure acquittals and hung juries at trial
- Their sentencing record based on the federal guidelines
Backed by numbers – do their case results justify the confidence you need to place in them? If not, you may want to keep looking.
Gauge Their Responsiveness
Finally – beyond just skills and record – you need a federal lawyer who you feel comfortable with. Someone who you can talk to and who you believe has YOUR best interests in mind.
From your earliest conversations, assess factors like:
- How quickly they respond to your inquiries
- Their transparency and clarity in answering your questions
- How well they listen and welcome your input
- If you feel they understand your priorities and concerns
Finding a federal lawyer is more than just analyzing credentials. It’s a gut feeling based on how well they relate to and advise YOU.
Ready to Talk Federal Criminal Defense? Reach Out
I hope this guide gives you a starting point for identifying and vetting federal lawyers to defend your case.
If you want to discuss your situation with an experienced federal defense attorney, don’t hesitate to reach out to set up a free case evaluation. I have over a decade of experience exclusively defending complex federal cases in Philadelphia and beyond.
We can explore your options, the strengths/weaknesses of your case, and craft a defense strategy that gives you the best chance at a positive outcome.
I look forward to helping however I can.
Sources:
Overview of the Federal Court System