Philadelphia Federal Criminal Defense Checklist: Top Action Steps

Philadelphia Federal Criminal Defense Checklist: Top Action Steps

Dealing with federal criminal charges is scary. The federal system is complex, the penalties can be severe, and you feel like your life is spiralling out of control.

But take a deep breath. You have rights and options. Don’t panic and don’t give up hope.

Here is a checklist of the key steps you need to take if you’re facing federal charges in Philadelphia:

1. Don’t Talk to Anyone But Your Lawyer

The Fifth Amendment gives you the right to remain silent. Use it! Don’t talk to federal investigators without your attorney present – anything you say can and will be used against you.

So keep your mouth shut until your lawyer arrives. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you can talk your way out of this. You can’t. So zip it!

2. Hire an Experienced Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

The federal system is no joke. The rules, procedures, and strategies are different from state courts. So you need a lawyer who understands the federal system and has experience defending federal cases.

Look for a lawyer who regularly handles federal cases like yours in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Check their background and credentials. And make sure you feel comfortable working with them.

3. Don’t Try to Hide Evidence

You may be tempted to get rid of evidence against you like drugs or guns. Bad idea! That itself is a federal crime with more jail time.

Leave everything alone. Don’t access computers, phones, financial records that could contain evidence. Don’t talk about the case with anyone except your lawyer. Any communications can be used against you.

Let your lawyer deal with the evidence. That’s their job.

4. Get Your Finances in Order

Federal criminal defense lawyers are expensive. Expect legal fees to be tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars if your case goes to trial. And you can’t count on a public defender – they are usually only available if you are completely broke.

So be prepared to pay substantial legal fees. Talk to your family about helping with costs. Clean up your financial situation. And ask your lawyer if a payment plan is possible.

If things are really tight, you can ask the court to appoint a federal public defender to represent you for free or at reduced cost.

5. Consider the Evidence and Possible Defenses

Every federal case is unique. So take time to examine the specific evidence and charges against you. This will help you and your lawyer identify possible defenses and negotiation strategies going forward.

For example, if you’ve been charged with drug trafficking or firearms offenses, you may be able to challenge the legality of the search that produced the evidence. Or pursue an entrapment or diminished capacity defense.

Carefully reviewing the charges and evidence is key.

6. Explore Plea Bargain Options

Over 90% of federal cases end in a plea bargain rather than trial. So in most cases, your lawyer will negotiate a plea deal with better terms than you’d face at trial.

This usually means pleading guilty in exchange for dropping or reducing some charges or getting a lighter sentence recommendation. Not ideal, but typically better than rolling the dice at trial.

Make sure you understand any plea deal offers and weigh your options carefully with your lawyer.

7. Get Character Reference Letters

If you plead guilty or are convicted after trial, the judge will consider your background, character, and criminal history when imposing a sentence.

So start reaching out to people who know you well – employers, teachers, mentors, community leaders, etc. Ask them to write letters vouching for your character to submit to the court.

These letters can influence the judge to show some leniency in sentencing if you have positive ties to family, career, and community.

8. Enroll in Counseling and Treatment Programs

If substance abuse or addiction issues are connected to your charges, get yourself enrolled in counseling and treatment right away.

Completing programs and maintaining sobriety before sentencing shows the court you are committed to rehabilitation. That can help reduce your sentence.

Discuss options with your lawyer like outpatient or inpatient treatment. Get signed up and take it seriously.

9. Prepare Your Family for What’s Ahead

The criminal justice process is long and unpredictable. You could be in for a year or more of legal proceedings before reaching sentencing while out on bail or in detention.

So have frank conversations with family members about what’s ahead and how to get through it. Develop plans to maintain the household, finances, and family relationships during this difficult period.

Having your family’s love and support can make a huge difference.

10. Stay Positive and Take It Step by Step

It’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed, lost, even hopeless when facing federal charges. But don’t let fear and anxiety take over.

Deal with this one step at a time. Focus on the immediate next thing you need to do whether it’s contacting a lawyer, organizing paperwork, or just taking a walk to clear your head.

And stay positive! Keep reminding yourself that you have rights and options. Many people get through federal cases intact. With smart choices and commitment, you can too.

Taking it step by step and keeping a positive mindset is key. You’ve got this!

The Path Ahead

Facing federal criminal charges in Philadelphia is daunting. But you don’t have to navigate it alone.

With an experienced lawyer guiding you, making smart choices, and focusing on what you can control, you can get through this.

So start working through the steps outlined here. And if you have questions or need advice, don’t hesitate to call a federal criminal defense lawyer in Philadelphia to discuss your case in confidence.

Having an advocate in your corner makes all the difference. You have the power to take back control of your life, starting now.