How to Choose a Federal Criminal Defense Attorney: What You Need to Know

If you, your partner, or someone you love has been arrested and charged with a federal crime, it's crucial that you find an attorney who has experience fighting federal charges. Federal criminal charges carry serious consequences, including jail time and high fines.

Choosing a federal criminal defense attorney is not an easy task. There is no “one-size-fits-all” attorney who will be right for every person in need of counsel, and there are many factors to consider. This step-by-step guide will help you understand how to choose the best federal criminal defense attorney for your case from the beginning so you can rest assured knowing you made the right choice.

• Determine if you have a federal crime defense issue.
• Understand the difference between a federal public defender and a private attorney.
• Find local federal criminal defense lawyers.
• Look for federal criminal defense lawyers who have experience with your type of case.
• Ask about their credentials and experience.
• Narrow down the list.
• Pick the best criminal defense lawyer and proceed.
  

The first step is to understand whether you are facing federal criminal charges or not. If you have been arrested by state or local police, you are likely not facing federal charges.

State laws are enforced by state law enforcement and state prosecutors. If a city police officer arrests you for violating a state law, then your case will be handled at the state level. The same is true for county sheriffs or highway patrol officers who enforce state laws within their jurisdiction.

Federal criminal law is different. Federal crimes are enforced by federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Secret Service and prosecuted in federal court. Some examples of federal crimes include drug trafficking, tax evasion, mail fraud, and bank robbery. Federal criminal investigation and federal prosecutions are complex, and the federal government has vast resources.

If you have been arrested by federal law enforcement or are under federal investigation, remember that it is important to remain calm and contact a federal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

You might also be interested: What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Federal Crime: A Guide

If you are unsure whether the charges against you are federal or state, you should speak to a federal criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

The next step is to understand the difference between a federal public defender and a private attorney. A federal public defender is a lawyer who is appointed by the court to represent defendants who cannot afford an attorney.

A federal public defender is a qualified attorney who has experience handling federal cases. In most federal districts, federal public defenders have caseloads that are much higher than those of private attorneys. This means they may not be able to give your case the individual attention it deserves.

A private attorney is a lawyer who is hired by you to represent you in your federal criminal case. Private attorneys are not appointed by the court and are not free.

While private attorneys can be more expensive than public defenders, they usually have smaller caseloads, which means they can devote more time and attention to your case.

It is important to remember that you have the right to choose whether you want to be represented by a federal public defender or a private attorney.

Once you have decided whether you want to be represented by a federal public defender or a private attorney, it is time to start looking for federal criminal defense lawyers in your area.

There are many ways you can find federal criminal defense lawyers, including searching online, asking for referrals from friends or family, or contacting your local bar association.

Looking for a federal criminal defense lawyer, searching online might be the best place to start. Many federal criminal defense lawyers have websites where you can learn about their experience and practice areas.

When searching online, make sure to read reviews from other clients to get a sense of what it is like to work with the lawyer. Also comparing and retrieving information from listings and online directories can be helpful.

When you are looking for federal criminal defense lawyers, it is important to find attorneys who have experience handling federal cases in the district where your case will be tried.

Each federal district has its own set of rules and procedures, and federal criminal defense lawyers who are familiar with the district where your case will be tried will be better able to navigate the system and protect your rights.

For example, federal prosecutors might be more likely to offer plea bargains in some districts than in others.

You might also want to read: 9 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney.

Federal criminal defendants have the right to choose their own attorney, and you should feel confident and comfortable with the attorney you choose. Here are some questions you should ask federal criminal defense lawyers when you are interviewing them:

• What is your experience handling federal cases?
• What is your success rate in federal court?
• Do you have any experience with my type of case?
• What federal districts do you practice in?
• What are your credentials?
• Are you a member of any federal criminal defense organizations?
• What is your fee structure

Also, here are some things you must consider:

1. When meeting with federal criminal defense lawyers, be sure to ask about their experience handling federal cases, their trial experience, and their success rate.
   
   
2. You should also ask about the lawyer’s credentials, including whether they are certified by the federal government to handle federal criminal cases.
   
   
3. In addition, you should ask the lawyer how they will keep you informed about the status of your case and what you can expect from the legal process.
   
   
4. It is also important to get a sense of the federal criminal defense lawyer’s personality, as you will be working closely with the lawyer throughout your case.

After you have interviewed or researched about some federal defense lawyers, narrow down your list to a few attorneys that you feel comfortable with or that are recommended to you by someone you trust.

Once you have narrowed down your list, ask the federal criminal defense lawyers for references from past clients, any federal case law they have worked on, and for a copy of their federal criminal defense retainer agreement.

The federal criminal defense retainer agreement will outline the lawyer’s fee structure and how they will be paid.

In this list you must consider some things, like if you or someone you know might be facing a lengthy prison sentence, you might want to choose a federal criminal defense lawyer who has experience with federal sentencing guidelines and has a good working relationship with the prosecutor’s office.

You should also consider whether you feel comfortable with the federal criminal defense lawyer and whether you feel confident in their ability to protect your rights.

Ultimately, finding  the best attorney for you is all about doing your research. Each federal criminal defense attorney listed above has years of experience with federal cases and a good number of previous client testimonials to offer as references. Don't be afraid to contact quite a few attorneys before deciding on one – no matter how much you like an attorney at the first meeting, it can always be helpful to have a backup plan. The time invested in finding the right federal criminal defense attorney could save your entire future.

Al The Law Office of Rolando Cantu, we understand how federal criminal charges can be life-changing. We know how federal authorities investigate and prosecute cases, and we know how to defend our clients against federal charges. As a former federal prosecutor, Rolando Cantu knows how federal cases work and what it takes to get a favorable outcome for our clients. We have a proven track record of success in federal court, and we are ready to put our experience to work for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with us!