Federal Defense Attorneys Minnetonka MN | What To Expect When You Are Charged With A Federal Crime (Part 2)
The vast majority of people accused of federal offenses are completely unaware of the different stages involved in a federal criminal proceeding. Criminal cases involving federal laws can only be heard in federal courts. Government crimes include crimes committed on federal property, mail fraud, drug trafficking, wire fraud, bank robberies, and healthcare fraud. Furthermore, federal prosecutors have the power to file charges against anybody they feel is responsible for a crime. When you are charged with a federal crime, you can expect the following: Federal Defense Attorneys Minnetonka MN
Expect Examination & Cross-Examination
Federal prosecutors must communicate crime evidence with the defense lawyer of a federal criminal defendant, including evidence that points to the defendant committing and not committing the crime. Your lawyer can use discovery to interview witnesses, analyze documents, and prepare and evaluate your defense.
Expect Pre-Trial Motions
When substantial legal problems arise, such as whether your constitutional rights were violated, whether evidence was admissible, and whether the evidence was sufficient to support the charge, the federal court assigned to your case hears pre-trial motions to resolve those legal concerns. Depending on the outcome of the pretrial motions, plea bargaining could be an option. Pretrial motions provide your lawyer with an opportunity to actively advocate on your behalf.
Expect A Pre-Hearing
Unless the defendant waives the hearing, the federal magistrate judge must hold a preliminary hearing within two to three weeks of arraignment during which the prosecution must present evidence for each facet of the crime that the defendant has been charged with. At the preliminary hearing, your lawyer can learn about the facts of your case and argue for the dismissal of unfounded charges.
Expect A Trial
If the charge is not dismissed by the federal court and the defendant refuses to take a plea bargain, the case will be tried in front of a 12 person jury unless the defendant and prosecution waive the jury, in which case the charges will be decided by a federal judge.
Expect Possible Sentencing
A convicted defendant is frequently sentenced months after the trial due to the fact that federal officials must first investigate and prepare a pre-sentence report. The sentence hearing is then held before the federal judge, during which victims and the defendant may make remarks.
A defendant facing sentencing needs professional legal representation to ensure that the case is presented fairly and that the court respects federal sentencing guidelines, as well as to push for the shortest possible term. Your defense lawyer may also be able to successfully challenge unfavorable trial results on appeal as well.
If you’ve been charged with committing a federal crime and are in need of legal assistance or a solid legal defense for your criminal case, then don’t hesitate to contact Lauren Campoli, the best federal defense lawyer in Minnetonka Minnesota, today.