Federal crimes and criminal defense
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When you receive a knock on your door first thing in the morning from the FBI and find out that you are under arrest and charged or indicted with a federal crime, you are going to need to find the right federal criminal defense attorney to represent you. Your choice of a lawyer will often be the first and most critical decision to defend yourself against federal criminal charges. The person you choose will represent you in court, negotiate any plea deals with the government, review all evidence that may be used against you, and prepare your defense. This decision can often mean the difference between a positive outcome or having the worst-case scenario become a reality. Therefore, it is vital that you take the following criteria into consideration when retaining an attorney to represent you in a federal criminal trial.

Qualifications

Any attorney admitted to practice in Michigan is technically qualified to represent a defendant in a criminal trial in state court. However, to represent a federal criminal defendant, the Michigan attorney must also be admitted to the federal district in which the trial is scheduled to take place. Michigan has two federal districts, Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan, so you will need to make sure the attorney you are considering is admitted to practice in the right district. In addition, you will need to find out if the attorney has handled federal criminal cases in this district before. You do not want to be the first federal criminal case the attorney has ever handled.

Experience and Track Record

It is crucial to determine if the prospective attorney has handled your type of case before. There are key differences in handling drug possession and trafficking cases, white-collar defenses, and violent crimes, especially in the federal system. Find out from the attorney what cases they have handled in the past and if they have ever won a case. Even if the attorney has experience with white-collar crimes, he or she may have never represented someone with your specific crime. Each type of case has its nuances, and prior experience can be critical in avoiding any potential pitfalls in your case. In addition, many lawyers who have appeared in federal criminal cases may have never actually conducted a trial. You want to know that the attorney representing you is prepared to try your case instead of looking for a plea bargain at the first opportunity.

Reputation and Credentials

You will want to check on the reputation and credentials of the attorney. This will include finding out his or her track record for prior cases. In addition, in many federal cases, reputation can play a big role in getting a positive outcome. An attorney who has a good reputation with the court and the U.S. attorney’s office can often get a defendant certain things that may not be available to one who doesn’t have this reputation. For example, an experienced attorney who has had prior cases with the judge and Assistant United States Attorney assigned to the case may be able to get you released on your own recognizance or with a reduced bail amount, as well as getting you other privileges like being able to travel outside of the federal district where your case is being tried.

Communication Skills and Rapport

Your relationship with your criminal defense attorney can be a vital factor in getting the best representation and outcome possible. You will be working together as a team, going over evidence, reviewing the facts in the case, and preparing for trial. There needs to be a level of trust and communication so that you are both comfortable working together. From the attorney’s standpoint, poor communication can lead to him or her being blindsided by a fact or piece of evidence that you didn’t advise the attorney about in advance. From your perspective, you need to understand the charges against you, the potential consequences of a conviction, and the different options you have with respect to your case.

Fees and Billing Structure

A federal criminal trial can be very costly. It is important to know up front what the attorney’s fees are and how they will be billed. While some attorneys may charge a flat fee for certain types of criminal defense cases, most will charge based on an hourly rate. If this is the case, you should find out how much the rate will be and how the hours are calculated. This helps you avoid sticker shock, which can undermine the relationship you have developed with the attorney.

Consultation

Before hiring a criminal defense lawyer, you should request a consultation. This can help you determine if you can develop a rapport with the person you may be hiring to represent you. It is also an opportunity to review all of these different factors, letting you ask the questions so you can decide if the attorney is the right one for you.

If You Are Charged or Indicted for a Federal Crime, Our Firm Can Give You the Assistance You Need to Get the Best Outcome Possible

Getting arrested for a federal crime can be a very traumatic and life-altering experience. Your choice of attorney can often be a key factor in getting the best positive outcome possible for your case. The experienced attorneys at Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan will provide you with the representation you need to protect your rights while providing the highest level of commitment to your case.

About the Author
Led by Sanford Schulman, the Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan bring to each client over three decades of experience and many ‘not guilty’ verdicts. With your life, livelihood, and that of your family on the line, you don’t just deserve a team that goes to bat for you on a daily basis; you absolutely need one. Our attorneys spare no effort, skill, or determination in serving defendants and their families. We strive to provide an unparalleled level of commitment and ability to your case—precisely when you need it most.