The Federal Criminal Court is vastly different from the State Criminal Court. The Judges tend to be stricter in all procedural matters, and the formality of the courtroom is significantly more pronounced than in State Court.  The rules of the Court are followed with more precision. Federal prosecutors have almost unlimited resources and ample time to develop their prosecutions since they carry fewer cases than their state counterparts

 

The penalties in Federal Court are much stiffer than in State Court, and the Judges are less lenient. In addition, the Federal Courts utilize statutorily based Sentencing Guidelines, which, in most cases, the Courts must follow. This gives the federal prosecutor much more control over plea agreements and places the defendant in a disadvantaged position. Unlike the State Court, a Defendant cannot rely on the “mercy of the Court.”

 

Another factor that makes federal court a more difficult battleground than State Court is that the Rules of Evidence are strictly enforced. State Courts have additional rules of evidence and procedures with favor the accused. 

 

Lastly, juries in Federal Court have a higher percentage of convictions than our State Courts.

 

Does that mean the feds can’t be beat? No. It means that a Federal defense attorney must know and understand the opponent to put up the best defense possible. I have been both a Federal Agent, prosecutor, and defense counsel.  I have more than 1000 cases under my belt. I know the area. I know my opponents, and I know how to win.

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The most common federal criminal charges are:

Immigration

Drug Trafficking

Weapon Charges

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See Resume