Federal Criminal Defense
Legal Representation in Illinois Federal Courts
Federal crimes are investigated by the FBI, DEA, ICE, IRS, or any number of other federal agencies. The federal criminal system has significant differences from the state system. For one, the typical United States Attorney's office has more time and resources available to prosecute any given case. Federal cases can involve scientific evidence, wire tap and overhear evidence that would be unheard of in state court trials.
In addition, federal prosecutors also have more leeway in terms of selecting the specific cases they want to prosecute. Therefore, they tend to play to their strengths. The federal rules of evidence and procedure, particularly in conspiracy cases give federal prosecutors much more ammunition to use at trial than in state court, and the use of jail house and other snitch witnesses complicates federal matters.
Because of these and other reasons, federal defense cases tend to be more difficult to defend. That is why it is important to contact an Illinois law firm with strong experience in federal criminal defense such as O’Gara & Gomric, P.C.
Federal criminal investigations
If you are accused or a suspect in a criminal investigation, you need to secure legal representation immediately. Legal counsel can start protecting you at once by keeping you from making statements that may damage your case.
A federal criminal defense lawyer can help you assess the nature and purpose of the investigation. Your attorney will also be able to help you to present your case in a way that is in your best interests.
You will want a federal criminal defense lawyer BEFORE you consent to questioning, to act as an intermediary between you and the investigating authorities. The attorney can tell you when to speak and when to exercise your Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination. Often, a federal criminal defense lawyer may negotiate your cooperation with the investigation in return for more favorable treatment, and may negotiate surrender to authorities in the event charges are made, rather than risk an arrest at home in front of your family.
Grand jury testimony
If you have been subpoenaed, it is not always clear whether you are a witness or a suspect. It is extremely helpful to have an accomplished federal criminal defense attorney guiding your response to the subpoena. In addition to counseling you on how to proceed in your best interests, your lawyer may help you negotiate for immunity so your testimony cannot be used in a criminal prosecution against you.
Get the right representation
Finding yourself involved in a federal criminal case is daunting. But how you respond will be critical to the outcome. Your attorney must be extremely experienced, thoroughly knowledgeable, and well-aware of the significant differences there are between federal trials and other legal proceedings. Your attorney should know:
- Federal sentencing procedures
- Recent Supreme Court rulings
- U.S. attorney's office handling the case
- Federal investigative agency running the investigation
Representation for a federal criminal defense case can be costly, so it pays to make sure you are hiring the most qualified lawyer you can. Contact O’Gara and Gomric, P.C. today for a free consultation.
