Because both your life and liberty are at stake, when searching for a defense attorney, you need to retain a professional that has as much experience as possible, while making sure they have both the means and the commitment necessary to protect your rights. Also note that being accused of a federal crime is rather more serious than being charged with a state crime and requires an attorney who has experience with federal law and federal prosecutors. Fortunately for my clients, there are very few types of criminal cases that haven't come across my desk.
As a criminal defense lawyer, I deal with every facet of criminal procedure from the arrest and charges filed, to sentencing and appeals. I will also, from the very outset, advise you how to handle possible questioning so that you do not, unwittingly, cause any irreparable damage to your defense. This includes refraining from answering any questions, making any statements, or signing any documents unless I am present. Additionally, I often perform my own investigation and, as a result, can and often do, present evidence that negates charges made by the prosecutor.
The early stages of a criminal case may involve a grand jury or preliminary hearing to determine if there is probable cause for the case to continue. Therefore, the initial work in any criminal case involves a thorough review of the charges and whether there has been any violation of the accused's constitutional rights. For example, the Fourth Amendment protects citizens against unlawful search and seizure. Any violation of these rights could result in the illegally obtained evidence being considered inadmissible. In other words, my job is to ensure that you receive a fair trial that is in accordance with the law.
If there have been no constitutional violations, and a preliminary hearing has determined that there is probable cause for the case to go to trial, I will turn my attention to trial preparation, the importance of which cannot be overstated. I can also give you, as the accused, a realistic idea of what your options are and what you could possibly expect. This is especially important because people charged with a crime have often been given misleading or false information by well-intentioned but misguided friends and acquaintances.
Make every possible effort to retain a reputable criminal defense lawyer as soon as you have been arrested for a crime. Your life and liberty may depend on it.
