(818) 995-9452
If you’ve been charged with a federal crime, you’ve got the full weight of the U.S. government against you. As such, you may find yourself dealing with certain challenges specific to the federal criminal justice system. These are best faced with the help of an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer, like the ones you’ll find at the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling.
In this article, we explain what you can expect during the process and what federal charges defense strategies we can deploy on your behalf.
Common Challenges in Defending Federal Charges
Federal criminal cases involve distinct challenges you don’t see in most state cases, such as the following.
More Complicated Laws
Federal laws tend to be much broader and more complex than state laws, especially when regulatory frameworks are involved. Defendants often face charges under intricate statutes that frequently involve multiple related offenses. These more complicated laws can make it difficult for defendants and their legal teams to fully understand the scope of the charges. Federal statutes also frequently overlap, leading to charges that may seem redundant but serve to strengthen the prosecutor’s case.
Power of Federal Prosecutors
Federal prosecutors often have more resources and greater authority than their state counterparts. They have support from large teams of investigators from agencies like the FBI, DEA, and IRS, who can build robust cases over long periods. This makes federal prosecutors extremely formidable in court, as they can thoroughly investigate every aspect of a defendant’s life and history. Additionally, the discretion afforded to federal prosecutors in deciding whether and how to charge an individual gives them a significant advantage. This prosecutorial power puts immense pressure on defendants to accept plea agreements, as the risk of a trial can be daunting.
Mandatory Minimum Sentences
The federal government’s mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines remove much of the judge’s discretion in determining an appropriate punishment. In many cases, a first-time offender could face many years in prison due to these harsh sentencing rules. Federal sentencing requirements for drug crimes and weapons charges are particularly strict.
Limited Plea Bargaining Opportunities
Plea bargaining in federal court often works differently than in state court. Federal prosecutors must follow the Principles of Federal Prosecution, which contain specific guidelines on what plea deals are appropriate under given circumstances. Prosecutors must charge the most severe offense, and their supervisors must approve all plea agreements. This limits the flexibility in plea negotiations, sometimes leaving defendants with less favorable deals than they might find in a state case. Additionally, since many federal crimes carry mandatory minimums, plea deals are sometimes less advantageous than in other systems.
Strict Timelines and Expedited Proceedings
Federal courts tend to move faster than state courts. The Speedy Trial Act mandates that federal trials must commence within 70 days of a defendant being charged, which leaves defense teams little time to build a strong case. Moreover, the complexity of federal investigations means that defendants are often under investigation for months, if not years, before they face charges. Once charged, however, the process moves quickly. Defendants can feel overwhelmed by the tight deadlines and the difficulty of preparing an adequate defense in a short period.
Key Strategies for Defending Federal Charges
Developing a strong defense narrative is one of the most critical steps in federal criminal cases. These cases often involve complex legal theories, complicated sets of facts, and confusing details that juries can easily get lost in.
By creating a compelling, straightforward narrative, defense attorneys can help juries understand the key points of the case and why the defendant should not be convicted. This narrative should align with the facts of the case but also highlight any mitigating factors that favor the defense, such as lack of intent or insufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Another critical factor in federal cases is plea negotiations, as negotiating with federal prosecutors requires a different approach than in state cases. Because federal prosecutors are often less flexible with plea deals, a federal charges defense attorney must be strategic in their negotiations.
It’s important to present compelling reasons why a reduction in charges or sentence is appropriate. This could include pointing to weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, the defendant’s lack of prior criminal history, or the disproportionate impact of a potential sentence.
Lastly, thoroughness is key when preparing for a federal trial. Federal cases often hinge on technical details, so the defense must be well-prepared to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and witnesses. This means investigating every angle, securing expert testimony when needed, and preparing the defendant and witnesses to testify effectively.
Understanding the Local Federal Courts
Four federal court districts oversee cases in different regions of California. Here’s some basic information on each district.
Central District of California
The Central District of California serves over 20 million people, making it the largest federal judicial district in the country. It covers seven counties, including Los Angeles and Orange. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in this district has three primary divisions: Criminal, National Security, and Civil.
Eastern District of California
By both population and geographic area, the Eastern District of California is one of the largest judicial districts in the U.S. It covers 87,000 square miles and encompasses 34 counties, including major cities like Sacramento, Fresno, and Bakersfield.
Southern District of California
The Southern District of California includes San Diego and Imperial counties. The district headquarters is in San Diego County, and there’s a branch office in El Centro. This federal court district often handles unique cases related to cross-border crime and national security.
Northern District of California
Finally, the Northern District of California covers a diverse region that includes San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose, extending from Del Norte County to Monterey County. One noteworthy feature of this district is that it’s home to Silicon Valley, with more than 300 public companies. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in this district often handles criminal prosecutions, civil lawsuits, and actions involving major tech companies, making it a hub for high-profile federal litigation.
How the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling Can Help
Are you facing federal criminal charges in California? Don’t wait to hire a dedicated and knowledgeable federal charges defense lawyer if you face federal charges in California. Call the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling now or reach out online for a free, no-obligation consultation.
