Federal Criminal Defense

• In federal court in the Northern District of Texas, it’s generally expected that a case will be set for trial within 12-18 months of filing. However, this is a general guideline, and several factors can influence the actual timeline, including the complexity of the case, court caseload, and whether a plea bargain is reached.
• The Speedy Trial Act also plays a role, requiring trial to commence within 70 days of indictment or the defendant’s first appearance, unless a trial judge grants a continuance. Call Now (817) 265-7000

• Case complexity: More complex cases generally take longer to prepare for trial.
• Court caseload: Busy courts may have longer wait times to get to trial.
• Plea bargains: A plea bargain can significantly shorten the time to resolution, but it also means losing the opportunity to take the case to trial and possibly appeal an adverse decision.
• Pretrial motions: Delays caused by pretrial motions are generally excluded from the Speedy Trial Act time limits.
• Speedy Trial Act: This law sets time limits for trials, requiring them to commence within 70 days of indictment or the defendant’s first appearance, unless a judge grants a continuance. Call Now (817) 265-700

Federal criminal law is complex and distinct from state law, requiring specialized expertise. Additionally, the federal courts and agencies have their own procedures and rules, and an experienced lawyer can help you navigate them effectively. Call Now (817) 265-7000

Federal sentencing guidelines can be complex, and a lawyer can help you advocate for a fair sentence.

• If you are under investigation by a federal agency.
• If you have been arrested or charged with a federal crime.
• If you are facing potentially serious charges, like those involving drugs, whitecollar crime, or violence. Call Now (817) 265-700

• Understanding the Process: Arrest and Initial Appearance: The process typically starts with an arrest by federal law enforcement, followed by an initial appearance in federal court where the defendant is informed of the charges and their rights.
• Preliminary Hearing/Trial Information: A preliminary hearing may be held to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial.
• Arraignment and Plea: The defendant is formally arraigned and enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).
• Discovery: The defense attorney engages in discovery, gathering evidence, and preparing for trial.
• Trial: The case proceeds to trial, where the defense attorney presents evidence and arguments to challenge the prosecution’s case.
• Sentencing: If convicted, the defendant faces sentencing, which is typically based on federal sentencing guidelines. Call Now (817) 265-7000

• Challenging the Evidence: Defense attorneys can challenge the evidence presented against their client, such as through the use of exclusionary rules or by arguing the evidence is inadmissible.
• Constitutional Arguments: They can argue that the government violated the defendant’s constitutional rights, such as the right to counsel, the right against selfincrimination, or the right to a speedy trial.
• Negotiating Plea Deals: In some cases, defense attorneys may negotiate plea deals with the prosecution to reduce charges or sentencing recommendations.
• Presenting a Case for the Defense: They can present their own evidence and witnesses to support their client’s defense, such as alibis, expert testimony, or other relevant information. Call Now (817) 265-7000

• Federal Jurisdiction: Federal courts have jurisdiction over cases involving violations of federal laws, crimes committed on federal property, and cases where state courts lack jurisdiction.
• Federal Criminal Law: Defense attorneys need to be well-versed in federal criminal law, including the specific laws applicable to their client’s case.
• Constitutional Law: They must understand and be able to effectively argue constitutional rights, as outlined in the U.S. Constitution.
• Court Procedures: Familiarity with federal court procedures and rules of evidence is essential for successfully navigating the legal process. Call Now (817) 265-7000

• Federal Courts: The United States Courts website provides information on federal court procedures and rules, said the website.
• Federal Law Enforcement Agencies: Agencies like the FBI and DEA investigate federal crimes, and defense attorneys should be familiar with their investigative practices, according to the FBI.
• Professional Organizations: The National Criminal Defense Lawyer s Association. and other legal organizations offer resources and continuing education for lawyers, said the NACDL & Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
• Navigating the federal criminal justice system involves understanding the process from initial investigation to potential trial. Federal criminal defense lawyers must be familiar with federal law, procedures, and the specific rules governing federal court, including the use of evidence and plea-bargaining options. Call Now (817) 265-700

• Investigation: Federal law enforcement agencies, like the FBI, investigate potential federal crimes. Arrest and Initial Appearance: A suspect may be arrested and brought before a federal judge for an initial appearance.
• Indictment: A grand jury must indict a person before they can be charged with a federal crime. Pretrial Motions: Defense attorneys will file motions to challenge the charges, such as motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the indictment.
• Plea Bargaining: The government may offer plea bargains, and defendants may choose to plead guilty.
• Trial: If no plea is reached, the case proceeds to trial in federal court.
• Sentencing: If convicted, a judge will determine the sentence, considering the guidelines and other factors. Call Now (817) 265-7000

• Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure: These rules govern the process, from arrest to trial, and lawyers must be familiar with them.
• Federal Rules of Evidence: Lawyers need to understand which evidence can be introduced and challenged in court.
• Statute of Limitations: Federal law enforcement has a limited time to bring charges, and lawyers must be aware of the statute of limitations.
• Defense Strategies: Lawyers can utilize various strategies, including arguing the client’s innocence, challenging the evidence, or claiming self-defense.
• Plea Bargaining: Federal lawyers often negotiate plea bargains with the government to reduce the charges or punishment. Call Now (817) 265-7000

• Stricter Rules: Federal criminal cases have stricter procedural and evidentiary rules.
• Harsher Penalties: Federal crimes often carry harsher penalties, and the sentencing guidelines are more complex.
• Government Resources: Federal prosecutors have access to greater resources and expertise compared to state prosecutors. Call Now (817) 265-7000

• Offense Level: The guidelines assign an offense level based on the seriousness of the crime and specific characteristics of the offens.
• Criminal History: The guidelines also consider the offender’s criminal history, which is categorized into different levels.
• Sentencing Range: The intersection of the offense level and the criminal history category determines the recommended sentencing range.
• Non-Binding: While a helpful tool, the guidelines are not mandatory, and judges have discretion to depart from them.
• Departure Reasons: If a judge departs from the guidelines, they must explain the reasons for the departure.
• Appellate Review: When a judge follows the guidelines and sentences within the recommended range, appellate courts may presume the sentence is reasonable. Call Now (817) 265-700