This is the first post in a series of articles which will discuss defending against federal charges in the Southern District of Texas. I feel it is important to address this topic because the federal system can seem overwhelming to many defendants. It is important to remember that such charges are brought by the United States government and not all attorneys are licensed to practice in Federal Court. The goal of my coming articles is to provide information which will help people to better understand their situation. It is also my goal to provide information which will assist with the selection of a criminal defense lawyer. If you or a family member are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with an attorney.
I will be addressing several topics over my coming articles. Issues which I will analyze include:
- Offenses commonly charged in Federal Court
- Dealing with expert witnesses
- Understanding the federal sentencing guidelines
There are multiple reasons why I have chosen to address these topics. First, cases brought in Federal Court are filed pursuant to Title 18 of the US criminal code, not the laws of Texas. This means that an accused individual faces a different situation than those charged in the state system. Second, it is not uncommon to utilize expert witnesses in a federal case. Such witnesses may be necessary in matters involving computer crimes, cases of financial fraud, and other complex situations. Finally, the federal sentencing guidelines provide a structure which judges typically follow. The guidelines can be highly complicated and lead to a great deal of confusion.
One point I will be stressing in each of these articles is the serious nature of federal charges. While all criminal charges carry serious consequences, the federal system is typically seen as less forgiving than the state courts. This is why the phrase “don’t make a federal case out of it” was developed. If you are facing such charges, it is vital that you retain competent counsel. I am a Laredo federal defense lawyer who is licensed to practice in the Southern District of Texas. I understand the importance of the situation and will give your case the attention it deserves. My office believes that everyone is entitled to aggressive representation. Contact us online or by telephone today.