Contact Us
Please fill out the form below and we will be in touch with you shortly
Locate Us
The Piper Law Firm
8350 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite #200
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Phone
323.556.0766
Federal Cases
Federal criminal cases are very tough. It is the Defendant versus the entire government of the United States. All the resources, backing and training of the federal law enforcement apparatus has been brought to bear against this one person. By and large, federal sentences are more severe than sentences in state court. Periods of incarceration, even for first time offenders, often range in the years. Therefore, hiring the right attorney is all that much more important in a federal case.
It is not uncommon for the government to have been building its case against a criminal defendant for several months before the person ever gets any idea that he or she is under suspicion. By the time the accused realizes he or she has been under investigation for a long period of time, investigation of the case has, by and large, been completed. Further, Federal Agents are usually better trained, better equipped and better financed than their state and local counterparts. This usually means they put far more time and effort into their cases than the local police.
Likewise, federal prosecutors (also known as Assistant United States Attorneys) often have far more experience than the District Attorneys and City Prosecutors found in state courts. The United States Department of Justice has some of the finest lawyers in the world walking its halls. Therefore, it is important that a federal criminal defendant hire an attorney who has federal experience.
Federal cases usually involve crimes that are just too complex for state authorities. Some of them are cases that state authorities just do not have any ability to regulate or investigate. Examples of common federal cases are: complex fraud schemes, complex or multi-state white collar crimes, drug trafficking, identity theft, child pornography and other computer crimes.
There are some cases which could be both state and federal. But, for whatever reason, the federal authorities have decided to initiate prosecution. Probably the best known, and easiest, example of this is bank robbery. Robbing a bank is a violation of both state and federal law. Either, or both, the state and federal authorities could prosecute a person who did such an act.
Federal courts have their own rules. A good lawyer in state court may not know how to properly respond in a federal case. Further, a federal case is a major undertaking that is often very complex and difficult to negotiate. Many times there are multiple defendants and very thorough reports.
Even though federal cases are very difficult and can be very complex, a good attorney can help. Timing, however, is everything. If someone finds out they are under suspicion by the federal authorities, they are probably already behind. Therefore, contacting a lawyer right away is extremely important.
If you are under investigation by the federal government or have been charged in a federal case, you need to speak to an attorney. You also need to make sure the attorney you speak with has worked in the federal courts. Call David Piper now to talk about your federal case.