Federal Crime Attorney in Odessa, TX

Most crimes are state crimes and are tried at the state level. State crimes include offenses such as robbery, arson, murder, rape, burglary, and theft. Federal crimes apply to laws passed by the federal government or over constitutional matters. Federal cases include matters such as bankruptcy, patent, copyright, antitrust, and more. Federal jurisdiction can also apply when the U.S. government is a party in the case or is being sued. Finally, federal charges can apply in cases between citizens of different states if certain circumstances are met.

Drug trafficking, for example, is an example of a federal drug crime, especially across state lines. You can be charged for drug possession, manufacturing, cultivating, and distribution at the state or federal level. The charge will generally depend on the amount of the controlled substance in question.

Other federal charges include possession of illegal firearms, kidnapping, child pornography, credit card fraud, identity theft, federal hate crimes, and more. If you are facing a criminal charge at the federal level, you will need an experienced federal crime attorney to review your case. 

Steps in the Federal Crime Process

The steps in a federal crime case are very similar to most states' criminal procedures. The specific process you will encounter will depend on your individual case. Some cases will be much more simple than others; our attorney can help you navigate the process as it relates to your own situation.

• Investigation: A prosecutor must examine direct and circumstantial evidence to determine whether the government should present the case to the Federal Grand Jury.
• Charge: When a person is indicted, they are given a formal notice that informs them of the pending charges against them. If a person is being charged with a felony, Federal Grand Jury reviews the details of the case and determines whether there is enough evidence to charge the person or people in question with a crime. If you are charged, you may hire a federal crime attorney or choose to have an attorney appointed for you.
• Initial Hearing/Arraignment: Either the same day or the day after a defendant is arrested and charged, they are brought before a judge for an initial hearing to determine whether they will be held in prison or released on bail.
• Discovery: During this period, the prosecution and defense attorneys will review the facts of the case, talk to witnesses, study the evidence, anticipate potential problems that might arise during trial, and develop trial strategies.
• Plea Bargain: When the Government has a strong case, they may offer the defendant a plea deal to avoid trial and potentially reduce his or her sentence.
• Preliminary Hearing: Once the defendant enters his or her plea, a preliminary hearing will generally be held. It is not always required, and the defendant can choose to waive it. The preliminary hearing is like a mini-trial; the prosecution can introduce evidence and call witnesses, and the defense can cross-examine witnesses. If the judge concludes there is probable cause to believe that the defendant committed the crime, a trial will be scheduled.
• Pre-Trial Motions: During this period, the prosecution or defense attorneys can make motions to dismiss a case, suppress evidence, or change the venue of the trial.
• Trial: After weeks or months of preparation, the trial proceeds. This is a structured process where the facts of the case are presented to a jury, which then decides whether the defendant is guilty of the charge(s) offered. Both sides will present their arguments using evidence and witnesses.
• Post-Trial Motions: If the defendant is convicted, motions can be filed once the trial is over. These usually include motions for a new trial, for judgement or acquittal, or vacate/set aside/correct a sentence.
• Sentencing: If a defendant is found guilty, he or she will return to court to be sentenced. Congress has established minimum and maximum punishments for many crimes, which the judge will use to determine a suitable sentence - along with statements from the victims, defendant, and lawyers.
• Appeal: If a defendant has been found guilty but believes that he or she was wrongly convicted or the sentence was too harsh, they can appeal to a higher court. An appeal is not another trial; rather, it is an opportunity to raise specific errors that might have occurred at trial. Appeals can be complicated and sometimes result in the case going back to the trial court.

An experienced federal crime attorney can walk you through every step of the process; a knowledgeable professional can make a huge difference in a case's outcome.

• Bank Fraud 
• Counterfeiting
• Drug Charges 
  
• Embezzlement

• Mail Fraud
  
• Securities Fraud 
  
• Tax Evasion 
• Terrorism

• Kidnapping 
• And Beyond...