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17 Sep, 2024 by Greyson olson
In September 2023, my brother (25, from Arizona) got arrested (in San Francisco, California) after attempting to enter a conference within a community both of us grew up in and have been apart of since 2008. His car keys were knocked out of his suit pants during a tackle incident at the security clearance after he had trouble leaving when asked. According to my brother there was a misunderstanding of an email conflicting with him not being invited to the conference. After being tackled and handcuffed, he told the officers he had a concealed firearm in his vehicle, 5 minutes away, as he felt it was a danger for his keys to be off of his person. I was at this conference, and saw some of this happen live. My peers in our place of work were laughing, and making memes about this for months. There are many videos and pictures of the whole ordeal.
They put 6 charges on him that night, including "possession of armor piercing ammunition" and "high capacity magazines"
The SF media created a narrative off of the charges and the prosecution ran with it moving to deny bail within the first week, just as my family was even beginning to cope with this new reality. Public consensus of the incident caused a rift in the community between those who knew him for years prior and know he would never do what was being inferred by the media, and those who didn't know him and were led to believe it. Our family used this as fuel to ensure we stuck with this case mentally and financially, no matter how hard it felt and how much of an uphill battle it was at times.
We went through two public defenders, and another private attorney before landing on Nechay Law in late March 2024. Nechay tried many angles of defense for this non violent gun storage charge. All previous charges except "having a concealed firearm in a vehicle" were wiped, and the remaining was moved to a misdemeanor which a change of plea got him out of jail after 1 year, 4 days.
The prosecution was going for conviction on the felony level to get him 6 years, based upon the narrative they shaped up. Nechay (even after 7 months of other attorneys handling the case) was able to reverse and put to rest the previously life ruining, retribution hungry narrative.
The best scenario out of all of this is he will be getting more familial attention and help to deal with previous traumas such as a car crash that totaled his very expensive car, two home break-ins, and his business faltering. Rebuilding for him will be a hard but rewarding journey, and Nechay has allowed that second chance of the sanctity of life to happen through her expertise. I cannot recommend enough. Our family is eternally grateful for Valery and her firm's service.
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05 Sep, 2024 by I.a. huxley
Adam was recommended to me through another lawyer and I'm so thankful that that happened. We corresponded via text before hoping on a phone call. I still can't believe how kind and empathetic and knowledgable he was. He's exactly the kind of person and lawyer that you want in your corner.
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09 Jul, 2024 by Kristina delevi
I can't recommend Valery Nechay enough as an attorney. Her knowledge in so many areas of the law is truly impressive. She went above and beyond to make sure every detail was covered, and I always felt supported and informed throughout the whole legal process. Even with her busy schedule, Valery always found time to answer my questions, no matter how small. She made me feel like I was in the hands of someone who genuinely cares and knows her stuff. Valery is not just knowledgeable and dedicated, but also incredibly compassionate. I'm so grateful for everything she did for me.
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5.0
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11 Feb, 2024 by Alex ferbrache
Victor helped my mom win a personal injury settlement against a major retail chain. I am incredibly grateful for his outstanding legal support and guidance throughout the process. His diligence and attention to detail in gathering information about the incident both from my mom and the relevant medical professionals and organizations was instrumental in the favorable settlement he achieved on her behalf. We'd highly recommend working with Victor.
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18 Dec, 2023 by Beverly li
Victor was a tremendous help. After my car accident, I initially felt overwhelmed and reluctant to deal with anything related to the incident, anticipating it to be a hassle. However, once I mustered up the confidence to reach out to Victor and put in some effort, it became evident that he would be able to assist me—and he truly did. Although the process was somewhat lengthy, Victor consistently excelled in providing timely updates throughout the case. I definitely would recommend Victor to anyone who needs him.
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19 Sep, 2023 by Alvin lee
I cannot express my gratitude enough to Victor and his team. They truly went above and beyond to help me with a case that was far from easy to prove. Their dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to my case were remarkable.
From the initial consultation, Victor and his team took the time to thoroughly understand the complexities of my situation. They provided me with clear guidance on the potential outcomes and a realistic assessment of my situation, which helped me make informed decisions throughout the process.
What impressed me the most was their tireless advocacy on my behalf. Victor and his team left no stone unturned, conducted meticulous research, and navigated through the legal intricacies with finesse. They handled everything with determination and professionalism, even when all seem hopeless.
I'm thrilled to say that their hard work paid off, and I received compensation that I never thought possible. This outcome was a testament to Victor and his team's expertise and their ability to handle challenging cases.
Moreover, the communication throughout the entire process was exceptional. They kept me informed at every step, promptly answered my questions, and eased my anxieties. I felt supported and empowered throughout the journey.
If you're in need of legal representation and are facing a complex or challenging situation, I wholeheartedly recommend Victor. They are a dedicated team of legal experts who will fight with passion, skill, and unwavering commitment.
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19 May, 2024 by David
My wife and I needed Marc's help with a sensitive identity theft issue that he took the time to help us navigate because of the serious financial and legal implications.
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05 May, 2024 by Anonymous
I was arrested for DUI in Alameda County. Marc was recommended to me by a family member. I did not know whether to hire him before the District Attorney would make a charging decision. Marc advised me to hire someone good to represent me asap because he said that based upon his former experience as a prosecutor, it was much better if I had a good lawyer plead my case before a charging decision was made. And also for the DMV hearing process. The DA decided to not file a DUI case against me!
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25 Apr, 2024 by Raul
I was facing a first DUI in SF with fines that would be a big burden on me. Marc basically got me a wet reckless which meant no fines, no jail, and I only had to do certain classes which is very doable for me. Marc also followed-up with me to ensure I would get my restricted license from the DMV.
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21 Jul, 2023 by Jackie rees
Bryan helped me navigate a challenging employment termination case. He was professional, driven and helped me achieve my goals. Bryan and Team ( mostly Ben) were beyond fantastic to work with!
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29 Jan, 2023 by Latasha bennett
Bryan McCormack is a great employment lawyer. He helped me battle a claim that wasn’t that easy to prove. But with his help we were able to come with facts! He is very professional and was responsive to all the questions I had regarding my rights. I’m delighted with the outcome of my case. Thank you Bryan and Ben for all the great work!
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18 Feb, 2022 by Ozi mamla
Bryan McCormack and his team (predominantly Ben) were very helpful in helping me and a few others in getting an appropriate settlement for our case. Not only were they professional, but they continually provided us with thorough updates with clear communication and honesty.
I would highly recommend Bryan McCormack and his team to anyone out there who is looking for an amazing attorney to help with their employment related matters.
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28 May, 2018 by Tracy
Another attorney referred me to Mr.Briggs,and he was wonderful. He knew what he was doing. And stayed on top of things for us. I would recommend him any day of the week. Thank you so much!!
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21 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Our eviction case pushed Curt & his co-counsel team to their limits in every way, & they pulled through w/ flying colors. Our case, while practically over in our favor, instead of being a normally 1 month long UD, still lingers on after ~8 months not because of Curt, but because our opponent was ruled to be one of the most mean/obstructive Landlord attorneys out there, w/ over 20 years experience, & have an endless dirty playbook they launch against tenants which puts them at the top of the list of infamous, notorious Landlord attorneys- they are also a high volume Landlord side firm w/ HUGE resources & they do everything possible to bury & overwhelm their opponent, to run up costs & force missed response deadlines. For the first 4 mo, just to keep up w/ them, Curt had to dedicate his complete resources to our case (virtually shutting down his legal practice). Curt was able to get each of their mean legal tactic stricken down, & then, icing on the cake, got the judge to slap them w/ one of the largest (if not the largest) sanctions (penalties, like contempt of court) ever for their mean/obstructive behavior. Judges almost never give much sanctions, so Curt (& team) winning us that monster one was no small feat.
I was present at many of his most important court motion hearings in our case, and closely read through the endless court hearing and deposition transcripts, digesting his responses, counter arguments, & lines of questioning. I could go on endlessly about all the twists & turns that he had to overcome, but suffice it to say that given our case has pushed all the boundaries of UD law/process, he has demonstrated himself to me to be an extremely competent, legally knowledgeable, adept, tenacious, & caring lawyer (& person). He has great instincts w/ the SF civil Judges, depositions, and real-time litigation strategy. W/ Judges, he’s actually very respectful, takes allot of abuse, rides the line to stay on their good side and builds a solid history and rapport. In depos, he’s got amazing instincts.
His instincts to discover criminal/foul play in physical evidence were also very impressive. I was also amazed at how he can dig into and own all the endless facts of our extremely complex case. Most all other attorneys would just gloss it over, and ignore/miss key (even hidden) evidence.
He also great on client communications stuff, and is very open to client input & guidance when helpful, yet is always polite and frank when it is not. He is extremely respectful, and has almost zero ego/elitist trips of most lawyers. No games or angles… he’s a strait shooter!
He knows his court procedure pretty well, and is a tenacious fighter. When it comes to fighting the most notorious landlord firms, he only takes clients that are willing (and able) to go all the way to jury trial, and we wanted a firm that had effectively scrapped w/ them before, and could handle jury trial. I had interviewed literally dozens of top notch attorneys (most billing $300 - $450/hr, and many were obvious rip offs, looking to take as much $ as possible, and don’t care about results), and even the most experienced in SF UD cases (e.g., 15-20+ yrs exp) had only gone to jury trial once, and the rest had no jury trial experience, just doing some bench trials, which is no good for the bogus nuisance UD case maliciously slapped on us. He has close co-counsel associates who fill in gaps where his is practice not as strong. In our case, he teamed up w/ Marc Branco to shore up UD law practice. So, that combined w/ his jury trial experience (and their hunger to kick their butt), is what sold me on their ‘dynamic duo’ to go up against them. His criminal law experience was very pertinent to our very (fact driven) nuisance UD case, and he’s adept at picking apart (hostile) witnesses an triangulating to converge on favorable facts to the case.
So, in sum, I can vouch that Curt (& team) are very competent re UD legal practice, highly ethical, they get results.
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18 Sep, 2013 by Wellington
Mr. Briggs kept me informed with all up dates and is a knowledgeable man on what he do! If you are looking for a Trustworthy person, he is a great lawyer of choice!
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01 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Harris is a very talented attorney with extensive experience in the industry. He is a very intelligent, organized and compassionate person. It’s amazing how Harris would listen to people, come up with a creative solution and ask questions a lot of people would not think to ask. Harris is very methodical and analytical as well. He comes up with a great plan to solve a problem and always ensures that the client gets the best result. He is very honest and has high integrity. I admire the fact that he never over promises and always gives realistic details and solutions. Harris is an amazing person and helps a lot of people. Highly recommended attorney and always pleased talking and working with him. Big thanks to Harris for helping people!
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23 Jan, 2021 by D. eliott
Mr. Taback is not only a savvy attorney who is able to understand quite well law and how it should and could be applied, but he is talented at managing your best situation as well as coordinating things in your life needing to be handled. In my situation which the case was not complex however my life was, Taback (somehow?) manage to keep all stakeholders calm and get the deal done. If you are looking for someone who is an artist and only focused on the best outcome, Taback is your counsel.
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06 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Harris is an extremely knowledgeable, and experienced lawyer in federal crimes. I don’t want to be specific in my case. His approach with me was realistic combined with optimism. From the 1st day I sat with Mr. Harris I was given the entire bigger picture, before narrowing in on the specifics of my case. He always kept me in the know and, most importantly, gave me a sense of security. His advice has always been clear, thorough and of the highest standard.
Mr. Harris clearly understood my situation and worked hard to accomplish my number one stated goal and I couldn't be happier with his counsel, encouragement and experienced guidance during this stressful situation. Mr. Harris looked at the case not only from the legal perspective from the human side as well, which can comfort anyone dealing with a legal issue.
Mr. Harris stood in my stead on a number of occasions and helped explain possible outcomes and next steps as things unfolded all while keeping my goals and needs in mind and never losing sight of my main goal.
While I hope my path never crosses with Mr. Harris because I find myself in this kind of situation again, I would highly recommend Mr. Harris and his practice for all your legal needs.
I appreciate he and his staff and office for being extremely professional. Personally, I do not feel that I could have been in better hands. I can't thank Mr. Harris enough. Highly recommended!
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10 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
After getting myself into some legal troubles and risking losing my drivers license for a year, I went on a lengthy search for the right lawyer to represent me in court. Luckily I found Mr. Linschied after several recommendations from esteemed legal professionals and selecting him was absolutely the best possible decision I could have made for myself and my future. Mr. Linscheid was always open to hearing me out and was very honest with me throughout the entire process of my trial. On top of this, Mr. Linscheid is very good at communicating what is happening to ensure that you know where your case sits every step of the way, and the various possible outcomes given your situation. He worked very hard to grant me the best possible outcome, and he went above and beyond ultimately bringing forth an outcome that far exceeded my expectations. I can honestly say working with Mr. Linscheid resolved what seemed like an absolute nightmare to me and I would very highly recommend him to anyone searching for professional legal services under his scopes of work.
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04 Oct, 2022 by Sherif
If you are in need of legal assistance, I highly recommend Mr. Linscheid. He is an excellent lawyer who is very knowledgeable and experienced in a wide range of legal matters. He is also a very good communicator and is very responsive to his clients' needs and concerns. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone who needs legal assistance.
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21 Sep, 2018 by Jonathan
It was one of the worst moments in my life. I was driving home and I crashed my car into a parked car. I was scared, lost, confused but most of all worried.
I was refered by a friend to a lawyer named Michael Linscheid, who turned out to be a saving grace.
He helped me go through the court system and provided me the reassurance that everything will be ok.
He is the utmost professional and his knowledge of the court system is extremely extensive.
After the court case had already happened, Michael followed up with me to ensure everything was on track to get my license back.
I would not be where I am today if it weren't for Michael.
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08 Jun, 2021 by Lin
I hired John Forsyth to help me get my husband out of jail after he was arrested on a fugitive warrant when, unbeknownst to us, charges were filed against him in another state. It took us 9 very stressful days to get him out, and I don’t know what I would have done without John Forsyth. At every turn, John gave practical, sound information and advice that empowered me to make decisions about next steps… pros and cons, implications of various decisions, etc. He cut through the quagmire of legal jargon and procedure to help me understand what was going on and what I needed to do. John was compassionate but did not sugarcoat the situation, give false hope, or do a lot of handholding… BUT he fought hard inside and outside the courtroom, kept me informed at every turn, and leveraged all of his experience, expertise, and resources to essentially get the best win possible. Because of John, we emerged from an extremely difficult 3+ year fight with many scars, but with hope for our future.
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08 Jun, 2021 by Mitchell
John is a awesome professional to deal with. He will tell you how it is good or bad and the best way to approach it which is what you need when dealing with stressful legal issues. He always made sure I knew what was going on and was always available when needed for email/txt or phone calls. He has a strong and meticulous approach in the courts and will do everything he can to take care of his client and make sure anything that is done is in your best interests. I highly recommend John for any legal issue you may be up against.
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07 Jun, 2021 by David
Hiring John to defend me in my case was the best thing I could have done. John is a true professional through and through. He is hard working, diligent, tenacious, and extremely knowledgeable. He is a straight shooter, and very focused, and keeps his clients informed at all times as to the goings on involving their case, no matter how small the detail may be.
John and his amazing defense team represented me in a sexual case where I was falsely accused, and was facing multiple charges that would have resulted in possible life sentences. My case dragged on for 3+ years in part, due to the closure of the court system due to the pandemic, and John stood by me every step of the way. Throughout the entire ordeal, John worked on my case with true professionalism, and always kept me updated as to what was happening, and what was the next step we would be facing as the proceedings continued. Knowing the severity of the accusations I was facing, John also acknowledged my fears and anxieties throughout the case, and displayed a very compassionate side as well by always encouraging me to stay strong.
As the prosecution continued to try different tactics ( ie...attempting to raise my bail, adding charges ), John always had answers that negated all of their attempts. John and his team responded to every "curveball" the prosecution threw at them in a timely and professional manner.
Ultimately, a plea was offered for a much lesser charge, and we agreed, as this would be absolutely the best possible outcome to what were the original charges. Although I didn't receive the full exoneration I had hoped for, I owe my freedom an my life to John Forsyth.
To anyone who is facing criminal charges of any kind, I highly recommend you look no further than John Forsyth. He is amazing, and between him and his team of professionals, I personally can not imagine you would find anyone better than John.
My gratitude goes beyond a simple thank you, but THANK YOU John for giving me back my future, and my life! God bless you, and all who worked so hard on my behalf.
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03 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
John represented my husband in a case and was a fantastic resource to have. He was able to give us very good council, broke down the process and what needed to happen, and did it in very easy to digest terms. He is an excellent negotiator and I felt he was really going to bat for us both in and out of court. I can't recommend him enough.
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03 Jun, 2019 by Fred
I was looking at 30 years, maybe life in a criminal case. A friend of mine referred me to John and his team. They were all very attentive, passionate, and knowledgeable.
John's presence in the courtroom really leaves an impression. When government attorneys, police officers, and legal experts are conspiring against you; you must hire someone to be in your corner and to stand for you. John's the guy to do it.
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19 Feb, 2019 by Rama
John is a great lawyer. He was very professional, thorough and went the extra mile to help with my case. He was able to get my case dismissed!. I would without a doubt recommend him.
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11 Mar, 2021 by Georgea
I have known Karl Krooth for almost 10 years now. Mr Krooth was recommended to me by my former attorney in 2012. My U-visa petition was stalled and so we hired Mr. Krooth and his team. Within months, we got the petition approved. When was time for my I-485 I had no doubts who I wanted to represent me! And again, my petition was approved. He was so through, knowledge, confident and caring.
In March 2021 he did it again! With his help and his team at Immigrant Crime and Justice I am so proud to have become a US citizen.
Hiring Mr Karl Krooth and his team (Julian Sanchez Mora) has been one of my best decisions and investment. The peace of mind he gave me is worth every penny.
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13 Jun, 2017 by Eddy
My application for naturalization was denied due to three criminal cases dating back to 1996 and 2002. After consulting with six different attorneys, one of them recommended Karl Krooth. After doing my own research on Mr. Krooth, I scheduled a consultation with him. Mr. Krooth's expertise and knowledge of both criminal and immigration law were immediately evident from our first conversation. I hired Mr. Krooth and the results speak for themselves. The 1996 case was re-sentenced to eliminate the immigration consequences, one of the cases from 2002 was reduced to a misdemeanor and the other which had been an aggravated felony was dismissed. As of June 9th 2017 I am no longer a felon and I'm eligible to reapply for my citizenship. I highly recommend Mr. Krooth for any criminal or immigration related cases.
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07 Feb, 2015 by Erika
My husband had several criminal cases which needed to be resolved. Karl was determined and dedicated to resolve his cases. Karl gave us reassurance and worked diligently on our cases. With post conviction relief, my husband's immigration proceedings will soon come to an ended. It's all thanks to Karl. Our families are forever grateful.
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31 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired Dean for my legal matters, when the Landlord, seller, and broker teamed up to scam us. Dean was hardworking, and he worked very hard to help us get a good result out of our case. He was very kind to the client, and understood our perspective of the problems as well. I would definitely recommend Dean for cases like this. He is a hardworking, intelligent, and very determined.
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11 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Dean was recommended to me through a trusted colleague of his, Joseph McGowan, at an extremely trying time. His tremendous knowledge, experience, wisdom, professionalism and impeccable dedication to his client meant saw me through a very difficult period in my life. Don't know where things would be without him.
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30 May, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Dean for a legal matter involving my former company. Dean worked hard to understand what I was going through personally and made the effort to try to convince the company that I had righted my wrongs. Dean always answered my phone calls, e-mails, texts, and was able to explain the worst and best case scenarios for me. Dean has a strong background in tax and white crime laws and was able to be a strong advocate and council for me during a tough period in my life.
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26 Jan, 2011 by Tamara
Edward Burch was a competent and thorough attorney in my forfeiture case - which was successful. I'll always be grateful to him and would highly recommend his services to all.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Elias mehari
After I research to find good attorney for my custody, visitation and divorce. I found Amin Law. The staff Jennifer was very helpful. She obtained my information and let Attorney sam contact me in few hours.Sam is a great firm that handles family law, divorce, custody and Visitation.Sam is helpful and generous for his complimentary Consultation. I highly recommended Amin Law.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Jim lai
Admin Law is great which offers a complementary consultation. I will update the details after the meeting.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Adan carta (himynameisadan)
Going thru a divorce and they are helping me to make this experience a very easy and simple one. Explaining things in a simple yet easy manner 100% would recommend.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Federal Crime Lawyer Can Do for You
A federal crime lawyer specializes in defending individuals or organizations accused of violating federal laws. These lawyers have experience navigating the complex federal criminal justice system, which includes higher penalties, stricter sentencing guidelines, and a different court system than state-level crimes. Federal crime lawyers defend clients against a wide range of charges, such as drug trafficking, white-collar crimes, fraud, conspiracy, gun violations, and more. They assist in every phase of the legal process, from investigation to trial and appeals, ensuring their clients' rights are protected.
If you’re facing federal criminal charges, a federal crime lawyer can provide the necessary defense and expertise to navigate the complexities of federal law and achieve the best possible outcome.
When Should I Hire a Federal Crime Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a federal crime lawyer in any situation where you are under investigation or have been charged with a federal crime. Key scenarios include:
- Charged with a federal crime: If you’ve been charged with a federal offense, such as drug trafficking, wire fraud, money laundering, or conspiracy, hiring a federal crime lawyer is essential to ensure your defense is tailored to federal court procedures and laws.
- Target of a federal investigation: If you are being investigated by federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, ATF, or IRS, it’s crucial to retain a lawyer early on. A lawyer can help you avoid self-incrimination and build a defense strategy to counter the investigation.
- White-collar crimes: If you’ve been accused of federal white-collar crimes such as securities fraud, embezzlement, or insider trading, a lawyer can help defend you against charges brought by federal prosecutors and regulatory agencies like the SEC.
- Drug-related charges: If you’re facing federal drug charges, such as possession, distribution, or trafficking of controlled substances, a lawyer can represent you in federal court and negotiate plea deals or challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Gun-related offenses: If you’ve been charged with federal gun crimes, including illegal possession, trafficking, or using a firearm during a violent crime, a federal crime lawyer can help defend against harsh federal penalties.
- Immigration-related crimes: Federal charges involving immigration violations, such as human trafficking, smuggling, or illegal re-entry after deportation, require specialized legal knowledge of both federal criminal law and immigration law.
- Appeals: If you’ve been convicted of a federal crime and are seeking to appeal the conviction or sentence, a federal crime lawyer can assist with the appeals process, focusing on legal errors or issues that may have occurred during the trial.
Hiring a lawyer as soon as you know you are under investigation or charged with a federal crime gives you the best chance of protecting your rights and building a strong defense.
What Does a Federal Crime Lawyer Do?
A federal crime lawyer provides a wide range of legal services to defend individuals and organizations accused of federal crimes. Their responsibilities often include:
- Defending clients in federal court: Federal crime lawyers represent clients in all stages of federal criminal proceedings, including pre-trial motions, plea negotiations, trials, and sentencing hearings.
- Building a defense strategy: Lawyers thoroughly investigate the charges, review the prosecution’s evidence, and develop a defense strategy tailored to the unique aspects of federal law and sentencing guidelines.
- Negotiating plea deals: In some cases, a lawyer may negotiate with federal prosecutors to reduce charges or penalties, potentially avoiding a lengthy trial and reducing sentencing.
- Handling federal investigations: If you are the subject of a federal investigation, a lawyer will guide you on how to interact with federal agents, respond to subpoenas, and handle potential interrogations, ensuring your rights are not violated.
- Filing pre-trial motions: Federal crime lawyers can file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or challenge the legality of the investigation or arrest, aiming to weaken the prosecution’s case before trial.
- Representing clients in appeals: If you’ve been convicted, a federal crime lawyer can represent you in the appeals process, focusing on legal errors, misconduct, or constitutional issues that may have affected the trial’s outcome.
- Managing sentencing and post-conviction matters: Lawyers also help clients during the sentencing phase, arguing for leniency or alternatives to imprisonment, and assist with post-conviction matters such as parole or supervised release violations.
How Are Federal Crime Lawyers Paid?
Federal crime lawyers typically charge for their services in various ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the expected time commitment. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Many federal crime lawyers charge by the hour, with rates typically ranging from $300 to $1,000 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience, the case complexity, and geographic location.
- Flat fee: For specific services, such as negotiating a plea deal or representing you during the initial stages of a federal investigation, some lawyers offer a flat fee. Flat fees for federal criminal defense cases often range from $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the scope of the work.
- Retainer: In complex federal cases, a lawyer may require a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers a portion of the legal work. The lawyer then bills against this retainer as they work on the case. Retainers typically range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the case.
- Payment plans: Some federal crime lawyers may offer payment plans, especially if the case involves extended litigation or lengthy appeals. This can help make legal fees more manageable over time.
It’s crucial to discuss fees with your lawyer upfront to understand the total cost of representation and how payments will be handled throughout the case.
How Much Does a Federal Crime Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a federal crime lawyer depends on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the time required to resolve the case. General cost estimates include:
- Hourly rates: Federal crime lawyers generally charge between $300 and $1,000 per hour. For example, if a lawyer charges $500 per hour and spends 50 hours on your case, the total cost would be $25,000.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as negotiating a plea deal, flat fees can range from $5,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on the seriousness of the charges and the lawyer’s experience.
- Retainers: In more complex or ongoing cases, a lawyer may require a retainer of $10,000 to $100,000, depending on the case’s scope and complexity.
- Appeals: If you’re appealing a federal conviction, legal fees for an appeal can range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the issues being raised and the length of the appellate process.
In addition to legal fees, you may also need to cover additional costs such as court filing fees, expert witness fees, and investigation expenses.
Top Questions to Ask a Federal Crime Lawyer
Before hiring a federal crime lawyer, it’s essential to ask key questions to ensure they have the necessary experience and qualifications to handle your case. Key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with federal cases?
Ensure the lawyer has extensive experience handling federal criminal cases, particularly those similar to yours, such as drug trafficking, white-collar crimes, or gun violations. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost of your defense. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
Ask for an honest assessment of your case and the potential outcomes, including plea deals, dismissals, or trial strategies. -
What is your approach to defending federal cases?
Ask how the lawyer plans to approach your defense, including potential pre-trial motions, negotiations with federal prosecutors, or trial strategies. -
Will my case go to trial?
Ask whether the lawyer thinks your case will settle out of court through a plea deal or whether it’s expected to go to trial, and how the lawyer will prepare for either scenario. -
How long will my case take?
Federal cases can take time to resolve, so ask the lawyer for an estimated timeline, from investigation to trial or settlement. -
What are the possible penalties if convicted?
Ask about the potential penalties you could face if convicted, including prison time, fines, or other consequences, and how the lawyer plans to mitigate those penalties.
How to Check the Credibility of a Federal Crime Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable federal crime lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Check their bar status: Verify with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed to practice law and has no disciplinary actions or complaints.
- Look for federal crime experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in federal criminal defense and have successfully handled cases like yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about their experience with the lawyer.
- Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on federal cases.
- Check for federal court admissions: Make sure the lawyer is admitted to practice in federal court, as federal criminal cases are handled in federal district courts.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a federal crime lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Information about the charges or investigation: Provide any documents related to the charges against you, such as indictments, subpoenas, or notices of investigation. This helps the lawyer assess the severity of the charges and the potential defense strategy.
- Details of previous interactions with federal agents: If federal agents have contacted you or conducted searches, provide a detailed account of those interactions, including search warrants, interrogations, or evidence seized.
- Questions about your case: Prepare a list of questions regarding the legal process, potential outcomes, and how the lawyer plans to defend you.
- Relevant financial information: If your case involves financial crimes or assets that may be at risk, bring relevant financial records, such as bank statements, business records, or tax returns.
- Previous legal history: If you have a prior criminal record or have been involved in federal investigations before, bring details about those cases.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and provide the best possible legal defense for your federal case.
