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14 Aug, 2024 by Mel harris
This is THE BEST law firm you can retain. Melissa Washington and her team mean business, know the law, and you will be glad they are on your side. They are consummate professionals and set me at ease while I was walking through a very difficult matter, from intake to conclusion. Melissa, Ivey, and Katlyn communicate with you often, keep you apprised of updates, and give you honest & intelligent advice on how to proceed. Thanks to Washington Law, I received a favorable result and would definitely utilize them again if I ever needed assistance.
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13 Aug, 2024 by Rie maiden
The team at The Washington Law Firm PLLC is best in class. Their professionalism, kindness, and attentiveness help make navigating an emotional, difficult and confusing time relatively painless. It was a relief to have them providing context and recommendations, with confidence, every step of the way. I am so glad I put my trust and faith in Melissa and her team.
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24 Jun, 2024 by Jeames castillo
They are my GOATS. If you need really good lawyers with good hearts, I fully recommend this firm. Thank you again for everything!!!!
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10 Sep, 2024 by Michael blomstrom
Jamison was an incredible help for our family. Responsive, knowledgeable, and goes above and beyond for his client. Thank you for all your assistance!
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06 Aug, 2024 by Michael dukes
Very caring and helpful. He’s truly honest and treat his clients right. I wouldn’t be where I’m at if it wasn’t for him. Great guy!!!!
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19 Dec, 2023 by Niya ross
Mr. Koehler did his absolute best with everything pertaining to my case. We communicated throughout the entire process and answered any questions that I had. I felt comfortable and he was very professional. I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a criminal defense lawyer.
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14 May, 2021 by A. d. hyde
An excellent practice with high performance counsel
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28 Feb, 2018 by Haris
Mr. Ferrari was extremely knowledgeable and represented us with utmost professionalism throughout our case. He came to us highly recommended based on his winning record and he did not disappoint. Right from the beginning he was very thorough and diligent and always kept us informed. Mr. Ferrari was able to close our case successfully and we are forever indebted to him. We were very lucky to have hired him for our case and I would recommend him to anyone without hesitation. Well done!
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24 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
I retained Mr. Ferrari's devices for a very close friend of mine. Erich was prompt, responsible, honest, creative, and always supportive. I recommend his work with no hesitation whatsoever.
Thank you so much!
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27 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
Attorney Mykytiuk did a fantastic job working my case! Jay helped me get through the entire process and got the CPO against me dropped. Nothing but good things to say about him and his work!
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13 May, 2019 by Anonymous
Jay was very helpful and I would absolutely recommend him to anyone. If you ever need an attorney in DC he would be a great choice.
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05 May, 2019 by Jina
1 word = INCREDIBLE! On the day of court, as I was dropped off at the front of the courthouse, with his magnificent, precise, and sheer confident work, Jay had my case dismissed before my family found parking. Jaw dropping, I know. Jay is 1 of the best attorneys I have ever met. Not only does he have an extensive knowledge in law, his passion for law brings him up to a level of vastness that is above and beyond many in his field. Education is what makes a competent lawyer. When you add cunning and savvy on top is when you get Jay Mykytiuk. It was MY pleasure to have him as counsel and should you be so lucky to have such a bulletproof defence. If you look up the word APPRECIATIVE in a thesaurus you will find all the synonyms that describe counselor Mykytiuk at all times. Such humbleness to match his fiery and exemplary way of winning. If you want a vanquished case, Jay is your man. It is imperative that you acquire him as council, if you want pure triumphant victory, because everything he does is a magnificent conquest. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this experience a memorable, in a good way, slam - dunk counselor.
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09 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Joe was excellent in getting a diversion on one charge and the rest dismissed. I am now eligible for record expungement. Thanks Jo!
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26 Feb, 2018 by Marcus
Attorney Scrofano got my case dismissed! At the end of the day that's exactly what you want to be able to say as well and the only logical suggestion I could offer is that you hire him if you seek the same outcome. He's a really cool dude and a consummate professional. Speaking from experience he gets the job done no matter how difficult it may seem as I can attest personally. A1 Super Trial Lawyer for sure!!
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11 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
I was falsely accused of a felony sexual assault and struck with absolute horror at what that would mean for me and my family. While I knew I was innocent I worried what a charge would do to my future even if it was beaten. I was unable to sleep, disoriented and anxiety-ridden. If you are finding yourself in that state I can assure you that you are putting yourself in good hands by reaching out to Joe Scrofano. I was given confident, competent advice at every step along the way. He managed to guide me through a well thought out plan and keep me informed throughout its execution. I was made aware of every possible outcome when faced with choices even when those possibilities were difficult to hear. Communication of these touchy subjects was always handled with the utmost professionalism and compassion. I am extremely thankful to report that after following the advice of Mr. Scrofano and having him work on my behalf no charges were brought against me. I cannot stress enough how trustworthy he is. My life was quite literally in his hands and I am forever grateful to have found him.
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11 Sep, 2022 by Maros
Mr. Vernia represented me in three cases against two billion dollar companies, single-handedly winning all three of them, securing a substantial monetary compensation. In the first case Mr. Vernia filed a successful qui tam (whistleblower) suit against a major aerospace company which was overcharging government clients. The DoJ thanked us for our efforts and rewarded us with a substantial relator share compensation, together with attorney fees. In the second, retaliation case, Mr. Vernia obtained a substantial monetary settlement from the company. In the third case, Mr. Vernia tirelessly defended me, my family, and my small business against a large company who filed a meritless strike suit in their attempt to take my business down as its only competitor. Mr. Vernia filed dozens of motions and fought to the end against the company and its 21-person team consisting of fourteen lawyers. As a result of Mr. Vernia’s effort and his knowledge of the Defense Trade Secret Act, we won the entire case on summary judgment, while exposing the company’s lies and fabrications.
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29 May, 2022 by Shan
Ben Vernia’s is an absolute gem of a lawyer. His calm personality made me feel safe when everything was falling apart. He took care of me like no other attorney has ever done. He got me the outcome I wanted and I highly recommend his law firm.
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22 Nov, 2021 by Laurie
He literally saved the case.
I found myself in a bind: headed to a notorious Circuit Court and the senior attorney I had hired had pawned my case off to a junior associate who had botched it all. In fact, we were weeks from submitting the brief and they were totally unprepared.
I was given the name of Ben Vernia from successful attorneys in that circuit and called. Most folks aren’t interested in federal whistleblowers who did the right thing but aren’t likely to yield lots and lots of cash, but Mr. Vernia cared more about saving my dignity and preserving my case. Mr. Vernia got right to work on my case and impressed me in several important ways.
He was transparent about his fees. He estimated hours in advance so I could plan approximate costs. This kept my anxiety and budget within control.
Mr. Vernia was calm and compassionate. He listened to me. He was respectful. He helped me understand the process we would be engaging in so I could know what to expect.
Mr. Vernia was skilled. He developed careful arguments and delivered them expertly. I was so impressed.
I would happily employ him as an attorney in the future. He is a wonderful person and professional.
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15 May, 2020 by Pinchas
I was a victim of the crude FBI set-up. To make things worse got some incompetent attorney who completely screwed me. Thank G-d for Jeff. He calmed me and my wife down, got things under control. Overall had great experience. Very caring, professional highly recommend. Not too many people like him.
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27 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
Jeff and Rachel helped me navigate a difficult case with extreme knowledge of the law and professionalism. Jeff was able to negotiate favorable terms for me and stop any potential prosecution.
The Ifrah legal team is the best legal representation I have ever had. If you need legal defense, call Jeff!!
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30 Jan, 2012 by Anonymous
When I found myself being charged with crimes that I did not commit, Jeff willingly took up the case because it was the right thing to do. He worked closely with me to explain each step of the court process, give new information as soon as he got it, and followed up after the process was over. I know that Jeff usually only handles high profile cases that one can read about in the news, but he did this in his own time for very little money because he is a moral man. Jeff is hands down the most knowledgeable and skillful lawyer that I have ever met, and would certainly recommend him to anyone that is able to fit into his schedule.
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28 Sep, 2019 by Terry
Jim Trusty was considered to be an outstanding State Attorney when working among prosecutors for Andrew Sonner, Montgomery's elected State Attorney
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14 Jul, 2017 by David
Extremely experienced and knowledgeable in federal practice, especially federal criminal procedure, evidence, and racketeering and gambling statutes. Sensitive to client concerns.
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29 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Bruce assisted me with reckless by speed citations in VA twice. He was candid and professional in all our communication. He also knows his way around multiple districts in VA. He lays out the facts of the situation, advises thoroughly and professionally represents his clients. I highly recommend Bruce Cooper.
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24 Jun, 2015 by Rita
From the initial conversation until the end of my court case, Mr. Cooper was extremely professional, courteous, empathetic, patient, knowledgeable and a man of immediate action. He is very clear, concise, trustworthy, well connected and detailed when outlining his expectations to assist me in making my case easier to expedite. Before meeting Mr Cooper, I was extremely confused with my case and so many parties involved but he made each step seamless the moment he took over. He was easy to reach at any time and was thorough in his explanations. At the end of the day, he ensured that all parties were satisfied, understood the specifics as well s even followed up afterwards. I would highly recommend Mr Cooper to anyone that is seeking a true professional that knows their craft inside and out!
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11 Nov, 2015 by Janei
I consulted Mr. Burnham about a legal problem. Thankfully it didn’t go to trial, but the consultation / advice I received from Mr. Burnham was first rate. He is a skillfully attorney who is extremely knowledgeable, fair and ethical. I would recommend him without hesitation.
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24 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
I have used Charles Burnham on two separate occasions and could not speak more highly of him. Neither were major cases, but his knowledge and commitment were indispensable in winning both of my cases. I strongly recommend him.
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30 May, 2013 by James
20 years ago (1994) Barry saved my job at Georgetown University. I was since promoted and received several employee commendations. I retired from the university in 2003 and as a result of the staff benefits package, my son who was 5 years old at the time, received the dependent tuition. He graduated this month from the University of Maryland with honors. Although I have not spoken to Barry in over twenty years, I credit his wisdom, intelligence and fortitude for making this all possible for me, my wife Faith and Zach. We will be forever greatful. Which is why I have no problem with leaving my name.
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03 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
Barry helped me to save my son's life. He so well represented him in our legal case; but, that was only a part of his excellence. He helped my son to survive with his knowlege of psychology , his compassion, caring and support, so my son did not act on his suicide thoughts. Barry helped him to maintain his drug sobriety through an incredibly difficult and painful legal case. My son was suicidal from the angst of this case which required my son to look back at his years of child abuse and then into his past drug addiction. Barry worked with my son, my son's psychologist and with me to get through this ordeal. Barry followed through perfectly and quickly on any matter that needed attention. I never had to wait for a response in those difficult months which spanned well over a year. Quite an accomplishment! He developed positive relationships with the prosecution and kept things on as even keel as possible. I highly recommend Barry and am grateful to have found him.
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12 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Dillon is very good at handling campus disciplinary cases. He knows how to navigate the system and provides great advice. His team is very responsive and high quality.
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24 Aug, 2018 by Uuche
Great legal representation and counsel. An easy going fellow with a great personality. Pleasant Brodnax is the right and best choice for anyone seeking assistance on white collar issues. You will not be disappointed as satisfaction from his legal services is guaranteed.
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24 May, 2017 by Anonymous
very knowledgable and attentive, also free consulation. Attorney Dajani gave me best consultation in several legal cases I had.
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30 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Great lawyer! Nice man with a great personality who gets the job done professionally! He really helped my family out when we needed him! He gives great advice and has a lot of experience too! Kept us in the loop and he explained everything so that we could really understand our situation!
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31 Aug, 2024 by Amadou fofana
Garfield Law Group is the Best. My wife and I had the privilege to hire them in our immigration case. Their professionalism, their dedication, and their level of care is beyond imagination.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Sisay kidana
03 Aug, 2024 by Yohannes getahun
Working with GARFILED Law Group was a game-changer. Their strategic thinking and deep knowledge of the law were evident throughout my case. They made a potentially stressful situation manageable with their calm demeanor and clear communication. I couldn't be more satisfied with the outcome. If you’re looking for a lawyer who combines expertise with empathy look no further than GARFILED Law Group.They tackle my case with meticulous attention and genuine care making me feel like a priority. Their commitment to achieving the best outcome is unmatched .Choosing GARFILED Law Group was one of the best decisions I've made. Their proactive approach and thorough understanding of the legal landscape they work an amazing teamwork were instrumental in resolving my issue. Their dedication and strategic insight truly make them a standout professional in their field.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Deepak ganesan
No nonsense, quick and understanding. Excellent service. Got my requested service done within a week. Walked me through every step.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Michael harper
Attorney War is amazing to cooperate with. He is very knowledgeable, punctual, and encouraging. He understands the agenda and executes fearlessly. Thanks!
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22 Jul, 2024 by Kristin harrington
Working with Cliff was very easy but also very thorough. We felt like we were in good hands and would highly recommend for your estate planning needs.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Jimbothedon
If you need a law firm this one is it! They really have you best interest in you and want to make sure you’re satisfied throughout the whole process. You won’t ever have to worry they put you at ease and fight in your favor. The attorneys were very helpful and explained everything to you with clear understanding and you can trust they’re fighting on your behalf every inch of the way. I am soo thankful I got recommended to this Law firm. Price Benowitz is the first option I would consider for anyone in need.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Monesh sajnani
Brian Morris' amazing character shows persistency and relentless. His transparency and compassion traits helps him stand out. You will glad if you get a chance to interact with Brian!
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03 Oct, 2024 by Zelalem abahana
Rayan is a wonderful lawyer. He is always available to listen to your concerns and did a wonderful job negotiating the settlement with a descent pay out for the case. I recommend him with no reservations.
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26 Mar, 2023 by Teh grl
Came here for a young real estate council event. The offices are hip and modern and very VIP vibe. If you get a chance to go do so!!!
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14 Mar, 2021 by Sharn rodriguez
Great food, great drinks!
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02 Jul, 2020 by Aubrey derricotte
14 Feb, 2024 by Crystle watts
15 Nov, 2023 by Leslie corbett
Everywhere online states that you can call them and they will referr you to an attorney. When I called the person stated it was law firm then quickly put me on hold. She came back online and disconnected the call!!
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27 Jan, 2023 by Shuchin ning
13 Apr, 2024 by Liz martin
02 Mar, 2022 by Tairy hesticles
I was contacted about a class actio. case and it was requested that I speak with a paralegal for an hour during my workday. I was asked up front my gender and race. After an hour long conversation, there was a follow-up email explaining that my gender and race disqualified me from the case. I wasted my lunch giving valuable information for a case that they knew up front I did not qualify for. Thanks for wasting my lunch break.
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11 Nov, 2021 by Herve simo
14 Oct, 2020 by Kevin
The poster of the negative review received full compensation and attorneys fees for his claim. We were his successor counsel after his first attorney ended the representation. A dispute arose over whether attorneys fees could be credited in any way back to the client, something federal law prohibits. The firm provided the client full relief, this we were surprised by his review, particularly after he expressed appreciation for the firm’s efforts.
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15 Jun, 2018 by Frank h
I was a client of Kevin Byrnes and I would not recommend him as an attorney. Don’t construed experience as success. Ambiguity with him is your loss. As a client, I did not like that he constantly boasted of select past cases and I also did not like the ongoing attorney/client disagreements. My recommendation? Take your chances with another attorney. I’ve also noticed one of his employees recommended him in a review. I’ll end this review as I started it: “Caveat Emptor or Retain at your own RISK.”
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01 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
I consulted Mr. Caleb on a case, he was not timely in his responses, his suggested approach seemed to push the legal envelope, and his office staff was unorganized and rude.
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11 May, 2016 by Geoffrey
I worked with Joe on a complicated case involving tricky questions of law. I was very impressed by Joe's professional attitude and commitment to our client. He was always diligent, and on top of things. I have no hesitation in endorsing this fine attorney.
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15 Dec, 2018 by Kevin
I hired this attorney to represent my son in a criminal case in which he was innocent in Pennsylvania. I was charged $37,000 by this attorney and the way he spoke to us, I've got to tell you he could sell boots to a fish. He neglected to subpoena the proper Witnesses, even after we had asked him to please bring my son's analyst and psychiatrist into the court. He assured me that my son was innocent and this was easy and he could handle it. When we got to court, attorney Raleigh by professional omission, failed to rebut or argue false accusations and even lies that were in written form on the psychiatrist's report, which would have exonerated my son and attorney Raleigh froze solid. Attorney Raleigh cost my son his life. He neglected to petition the proper Witnesses, stood silent during false accusations. My son realizing what was happening, spoke out in court on his own to the judge while attorney Raleigh tried to silence him. Thank God the judge listened to what my son had to say and reduced his unnecessary sentence considerably. After the hearing attorney Raleigh spoke to me privately on the way to his automobile and told me he was sorry and he would not object if we wanted to claim ineffective counsel. I am just a working guy, it took everything we had to hire this attorney so to start another hearing was financially impossible and my son continues to suffer. Although thanks to my son's own intuition he is a free man to a degree. I approached attorney Raleigh and he denied ever having that conversation with me before telling me that the company he is now with, after relocating his practice to Washington DC, would object to him assisting my son in what he himself, attorney Raleigh caused. I was once a believer of Truth and honor. Don't get caught in what we did.
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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.
