Being accused of any crime in New York is a serious matter and one that deserves a phone call to an experienced Nassau County federal criminal defense lawyer. Charges at both the state and federal level can have a significant impact on your future if you are convicted. Many people make the mistake of not fully investigating the charges that have been levied against them and may end up making minor errors in the outset of such a case. A federal criminal defense attorney in Nassau County is a crucial asset that you must have at your side over the duration of your case.
A knowledgeable Nassau County federal criminal defense attorney is only as good as their experience defending clients in federal court. An ideal attorney for you should be someone who has extensive experience at both the state and federal level and someone who is just as committed to fighting for a positive outcome as you are. It is crucial to have an attorney that you can turn to during these challenging times because you will have many questions over the course of your federal criminal defense and you will want to be able to turn to someone who can provide the answers immediately.
Making informed decisions about your future is vital over the duration of any federal criminal defense case, particularly when plea bargains are presented. You need to be able to make an educated decision about how to best proceed and to weigh the pros and cons of any individual decision. The right federal criminal defense attorney will walk you through this process regardless of whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or felony charge. An attorney must have experience defending clients against federal criminal charges.
What You Need to Know About Federal Law Versus New York State LawIf you are charged with a federal crime, you case is sent to federal court for indictment. The punishments typically associated with federal courts are much more serious than New York state law violations. This is why anyone who has been investigated or accused by the Feds needs to consult with an experienced federal crime defense attorney. Your federal criminal defense attorney in Nassau County can tell you more about the penalties associated with any individual crime. Someone who has extensive knowledge of New York laws may also be able to assist you with moving this case to the state court instead of federal court.
The Process of Federal Charges: Indictments, Arraignment and CourtsThere are many different points in the legal process when you have been accused of violating a federal law. There is no substitution for the guidance of an experienced Nassau county federal criminal defense attorney. The first stage in the process is known as the complaint followed by the issuing of your arrest warrant in your actual arrest. From this point forward, you will make an official appearance before a judge and it is strongly recommended that you have an attorney at your side.
The judge determines whether or not there is enough evidence to indict the accused person at this time and inform this offender of his or her rights. Furthermore, a bond will usually be set at this stage of the process. It is essential to have an attorney with you at your side because you may not understand the potential consequences.
A hearing will usually be held to determine if the offender should be let out on bond. This usually occurs within 72 hours of your arrest. The prosecutor must show evidence within ten days of your arrest that the accused person committed the crime. Your Nassau county federal defense attorney, however, may also put together evidence that negates probable cause. The prosecuting attorney may opt to go the route of an indictment rather than a complaint.
Evidence is then presented to a grand jury and the accused will formally hear his or her charges, learn their rights, enter a plea of guilty or not guilty and then the trial date will be placed on the docket. Unless the plea agreement is reached, the case will usually go to trial. The U.S. prosecutor is responsible for illustrating that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If you are found guilty, you'll be punished by the court including potential penalties like probation, jail time or fines. The final stage is an appeal. At each stage of this legal process an experienced New York federal criminal defense attorney is strongly recommended.