If you are facing federal charges, you are likely worried about the future. You are frightened and unsure of what steps to take. A Missouri attorney can help you mount a defense to fight the charges. Find out how hiring an attorney can help you through the process.
Attorneys assist Missouri residents with a wealth of federal charges. These charges are often related to fraud, drug offenses, bank robbery, aggravated assault, and identify theft. In these cases, attorneys often begin by obtaining pretrial release. Then, the attorney can negotiate plea agreements and provide additional services.
Federal crimes differ from state crimes. Therefore, people charged at the state level often obtain bail without issue. However, the federal court system can choose to detain people who pose a threat or flight risk. Also, judges can grant bail while also including conditions for the release.
Judges have discretion when choosing the conditions for pretrial release. For instance, the judge can force the accused to surrender their passport and firearms. The judge also might establish a curfew and include other restrictions. A defense attorney will present evidence to show that the person is a good candidate for pretrial release. Also, the attorney can argue against unfair or unreasonable release conditions. This might include filing an appeal on the grounds of an Eighth Amendment violation.
Often, federal cases do not go all the way to court. Instead, prosecutors and defense attorneys negotiate plea agreements to reduce or drop some if not all the charges. This, in turn, reduces the sentences that clients face. Candidates for plea agreements often have overwhelming evidence against them. Thus, pleading guilty to reduced charges might make sense. Also, some only played a minor role in the crime or wanted to help federal prosecutors.
An attorney negotiates and reviews plans agreements. Attorneys want to make sure that the agreement is beneficial to the client. Thus, if the agreement only benefits the prosecution, the attorney might advise the client to move forward to trial. On the other hand, if the agreement benefits the client, the attorney will likely advise the accused to take it. However, the client has the power to decide to accept or decline these agreements.
If the case proceeds to court, both sides will go through pretrial discovery first. With federal charges, pretrial discovery is generally quite complex. It might consist of thousands of documents, along with witness statements and reports. An attorney prepares documents for the other side and reviews all evidence received. In addition, the attorney explains what the evidence means so that the client understands the proceedings.
If you have been charged with a federal crime, your attorney can help immediately. The lawyer will assist with each step, from helping you get released to negotiating a plea agreement and poring through evidence. Begin by consulting with an attorney about your case. Then, your lawyer can explain what steps you must take.
Call us at (417) 865-2181 for more information from Dean Price Law or to schedule a consultation in our office in Springfield. NOTE: This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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