Everyone makes mistakes, but not everyone is able to get past them. A single mistake can cost you everything that you’ve worked for your whole life.
This is especially true if you’re accused of committing a federal crime. Federal crimes are taken very seriously by the courts and if you’re arrested or under indictment for one, at a minimum it could affect your reputation and ability to get a job.
If you’re convicted of a federal crime, you could face serious time in prison, as well as expensive fines. Even worse, once your sentence is served, you may be classified as having a criminal record and have difficulty finding housing opportunities and end up homeless.
When you’re arrested or indicted on federal charges, it is important to contact a Fort Worth federal criminal defense lawyer who knows how to work the criminal justice system. Hoeller McLaughlin PLLC will also be able to negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf and seek lesser charges or reduced sentencing options when possible.
Legal Help Facing Federal Charges
The severity of the charges against you will depend on what crime you have allegedly committed. Many of these crimes have mandatory minimum sentences, which means that even if the judge feels that your case should result in a lighter punishment, he or she may not be allowed to grant it.
That’s why working with an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer is so important. Your lawyer can help you win your case by:
- Make sure your rights are protected at all times
- Ensuring the prosecution follows the rules and doesn’t break any laws while they’re building their case against you
- Accessing private investigators and expert witnesses that can help you win your case
Our law firm will be able to review your case and determine the best course of action to take, and that includes deciding whether or not you should plead guilty in the first place.
Criminal Defense Plea Options: Guilty? Or Not Guilty?
Whether to plead guilty or go to trial will depend on many different factors, including your financial situation, length of sentence, and what you want to do with your life.
- Pleading Guilty— This means that you admit your guilt and accept the sentence rather than going through a trial. Pleading guilty means that you don’t have to worry about the possibility of a harsher sentence if you’re found guilty at trial, although it’s crucial to remember that the prosecution could go back on their word later on and often do.
- Pleading Not Guilty— Taking this approach will result in a trial, which is an opportunity for your federal criminal defense lawyer to present evidence and arguments before a judge or jury.
If you’re found not guilty at trial, all of the charges against you are dismissed completely and you walk away free. If found guilty at trial, you’ll be sentenced and possibly serve time in jail, depending on how severe the crime was.
On the bright side, the court does not always believe the prosecution’s argument for the maximum sentence. If your federal criminal defense lawyer has solid evidence to support your innocence and is willing to do the work to prove it in court, a plea bargain could be an acceptable outcome for everyone involved in your Fort Worth federal criminal case.
Plea Bargaining
It’s important to understand your options before you choose a course of action. There are several reasons why working out a plea deal can be the best option for your case. To secure a plea deal, your lawyer will take certain actions to prepare:
- Pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses in your case
- Negotiate with the prosecutor
- Present defense strategies in open court
- Get necessary paperwork together
If all else fails and you’re headed to trial, we will do everything possible to work with the prosecution to try to come up with a settlement. If a settlement is not possible, then we’ll start preparing your case.
Call for a Free Consultation in Fort Worth
Our end goal will be to get an acquittal or have your charges reduced so that you receive as little punishment as possible. Your Fort Worth federal criminal defense lawyer will aggressively protect your rights in all aspects of the case. Call Hoeller McLaughlin PLLC at 817-334-7900 or fill out our online form to request more information.
