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Federal charges come with high stakes where a conviction is concerned. There’s a possibility you may face serious penalties, including jail time and fines, and other complex legal problems (like losing a professional license). It’s challenging and nearly impossible to navigate the process alone.
According to Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, Federal crimes include things like large-scale drug operations, gun charges, cyber crimes, and violent crimes. The stakes are much higher than state charges, and attempting to represent yourself as a pro se defendant is a bad idea.
Unlike state charges, federal cases typically involve a more rigorous investigation by powerful agencies and fierce prosecutors, and this can be overwhelming to anyone unfamiliar with the legal system. Having a skilled federal lawyer to defend you is a must. Only an attorney can get you the best possible outcome for your case.
Here’s why you should never face federal charges alone.
You might mistakenly reject a good plea deal
Federal charges are serious, and the consequences of a conviction can be harsh. However, you’ll probably be given the chance to plead guilty to lesser charges through a plea bargain. Unfortunately, without the advice of a lawyer, you’re unlikely to spot a good deal when offered. You might think the lesser charge is still unfair, or the fine is too much, not knowing the alternative would be much worse. If you reject a plea offer, you can’t change your mind later; there’s no going back.
If you hold out for a jury trial, you may not get the result you want
Many people think they have a better chance of getting their charges dismissed if they hold out for a jury trial. While this might be true some of the time, there’s no way to know until you’re there. By that time, it’s too late for other options, and you are at the mercy of the jury. You could be acquitted, but maybe not. A jury might hand down a guilty verdict that results in a sentence much harsher than the plea deal you rejected. You just never know.
It’s important to know that most defendants in federal criminal cases don’t go to trial. Around nine-in-ten plead guilty, often through a plea deal, and around 8.2% get their case dismissed. The majority of defendants who go to trial end up with a conviction, and that’s why you need a lawyer.
A federal defense lawyer can look at your case and tell you, based on their experience, whether or not you have a good chance with a jury. You can’t make that determination on your own. In some cases, lawyers will tell their clients they should absolutely avoid a jury at all costs. Other times, they say it’s a smart move. It all depends on the circumstances specific to your case. Without a lawyer, you won’t know either way, and you won’t be able to make an informed decision about going to trial.
Federal law is highly complex
If you thought state law was confusing, try figuring out federal law without a lawyer. It’s next to impossible. If you don’t have a lawyer to defend you against federal charges, you’re not likely to even begin building your case.
In addition to the complexity, federal courts have different rules and standards that require even more specialized legal knowledge that only a lawyer will know. Most self-represented defendants make huge mistakes in state court, and it’s even worse in federal court.
Federal crimes usually come with longer prison sentences
State crimes can come with seemingly long prison sentences, but they’re typically short compared to what federal charges bring. The average prison sentence is around 149 months (12 years), but depending on the crime, you could get 25 years, 50 years, a life sentence, or even multiple life sentences. It’s risky not to have a lawyer.
If convicted, you’ll need to serve a good portion of your sentence before becoming eligible for parole or release, and the only way you can get your sentence reduced is if your Constitutional rights were violated. The few people who have gotten their federal convictions overturned on their own had to spend years studying law while incarcerated just to begin the process.
Get a federal defense attorney as soon as possible
Being charged with a federal crime can be life-altering, regardless of your conviction. However, a skilled federal lawyer can make the difference between a harsh, unbearable sentence and a fair outcome. The complexities of the legal system are just too great for anyone to face federal charges on their own. To avoid an unnecessarily harsh outcome, get legal representation as soon as possible.
