Defending Utah Clients Against Federal Charges
If you've been charged with a crime in federal court, it is extremely important that you contact an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. While most criminal charges are brought by state and local prosecutors, federal charges mean you are dealing with a unique criminal justice system.
At Esplin | Weight, we have defended many clients against federal criminal charges and have tried cases to judgment in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit. If you've been charged with a federal crime, don't hesitate to contact us at our offices in Provo to arrange a free initial consultation.
Understanding the Federal Criminal Justice System
In the overlapping system of criminal law that we have in the United States, many criminal charges can be brought by either state or federal prosecutors. Typical federal charges include:
- Drug crimes
- White collar crimes
- Sex crimes
- Federal tax evasion
- Immigration violations
There are several things that set federal criminal defense apart from Utah criminal defense. In most areas — with the exception of sex crimes — federal penalties are typically harsher than state penalties. There are mandatory minimum jail sentences, and probation is often not available. Your chances of ending up in prison if you've been charged with a federal crime are therefore higher.
Experienced With Federal Criminal Negotiations and Trials
If you've been accused of a federal criminal offense, it is very important for you to get in touch with a lawyer who is experienced with the federal system. Due to mandatory sentencing, there are often constraints, including time constraints, on your attorney's ability to negotiate with the prosecutors. We are experienced at working within these constraints to pursue acceptable plea deals for our clients.
We are also experienced at trying federal criminal cases when a good plea deal is not available. In the federal system, it is often advantageous for an accused person to pursue a full criminal defense at trial. We are fully prepared for this possibility.
To get an experienced federal criminal defense trial attorney working on your case, contact us at Esplin | Weight today.
