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If you face federal charges or a federal investigation, you need a Colorado Federal criminal defense
lawyer.
Experience Counts
Not all criminal lawyers know or understand the complexities of federal practice. I do. Since 1983, I have successfully defended the accused in a variety of complex federal criminal matters.
I have successfully defended complex white collar cases. In New York, I was counsel on some of the most sophisticated and complex mail and wire fraud cases in the country. Here, in Colorado, my experience has included telemarketing cases, mail fraud, wire fraud, and almost every conceivable type of white collar criminal matter.
I also have represented the accused in huge federal drug cases. Often, these cases are multi-defendant and multi-drug conspiracies because federal prosecutors love to file conspiracy charges.
My extensive federal experience, both in Colorado and New York, includes a host of other serious federal cases, including bank robbery, immigration-related crimes, securities fraud, and other federal offenses.
Federal Practice is Different
What many lawyers don't know is that federal criminal practice is not the same as state criminal practice. An experienced state court lawyer with no knowledge or understanding of the complexity of federal criminal law can do a lot of harm to his client.
Everything in federal court is different from state court. For example,
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Bond is different and sometimes unavailable.
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Trials occur either very quickly or very slowly. A case can go to trial in 90 days or in years.
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The rules of evidence are different.
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The caselaw is different.
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The statutes are different.
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- Jury selection is
different
- There is no federal
parole.
- The use of informants, especially in drug cases, means that a lawyer in federal court must be a skilled cross-examiner
- Penalties are dramatically different
Federal Sentencing is Different
One of the most significant differences is that the penalties are different. In fact, the numerically driven "Federal Sentencing Guidelines" (a misnomer since they are not guidelines, but mandates) result in a world apart from any criminal court in the state system.
There are many mandatory sentences. For example, drug penalties are especially harsh in federal court. A good federal criminal lawyer will help you understand the interplay between federal sentencing guidelines and statutes which govern crimes.
There are many nuances to interpreting and applying these Guidelines. In fact, hiring a skilled and experienced federal criminal defense lawyer can mean the difference between no jail time and years of prison.
For example, "departures" from the guidelines sometimes are available. I have successfully identified and exploited these departures for clients faced with lengthy federal sentencing prospects. In some cases, my representation has saved clients many years of federal prison.
Don't Stand Alone
If you are facing a criminal case in Colorado Federal Court, you are facing the massive resources of the U.S. government. The amassed power of our government is focused on you. It is intimidating, frightening, and confusing to stand alone against the government. But, you do not have to stand alone. I will stand with you and fight for your rights against the might power of the feds.
For a free consultation
and a valuable insight about your case, call me at (303) 831-0646 or
e-mail me at
edward_harris@not-guilty.us
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