Fighting your criminal case in a federal court is far different from fighting it in an Allegheny County courtroom. The stakes are higher, the rules are different, the penalties are harsher and the evidence against you will be significantly more extensive.
It’s intimidating to walk into the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania and know that you will be up against tough prosecutors who seem to have unlimited resources. This is why you need an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer to handle your case – to protect your rights and to defend you to the best possible outcome for your unique legal situation.
Understanding of the law is as critical in a federal court as it is in any other, however, experience is the key to being able to present a successful defense. The rules and procedures in federal court are very different from those in any other court. A lawyer who has not tried a case in a federal court before will be at a severe disadvantage.
Call (412) 281-2146 to speak with a federal criminal defense lawyer at Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC in a free consultation.
Evidence
If you discover you are the target of a federal investigation, it is very likely that you are going to be indicted. Before prosecutors formally file charges against you, the federal government has probably been working for months or even years to build its case.
You probably will find that federal investigators have gathered extensive evidence before you were charged. The federal government has far more resources to allocate to investigations than do Pittsburgh-area police. They will be able to obtain your phone records, wiretaps of your phone conversations, and a paper trail of your texts and email. Undercover federal investigators from agencies that include the FBI and the DEA may have even taken photos or videos of your activities and spoken with your contacts.
Your federal attorney will make discovery requests to obtain items such as phone tap recordings, witness statements, photos or videos, lab reports, and law enforcement reports. One of your attorney’s most important tasks will be to go over this information carefully to find anything inaccurate or inconsistent that can strengthen your case.
Trial
If your case goes to trial, the burden of proof is on the U.S. government and they have to provide evidence that will convince a jury that you are guilty. The prosecution will need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime. Throughout your trial, you attorney will fight to protect the rights that you are guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution.
Questions? Contact us.
Your rights are at stake and you need the best defense to keep them. We can walk you through the federal criminal process and ensure that you get an optimal outcome for your situation..
