Blog
How difficult is it to challenge the legality of a federal warrant?
Contents1 How Difficult is it to Challenge the Legality of a Federal Warrant?1.1 What is a Federal Warrant?1.2 Why Would You Want to Challenge a Warrant?1.3 How Do You Challenge a Federal Warrant?1.3.1 Motion to Suppress1.3.2 Civil Rights Lawsuit1.4 What Are Your Chances of Success?1.5 What Can Help Your Chances?1.6 What Happens If You […]
read moreDo federal warrants have an expiration date?
Contents1 Do Federal Warrants Have an Expiration Date?1.1 Arrest Warrants1.2 Search Warrants1.3 Bench Warrants1.4 Traffic Warrants1.5 What Happens If a Warrant Expires?1.6 Can an Expired Warrant Be Renewed or Extended?1.7 What Happens If You Get Arrested on an Expired Warrant?1.8 How Can I Resolve an Outstanding Federal Warrant?1.9 Can I Travel Internationally With an […]
read moreCan my lawyer request information about the federal warrant used against me?
Contents1 Can My Lawyer Request Information About the Federal Warrant Used Against Me?1.1 Why Would My Lawyer Want Info About the Warrant?1.2 What Information Can My Lawyer Get About the Warrant?1.3 How Can My Lawyer Get These Warrant Documents?1.4 What Laws Allow My Lawyer to Get Warrant Info?1.5 What Can My Lawyer Do If the […]
read moreChallenging Evidence in a Drug Conspiracy Trial
Contents1 Challenging Evidence in a Drug Conspiracy Trial1.1 Why Evidence Gets Challenged1.2 Common Evidence Challenges in Drug Cases1.3 Fighting Back Against Exclusions1.4 Why This Matters for the Outcome1.5 Famous Example: The O.J. Simpson Case1.6 Takeaways Challenging Evidence in a Drug Conspiracy Trial By Jane Doe You’ve probably seen it in movies and TV shows […]
read moreHiring the Right Lawyer for a Drug Conspiracy Charge
Contents1 Hiring the Right Lawyer for a Drug Conspiracy Charge1.1 Look for a lawyer with experience1.2 Find a lawyer who specializes in federal cases1.3 Look for someone aggressive who’s not afraid to go to trial1.4 Find a lawyer you feel comfortable with1.5 Look for someone with resources1.6 Beware of lawyers making big promises1.7 Find […]
read moreHow do federal sentencing guidelines work for drug charges?
Contents1 How Federal Sentencing Guidelines Work for Drug Charges1.1 What are the federal sentencing guidelines?1.2 What are mandatory minimum sentences?1.3 What is the sentencing process in federal court?1.4 Are there any exceptions to mandatory minimums?1.5 What are some examples of federal drug sentences?1.6 What about the First Step Act?1.7 Conclusion How Federal Sentencing Guidelines Work […]
read moreCollateral Consequences of a Conspiracy Conviction
Collateral Consequences of a Conspiracy Conviction Getting charged with conspiracy can lead to a whole mess of legal problems that go way beyond just the criminal case itself. Even if you end up beating the rap, a conspiracy charge can haunt you for years to come. Let’s break down some of the biggest issues […]
read moreGetting Evidence Thrown Out in Your Federal Case Due to an Improper Search
Contents1 Getting Evidence Thrown Out in Your Federal Case Due to an Improper Search1.1 The Exclusionary Rule1.2 How Suppression Motions Work1.3 When Might a Search Be Deemed Improper?1.4 Getting a Lawyer’s Help Getting Evidence Thrown Out in Your Federal Case Due to an Improper Search If you’ve been charged with a federal crime, one […]
read moreWhat should I do if federal agents show up at my home with a search warrant?
What to Do If Federal Agents Show Up at Your Home With a Search Warrant Having federal agents show up at your door with a search warrant can be scary and intimidating. But don’t panic. There are some important steps you should take to protect your rights if this happens. First, stay calm. I […]
read moreWhat constitutes probable cause for obtaining a federal search warrant?
Contents1 What is Probable Cause?2 When is a Search Warrant Needed?3 What’s Required for a Federal Search Warrant?4 What Kind of Evidence Establishes Probable Cause?5 When is an Anonymous Tip Enough?6 Common Defenses Against Search Warrants7 Conclusion What is Probable Cause? Probable cause is the legal standard that law enforcement must meet before they […]
read moreHow can my lawyer challenge the validity of a search conducted on my property?
Contents1 Challenging the Validity of a Search Warrant1.1 Question the Probable Cause1.2 Point Out Technical Errors1.3 Question if the Warrant Was Properly Executed1.4 Argue the Warrant Lacked Particularity1.5 File a Motion to Suppress1.6 Act Quickly to Preserve Your Rights1.7 Sources Challenging the Validity of a Search Warrant Getting searched by the police can be […]
read moreGetting Free Counsel for Federal Criminal Appeals
Contents1 Getting Free Counsel for Federal Criminal Appeals1.1 The Right to Counsel in Appeals1.2 Qualifying Financially for Appointed Counsel1.3 If You Had an Appointed Lawyer at Trial1.4 If You Had a Private Lawyer at Trial1.5 If You Were Pro Se at Trial1.6 How to Apply for Appointed Counsel1.7 If Your Request is Denied1.8 The Benefits […]
read moreDon’t Miss Strict Federal Appeal Filing Deadlines
Contents1 Don’t Miss Strict Federal Appeal Filing Deadlines2 The Basics of Federal Appeals3 Civil vs. Criminal Appeals4 Appeal Deadlines in Civil Cases5 Securing an Extension of the Filing Deadline6 What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?7 Special Deadlines for Interlocutory Orders8 Appeal Deadlines in Criminal Cases9 File the Notice of Appeal First10 File in the […]
read moreMeeting the High Burden to Win Federal Appeals
Contents1 Meeting the High Burden to Win Federal Appeals1.1 Build a Powerful Record Below1.2 Select Strong Issues1.3 Master Appellate Procedure1.4 Write a Powerful Brief1.5 Excel at Oral Argument1.6 Conclusion Meeting the High Burden to Win Federal Appeals Winning an appeal in federal court is a huge challenge. The odds are stacked against appellants from the […]
read moreLearning the Difference Between Appeals and Habeas
Contents1 Learning the Difference Between Appeals and Habeas1.1 Timing and Courts1.2 Standards of Review1.3 Examples1.4 State vs. Federal Learning the Difference Between Appeals and Habeas First off, their both ways to challenge a conviction or sentence after the initial trial is over and done with. But they attack the conviction and sentence differently. An appeal […]
read moreResearching the Judges Who Will Hear Your Appeal
Contents1 Researching the Judges Who Will Hear Your Appeal1.1 Identify the Judges on Your Panel1.2 Look Up Backgrounds and Biographies1.3 Research Their Judicial History1.4 Research Current Events and Views1.5 Why Bother Researching Judges? Researching the Judges Who Will Hear Your Appeal If you’re filing an appeal, one of the most important things you can do […]
read moreGetting a Second Opinion on a Federal Appeal
Contents1 Why Get a Second Opinion?2 How to Get a Good Second Opinion3 Questions to Ask4 Getting the Second Opinion5 Appealing Pro Se6 The Bottom Line Why Get a Second Opinion? There’s a few good reasons to get a second opinion on a federal appeal: Your trial lawyer might have missed something. They’re human after […]
read moreManaging Expectations for Federal Criminal Appeals
Contents1 Managing Expectations for Federal Criminal Appeals2 The Limited Scope of Appeals3 It’s a Slow Process4 What Happens After the Appeal5 Conclusion Managing Expectations for Federal Criminal Appeals Appealing a federal criminal conviction or sentence can be a long and complicated process. Many people go into it with unrealistic expectations about what an appeal can […]
read moreFAQs About Federal Criminal Appeals and Habeas Actions
Contents1 FAQs About Federal Criminal Appeals and Habeas Actions2 What is a direct appeal?3 What are the deadlines for filing a direct appeal?4 If I lose on direct appeal, what are my options?5 What is a federal habeas petition?6 What are the deadlines for filing a habeas petition?7 Do I need a lawyer to file […]
read moreGetting a Federal Appeal Lawyer You Can Afford
Contents1 Getting a Federal Appeal Lawyer You Can Afford2 You Do Not Have Much Time to Invoke Your Right to Appeal3 Trial Attorneys and Federal Appeal Lawyers Have Very Different Skillsets4 You Must Have Valid Grounds for Your Appeal5 The Appeals Process Takes Time6 Federal Appeals Require Specialized Legal Skills7 How Do I Find an […]
read moreAppealing Common Federal Fraud and Theft Convictions
Contents1 Appealing Common Federal Fraud and Theft Convictions1.1 Common Grounds for Appealing Federal Fraud and Theft Convictions1.2 How the Federal Appeals Process Works1.3 Strategies for Winning Your Appeal1.4 Appealing Specific Federal Fraud and Theft Crimes1.4.1 Mail/Wire Fraud1.4.2 Tax Fraud/Evasion1.4.3 Identity Theft1.4.4 Bank/Mortgage Fraud1.4.5 Securities/Investment Fraud1.5 Getting Help from an Experienced Federal Appeals Attorney Appealing […]
read moreHow Drug Type and Purity Levels Impact Sentencing
Contents1 How Drug Type and Purity Levels Impact Sentencing1.1 Federal Drug Schedules1.2 Purity Thresholds1.3 State Laws1.4 Effects on Sentencing1.5 Sentencing Reform How Drug Type and Purity Levels Impact Sentencing The type of drug and its purity play a major role in determining criminal sentences for drug offenses. Laws establish different penalties for possession, distribution, or […]
read moreChallenging the Drug Quantity Used to Calculate Your Sentence
Contents1 Challenging the Drug Quantity Used to Calculate Your Sentence1.1 Mandatory Minimums and Drug Quantity1.2 The Presentence Report1.3 Attacking the Drug Quantity Finding1.4 The Safety Valve1.5 Other Strategies1.6 Conclusion1.6.1 References Challenging the Drug Quantity Used to Calculate Your Sentence If you’ve been convicted of a federal drug crime, one of the most important factors determining […]
read moreHow the Federal Sentencing Guidelines Work in Drug Cases
Contents1 How the Federal Sentencing Guidelines Work in Drug Cases1.1 The Guidelines Manual1.2 Judges Use the Guidelines at Sentencing1.3 Mandatory Minimums Trump the Guidelines1.4 Weapon and Injury Enhancements1.5 Career Offender and Armed Career Criminal Enhancements1.6 Safety Valves and Variances1.7 Appellate Review of Sentences1.8 Criticisms of the Guidelines for Drug Cases How the Federal Sentencing Guidelines […]
read moreWhen Does Drug Possession Become Intent to Distribute?
Contents1 When Does Drug Possession Become Intent to Distribute?1.1 Penalties and Sentencing1.2 Possible Defenses1.3 The Bottom Line When Does Drug Possession Become Intent to Distribute? Drug possession laws can be, like, really confusing. I mean, at what point does just having some drugs become a more serious crime of intending to sell or distribute them? […]
read moreHow to File a Federal Appeal Without an Attorney
Contents1 How to File a Federal Appeal Without an Attorney1.1 Should You Handle Your Own Federal Appeal?1.2 Understand the Federal Appeals Process1.3 Study the Record Thoroughly1.4 Craft Strong Appellate Arguments1.5 Write an Effective Appellate Brief1.6 Prepare for Oral Arguments1.7 Consider Using Resources for Pro Se Litigants1.8 Think Twice Before Arguing Pro Se at the […]
read moreMistakes That Can Sink Your Federal Appeal
Contents1 Mistakes That Can Totally Screw Up Your Federal Appeal1.1 Mistake #1: Blowing The Deadline1.2 Mistake #2: Not Preserving The Record1.3 Mistake #3: Half-Assing The Legal Research1.4 Mistake #4: No Clear Grounds For Appeal1.5 Mistake #5: Disorganized, Sloppy Brief1.6 Avoid These Mistakes, Fight On! Mistakes That Can Totally Screw Up Your Federal Appeal So you […]
read moreUnderstanding Federal Appeals Court Jurisdiction and Venue
Contents1 Understanding Federal Appeals Court Jurisdiction and Venue2 What is a Federal Appeals Court?3 Subject Matter Jurisdiction4 Personal Jurisdiction5 Appellate Jurisdiction6 Establishing Venue7 Appeals Court Review8 Waiving the Right to Appeal9 Conclusion Understanding Federal Appeals Court Jurisdiction and Venue The jurisdiction and venue of federal appeals courts can be confusing to understand. This article aims […]
read moreThe Key Differences Between Civil and Criminal Federal Appeals
Contents1 The Key Differences Between Civil and Criminal Federal Appeals1.1 The Courts Involved in Civil vs. Criminal Federal Appeals1.2 The Legal Standards Used in Appeals1.3 Types of Issues Raised on Appeal1.4 Rules About Timing of Appeals1.5 Impact of Appeals on Lower Court Judgments1.6 Appellate Court Remedies Available1.7 Appellate Attorney Expertise1.8 Cost and Duration of Appeals1.9 […]
read moreCommon Federal Convictions Overturned on Appeal
Contents1 Common Federal Convictions Overturned on Appeal1.1 Insufficient Evidence1.2 Unfair Trials1.3 Fourth Amendment Violations1.4 Suppression of Exculpatory Evidence1.5 Ineffective Assistance of Counsel1.6 Prosecutorial Misconduct1.7 Change in Law1.8 Conclusion Common Federal Convictions Overturned on Appeal Getting convicted of a federal crime can be a terrifying experience. Even if you’re innocent, the odds seem stacked against […]
read more