24/7 call for a free consultation 212-300-5196

AS SEEN ON

EXPERIENCEDTop Rated

YOU MAY HAVE SEEN TODD SPODEK ON THE NETFLIX SHOW
INVENTING ANNA

When you’re facing a federal issue, you need an attorney whose going to be available 24/7 to help you get the results and outcome you need. The value of working with the Spodek Law Group is that we treat each and every client like a member of our family.

How a Tennessee Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Reduce Charges for Out-of-State Federal Crimes

 

How a Tennessee Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help Reduce Charges for Out-of-State Federal Crimes

Being charged with a federal crime is scary enough on its own. But when that charge stems from actions in another state, the situation can become even more confusing and overwhelming. Fortunately, an experienced Tennessee criminal defense lawyer can help. Let’s break down how a lawyer can assist in these unique circumstances.

Understanding Federal vs. State Charges

The first thing to understand is the difference between federal and state charges. Federal charges come from violations of federal law – laws that apply across the entire United States. State charges come from breaking a particular state’s laws.

So if you’re facing prosecution in Tennessee for something you allegedly did in another state, it means the feds are after you. The charges are based on federal, not state, law.

How Federal Charges Get Filed in Tennessee

You may be wondering how you ended up facing federal charges in Tennessee when your case originates somewhere else. Here’s how it works:

  • Federal courts have jurisdiction (the legal authority to hear a case) over federal crimes nationwide. So federal prosecutors can file charges in any federal court, regardless of where the alleged crime happened.
  • Federal courthouses are organized into districts. Tennessee has three federal court districts – Eastern, Middle, and Western.
  • Prosecutors typically file charges in the district where the crime occurred. But they can also file in any district that has some connection to the crime. For instance, if you committed a crime in Texas but live in Tennessee, charges could be filed in a Tennessee federal court.
  • The city with the federal courthouse for that district is where your case gets heard. So if charges are filed in the Middle District of Tennessee, your hearings would take place in Nashville.

This allows federal cases to be tried at the most logical or convenient location. But it means you may have to travel to defend yourself, even if the activity they’re alleging didn’t happen locally.

How a Tennessee Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

Facing federal criminal charges in an unfamiliar state for out-of-state activities can be daunting. But an experienced Tennessee federal criminal defense attorney can help level the playing field. Here are some of the key ways a lawyer can assist:

Navigating the Federal System

The federal court system has different rules, procedures, and strategies than state courts. An attorney well-versed in federal crime defense will understand this complex system. They can help you navigate things like:

  • Securing pre-trial release or bail
  • Transferring venue to another district
  • Federal sentencing guidelines
  • Options like plea bargains

Their expertise can make the process smoother and help achieve better outcomes.

Advocating in an Unfamiliar Location

Being prosecuted somewhere you don’t live makes it harder to take care of case necessities like meeting with your lawyer or attending hearings. A local attorney can appear on your behalf when needed so you don’t have to travel back and forth.

They’ll also know their way around the specific courthouse and be familiar with local prosecutors and judges. This home field advantage can influence negotiations and rulings in your favor.

Investigating Out-of-State Activities

To mount an effective defense, your lawyer needs to dig into the circumstances and events underlying the charges. When alleged crimes happen in other states, it takes more legwork to gather records, interview witnesses, visit relevant locations, etc.

Your attorney’s investigator can travel to other areas to conduct these inquiries. And lawyers who regularly handle federal cases may have connections with out-of-state counsel to assist.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

The federal system contains unique pitfalls, like extremely high conviction rates compared to state courts. A lawyer well-versed in federal defense work will know how to avoid missteps and strengthen your case. This includes things like:

  • Raising constitutional arguments
  • Contesting evidence or questioning procedures
  • Mounting meticulous factual defenses regarding your actions, intent, etc.

Their deep knowledge of federal trial strategy is invaluable.

Negotiating Plea Deals

Over 90% of federal cases end in plea bargains rather than trials. An experienced negotiator can try to secure a favorable deal minimizing charges and potential sentences if pleading out seems advisable.

They’ll know what kind of plea agreements federal prosecutors commonly offer in different types of cases so you don’t leave anything on the table.

Presenting Mitigating Factors at Sentencing

If convicted, skilled federal criminal attorneys know how to present mitigating circumstances to the judge to help reduce sentencing. These may include things like:

  • Minimal criminal history
  • Positive background and character references
  • Mental health or addiction issues
  • Family obligations
  • Employment history

Vigorously advocating for the lowest sentence possible is a key benefit of retaining counsel even if you plead guilty.

Schedule Your Consultation Now