Charleston, West Virginia Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
Getting charged with a federal criminal offense in Charleston, West Virginia, will change the course of your life. Not only is your freedom at risk because of these allegations, but your personal and professional well-being could be negatively impacted. That is why it is important to seek legal representation if you face any kind of federal criminal charges.
The consequences of federal charges, and especially federal conviction, are harsh. This means you will need legal support that can effectively fight your charges. Our team of federal defense lawyers and investigators at The Criminal Defense Firm helps you strategize and prepare for federal court.
With our vast experience in criminal cases and federal law, we strive to safeguard your future and defend your rights. We offer legal services for defendants during their criminal trials and for the appeals process if this becomes relevant to your case.
Put our highly experienced team on your side
Brian J. Kuester
Former U.S. Attorney
Former DA
Amanda Marshall
Former U.S. Attorney
Local Counsel
Joe Brown
Former U.S. Attorney
& Former District Attorney
Local Counsel
John W. Sellers
Former Senior Trial Attorney
U.S. Department of Justice
Local Counsel
Linda Julin McNamara
Former Chief, DOJ Appeals
Local Counsel
Joanne Fine DeLena
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney
Local Counsel
Aaron L. Wiley
Former Federal Prosecutor
Local Counsel
Roger Bach
Former Special Agent (OIG)
Chris Quick
Former Special Agent (FBI & IRS-CI)
Kevin M. Sheridan
Former Special Agent (FBI)
Ray Yuen
Former Supervisory Special Agent (FBI)
Dennis A. Wichern
Former Special Agent-in-Charge (DEA)
Types of Federal Defense Cases We Handle in Charleston
The Federal Criminal Defense Firm has handled countless federal cases in a wide range of legal areas. This also includes federal cases in Charleston, West Virginia. After you contact us and schedule a confidential consultation, our firm will provide you with one of our highly qualified senior lawyers who will dedicate themselves to your defense.
Personally, we believe that all our clients should have exceptional legal representation during this difficult time in their lives. That is why everyone on our legal team has extensive experience in the federal courts and with federal criminal cases.
Federal defense cases we have taken on for our clients include:
- Bank Fraud
- Burglary
- Capital Murder
- Credit Card Fraud
- Criminal Copyright Infringement
- Federal Drug Charges
- DEA Investigations
- Health Care Fraud
- Identity Theft
- White Collar Crime
These are only a few of the areas of criminal defense that our team can help you with. If you have more questions, visit our website or contact us for more detailed information about our cases.
The Federal Court System in Charleston, West Virginia
When you are charged with a federal crime in Charleston, West Virginia, there are two federal courts you might appear in:
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia
For those charged with a federal offense in Charleston, West Virginia, you attend court in the Southern District of West Virginia. Clients that plan to appeal their court decision will be sent to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
Our team of federal criminal defense lawyers can also help you make an appeal if this becomes necessary for your case.
What Should You Expect During the Legal Process in Charleston, West Virginia
When you are charged with a federal crime in Charleston, it is important to understand the difference between the legal process in state courts and federal courts. Unfortunately, federal criminal cases are far more complicated than state cases. Your charges will take more time, money, and resources to fight.
Part of this has to do with who you will be fighting in court. Federal criminal cases are led by some of the most elite prosecution teams in the country. You will be up against federal prosecutors with years of experience in the federal court system. Federal law enforcement and federal investigators will also be gathering evidence and building a solid case against you.
This is because the legal process in federal courts is much more rigorous. In order to press federal charges, federal agencies like the IRS, FBI, DEA, DOJ, and ICE need to present compelling evidence to a grand jury.
Then, to get the necessary number of votes for a federal charge, investigators could spend years monitoring you and gathering incriminating evidence. The resources and power of these federal agencies are vast. When combined with the knowledge of federal prosecutors, the chances of your conviction in court can be high. Our law firm will help you protect your rights throughout this legal process. We will also discuss your defense options at length and help you find the right legal solution.
Whether you decide to negotiate a deal with the prosecution team or fully fight your charges, The Criminal Defense Firm will provide strong advocacy and results. In the past, we have helped former clients get their charges dropped, secure acquittals, and have secured more favorable resolutions than thought possible.
Potential Consequences of Federal Criminal Charges
Federal criminal charges carry severe consequences that will influence multiple areas of your life. In truth, simply getting charged with an offense could ruin your reputation, hurt your career, and even alienate you from friends and family.
While you might be innocent of your charges, your community and the people closest to you might not know what to believe. Worse, if you do get convicted of a federal crime, there will be penalties that can cripple your future.
Fines are one possible penalty you could end up dealing with. Federal fines are not cheap. This can be devastating for your financial health. Added to this, your conviction could also result in lost job opportunities or a total inability to enter certain career fields.
However, a lengthy prison sentence is one of the most dreaded outcomes for defendants. Even if the conviction was for a minor felony, you might still serve a minimum sentence of one to five years. If you have been found guilty of a more serious crime like money laundering, kidnapping, bank fraud, espionage, or murder, your sentence can go up to 20 years or even end up in life sentences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Criminal Defense in Charleston, West Virginia, and The Criminal Defense Firm
Why Should I Hire The Criminal Defense Firm?
Our law firm has managed thousands of federal cases and led over 300 criminal trials. Most importantly, everyone on our team knows how to prepare you for federal court and federal criminal cases. In fact, many of our attorneys and consultants previously worked within the Justice Department as prosecutors and investigators.
With the help of our competent and qualified attorneys, we ensure that you understand your criminal charges fully. This way you go into trial with a defense strategy that meets your legal goals. We also manage your legal defense quickly and efficiently and are available to answer your questions around-the-clock.
When Should You Consider Hiring A Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Any type of criminal federal charge will require immediate action. You do not want to wait for your situation to get worse or for your rights to be violated. That is why we suggest getting in contact with The Criminal Defense Firm as soon as possible. Our team will be with you every step of the way and ensure that you are fully protected during the entirety of your legal battle.
If you have not been charged with a crime yet, but suspect that you are under investigation, still contact us. Having a legal team you can consult and talk to will ensure that you are prepared for any potential charges or accusations.
What Are Examples of Federal Crimes in Charleston, West Virginia?
Federal crimes encompass a wide range of illegal activities. Some examples of federal crimes in Charleston, West Virginia, could include:
- Money laundering
- Securities fraud
- Tax evasion
- Credit card fraud
- Drug trafficking
Drug-related crimes are one of the most common types of federal offenses in the country. Drug offenses might involve trafficking drugs, manufacturing drugs, or selling drugs.
Why Does The Criminal Defense Firm Not Call Itself The Best?
Our federal defense lawyers and investigators have built a solid reputation within the courtroom and outside of it. Still, hearing us talk about our experiences and long history of successes might not be enough to convince you. Instead, take a look at some of our testimonials from previous clients. Their words speak for our talent and legal capabilities.
Contact the Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers at The Criminal Defense Firm in Charleston, West Virginia
When considering the severity of federal criminal charges, along with the legal challenges you will encounter, it only makes sense that you hire a law firm with the right experience. The Criminal Defense Firm has that experience and knows how to handle the federal courts in Charleston, West Virginia for you.
The Criminal Defense Firm represents defendants in federal court in Charleston, West Virginia. You can call our law office at (866) 603-4540 or contact us through our website. No matter how you contact us, we look forward to hearing from you and helping you through this challenging time in your life.