West Virginia Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are charged with a federal crime in West Virginia, this can lead to serious ramifications for your personal and professional life. Not only will your reputation be on the line, but you could also face hefty fines and years of imprisonment.
Dealing with these types of charges is difficult, but you do not have to handle federal court alone. Instead, if you do find yourself under federal investigation and charged with a federal crime, prepare for your legal battle. Hiring a federal criminal defense team will ensure that your rights are protected and that you have the best defense strategy going forward.
In fact, we recommend talking with someone from our law firm as soon as you can. Our team of federal defense lawyers and investigators at The Criminal Defense Firm is ready to legally represent you in federal court. We offer strong advocacy for defendants during their criminal trials, as well as legal guidance through the appeals process if this becomes necessary.
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)
Federal Defense Cases We Handle for Our Clients
The Criminal Defense Firm has handled thousands of federal defense cases across the country, including cases in West Virginia. After you contact our firm, we will provide you with an attorney that will represent you and your interests properly. This way you can worry less and focus on fighting your charges.
We understand just how difficult it is to be under a serious criminal investigation. That is why we connect you with qualified senior lawyers who have extensive experience in federal court and federal criminal cases.
We have handled a wide variety of criminal cases at the federal level, including:
- Bank Fraud
- Congressional Investigation Defense
- Credit Card Fraud
- Criminal Copyright Infringement
- DEA Audit and Investigations
- Federal Drug Charges
- Federal Investigations
- Health Care Fraud
- Tax Evasion
- White Collar Crime
The Federal Court System in West Virginia
If you are charged with a federal crime in the state of West Virginia, there are two federal courts you might end up in:
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia
The judges on both these courts are appointed by the President of the United States. Then the U.S. Senate has the power to confirm the choice. The Southern District has five judges while the Northern District contains three.
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 necessary.
What to Expect During the Legal Process in West Virginia
Federal criminal cases differ significantly from state cases. The legal process behind your federal charges involves a higher level of scrutiny from federal agencies, prosecutors, and judges. This is why legal counsel is essential during this highly stressful time in your life.
1. Federal Investigation
Before you are informed of your charges and taken to court, federal agencies will have already begun investigating you and gathering evidence to support their claims. Depending on what your crime is, one or more federal agencies will be involved in the investigation and then present the findings to a grand jury.
2. Evidence Will Be Presented to a Grand Jury
A grand jury is made up of 16 to 23 citizens. Once the grand jury sees the evidence they will make a decision on your case as to whether there is probable cause to support a criminal charge. At least 12 of the jurors must agree that a charge should be made.
3. Indictment Issued and Arrests Made
If the grand jury agrees that there is probable cause, an indictment will be issued. Federal courts typically start the legal process by creating this formal charge against you. You will be informed of the charges and arrested.
4. Arraignment
The arraignment will be the next step in the legal process. It will usually take place on the day of your arrest or the day after. During the arraignment, your charges will be read out and you will plead either guilty or not guilty. A trial date will be set.
5. Plea Bargain or Trial
In some cases, defendants will enter a plea bargain and negotiate a deal with the prosecutor before their trial date. You will have to plead guilty at some point during the pretrial process if you make a plea bargain. If you stick with your not guilty plea, though, your case will go to trial and you will have to defend yourself in court. If you get convicted, the criminal sentencing hearing will be scheduled by the judge.
Before the legal process gets to this point, though, we highly recommend that you contact our law firm. We can help you better understand the charges made against you and will fully evaluate your case. This way you are able to properly defend yourself in court and make informed legal decisions that fit with your long-term goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Criminal Defense in West Virginia and The Criminal Defense Firm
Why Should I Hire The Criminal Defense Firm?
Again, federal criminal charges are not something you should take lightly. If you fail to get the right representation in court, the consequences will be severe and could impact you for the rest of your life.
Working with our law firm guarantees that your case is handled by competent and qualified attorneys that truly understand the intricacies of criminal cases and federal court procedures.
Everyone on our team has extensive experience in federal court and with federal criminal cases. In fact, many of our attorneys and consultants previously worked within the Justice Department as prosecutors and investigators.
Furthermore, The Criminal Defense Firm has managed thousands of cases and over 300 criminal trials. We know how to manage your legal defense quickly and efficiently and are available to help you round-the-clock. We can help you get closer to the legal outcomes you desire.
Why Are Federal Agencies Investigating Me?
In some cases, defendants will know why they are being targeted by federal agencies. However, this is not always clear to some of our clients. You could be under investigation and have no idea this is happening until you are charged with a crime or arrested by a federal agent.
In West Virginia, a disproportionate number of defendants are under investigation for being involved with opioids, healthcare fraud, Medicare abuse, and other federal offenses.
Still, the reasons you are being charged might not be immediately obvious. This is why you need to contact a criminal defense attorney right away. The Criminal Defense Firm will help you understand your charges and defend your rights while you are under investigation.
When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?
The sooner you hire a criminal defense attorney, the better. Again, if you think you are under a federal investigation or in danger of being charged with a federal crime, do not hesitate to get legal protection.
You should always talk to an attorney that understands the federal court system once you have any inkling that you are in legal trouble. It is better to be prepared and have a team to consult, rather than handling this matter on your own.
Our team at The Criminal Defense Firm will help you safely navigate your legal issues. We will provide you with sound advice and protect your legal rights.
Why Doesn't The Criminal Defense Firm Call Itself the Best?
The attorneys and investigators on our legal team have developed a history of successes on behalf of our clients. However, we know that talking about the talent and experience of our firm might not be enough to convince you that we are the best criminal defense firm. Our previous clients, however, have left numerous testimonials touting the legal guidance that we can provide.
Contact the Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers at The Criminal Defense Firm in West Virginia
The Criminal Defense Firm ensures that you have strong legal representation you can count on during your trial and appeals processes. This is important because you will be facing the full power of the federal government. The federal law enforcement agencies pursuing your case have the manpower and resources of some of the largest agencies in the world.
When you are charged with a federal crime in West Virginia, federal agencies such as IRS, FBI, DOJ, and ICE will present charges that are usually built on years of investigation and evidence gathering. To combat this, our firm makes sure senior trial attorneys handle your case.
Hiring the best federal criminal defense team that you can find is critical. Failing to invoke your rights and raise an effective legal defense has severe repercussions, including fines and potentially years in prison.
The Criminal Defense Firm legally represents criminal defendants in federal court in West Virginia. You can contact us online or call our law office at (866) 603-4540 for the legal help and guidance you need to beat these charges.