Cheyenne Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
Facing federal criminal charges in any state can be nerve-wracking, as most people are not expecting to receive a criminal charge, let alone a charge at the federal level. Still, what should you do if you find yourself in this legal situation?
While it can be difficult to figure out what legal steps to take next, our federal defense lawyers and investigators at The Criminal Defense Firm are here to help you. Our team provides legal services for defendants during their criminal trials in Cheyenne. We also defend you during the appeals process if you plan on fighting your federal conviction.
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 in Cheyenne, Wyoming
The Criminal Defense Firm is ready to represent you in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Our team of highly qualified lawyers has handled federal cases all across the country. This includes criminal cases in the state of Wyoming.
Of course, your federal criminal charges can be a source of worry and stress. However, with our legal counsel, you can defend yourself against your charges and feel confident about your defense strategy as you enter the federal court.
Federal defense cases we have taken on for our clients include:
- Credit Card Fraud
- Federal Drug Charges
- Burglary
- White Collar Crime
- Identity Theft
- Bank Fraud
- DEA Investigations
- Criminal Copyright Infringement
- Health Care Fraud
- Capital Murder
These are only a few areas of criminal defense our team can help you overcome.
The Federal Court System in Cheyenne, Wyoming
When you are charged with a federal offense in Wyoming, your criminal trial will take place in the United States District Court for the District of Wyoming.
While this federal district court does have three separate courthouse locations, your case is likely to be handled by the courthouse in Cheyenne.
For appeals cases, defendants will be sent to the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, located in Denver, Colorado. If you make an appeal for your criminal case, our legal team will guide you through the steps of this legal process.
Stages of Federal Criminal Cases in Cheyenne, Wyoming
You might have a basic understanding of the court system from television or jury duty. However, the inner workings and process of the federal court are far more complex than most people realize.
Federal criminal trials usually include additional steps and events that are not required in state criminal cases. In addition, your criminal charges will be investigated and prosecuted by the federal government, which means you will face more intense scrutiny from federal agencies, federal judges, and the prosecution team.
While the federal court system can be intimidating, we will guide you through the process and help you make the right legal decisions as you prepare for your criminal trial. You can expect some of the following stages as you enter the court for federal charges.
Investigation By the Federal Government
The first step of the legal process involves an investigation by the federal government. Criminal charges at the federal level could involve national interests and other federal issues. Because of this, your charges will be investigated by powerful federal agencies.
Typically, investigators will receive information that a crime has been committed either from an anonymous tip or from other federal agencies. Once you have been identified and associated with a suspected crime, the real investigation will begin. Federal investigators and prosecutors will be looking for concrete evidence they can present to a grand jury.
Grand Jury Proceeding
The next part of the federal legal process will generally involve a meeting with a grand jury. Since you could be charged with a federal crime, prosecutors must present real evidence against you. Federal crimes are considered far more severe than state ones. Thus, the justice system requires tangible proof that there is probable cause to believe that a federal crime was committed.
After the evidence is presented and submitted, the grand jury will vote on whether charges will be made. At least 12 citizens on the jury must agree that the evidence is sufficient to warrant a federal charge.
Formal Indictment and Arrest
A formal indictment will be issued against you. Federal law enforcement will inform you of your criminal charges and make an arrest. At this point in the legal process, getting legal representation becomes even more important.
Investigation With Your Legal Defense Team
You have the right to contact legal representation and should not openly discuss you case with federal authorities until your lawyer arrives. Many clients make the mistake of talking without their lawyer. Nearly all of them end up regretting it.
Instead, contact us as soon as you discover your charges. We will help you make the best decisions for your case and start our own investigation into your charges and find out what evidence the government has gathered to use against you. From here, we can create a defense strategy for your court trial.
Arraignment
The arraignment will take place a few days after your arrest. The judge will read your charges to you and decide whether you will be held in prison until your trial or released on bail. Depending on the severity of your case and your criminal history you may or may not qualify for bail.
Regardless, you will have to plead guilty or not guilty to the crime you are accused of committing by the end of the arraignment. This way the federal court process can move forward.
Plea Bargain or Trial
At this stage in the legal process, some defendants choose to enter a plea bargain. This agreement between the defense and prosecution team takes place before your trial. When you agree to a plea bargain, you will have to plead guilty in court to at least one of the charges.
On the other hand, if you choose to fight your charges without pleading guilty, you will have to appear in court again for your criminal trial. Our law firm will support you in either situation and help you make the best legal decision for your criminal case.
Potential Legal Outcomes of Federal Criminal Charges
The Criminal Defense Firm will do everything in its power to defend your rights and protect your interests in court. However, if you are charged with a federal crime, you need to understand that the potential consequences can be severe, especially if you do not have the right legal representation.
You could face many years of imprisonment. In the worst-case scenario, you could be facing a life sentence. Even if you do not serve jail time, you could face heavy fines that impact your finances for life. Some defendants end up with fines of up to $500,000 or more.
Other potential legal outcomes could result in a loss of your rights. Those convicted of federal crimes have a harder time finding employment and can even be excluded from certain careers and job opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Criminal Defense in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and The Criminal Defense Firm
Why Should I Hire The Criminal Defense Firm?
Our law firm has the legal experience and knowledge to defend you in federal court. We have handled thousands of federal cases, and been involved in over 300 criminal trials. In other words, The Criminal Defense Firm is committed to your case and will fight for your freedom, legal rights, and reputation until we get you results you are satisfied with.
In addition, unlike other law firms, we ensure that your case is handled by the right criminal defense team. Our senior lawyers and investigators have a true understanding of the federal court and federal laws. This is because many of our attorneys and consultants previously worked within the Justice Department as prosecutors and investigators.
With our firm by your side, you will have the ability to combat your charges and prepare for federal court. Our lawyers and consultants will be with you every step of the way and can answer your questions around-the-clock.
When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
The severity and seriousness of federal criminal charges require immediate legal representation. As soon as you find out about your charges you should contact our law firm.
Waiting to find a criminal defense lawyer can be disastrous for your case. Remember, federal agencies are looking into your past and gathering evidence to present in court. These agencies can include the IRS, FBI, DOJ, and ICE – all of which have the full backing of the federal government.
Do not think you can handle the federal prosecution team alone. To really fight your charges, you will need the help of a senior trial attorney as soon as possible.
Why Does The Criminal Defense Firm Not Call Itself The Best?
The Criminal Defense Firm has helped countless numbers of criminal defendants in federal court, including in Cheyenne, Wyoming. We have a long and robust history of success, inside and outside the courtroom. However, we do not call ourselves the best law firm for a reason.
Really, we believe that the powerful testimonials from our previous clients speak for themselves and prove that we are the right legal team for you.
Contact the Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers at The Criminal Defense Firm in Cheyenne, Wyoming
The Criminal Defense Firm can make the legal process less stressful for you and get you the results you are looking for. We recommend calling our law office as soon as you can at this number: (866) 603-4540. You can also contact us through our website. The sooner you talk with our law firm, the sooner you can fight your charges and regain your freedom.