Not every federal case starts in federal court. Many cases begin as state charges and are later picked up by federal prosecutors and brought before a federal grand jury. When we handle your case, our main goal is to keep it from moving into federal court, if at all possible.

We will work hard to get the charges thrown out, but, unfortunately, that isn’t always possible. If the prosecutor decides to continue with the case, we will push for the charges to be reduced in state or federal court. Getting the charges lowered is one of the best ways to reduce the possible penalties.

As your case goes forward, we gather the evidence, do our own fact-finding, and file the needed papers before trial. We build a simple, strong defense plan aimed at getting a not-guilty verdict.

If you are being investigated for a serious crime, one of the first things that could affect your case is whether it goes to a federal or state grand jury. Both kinds of grand juries decide if there is enough evidence to file charges, but federal grand juries usually deal with bigger, more complicated cases and have more time and power to investigate. A federal criminal defence lawyer can help you early on, explain how this process works, and make sure your rights are protected at all times.

State vs. Federal Court

Federal crimes are handled in a separate court system that works differently to state courts. You need a federal criminal defense lawyer who is allowed to practice in federal court and knows how the federal system works.

Federal courts use different procedures and evidence rules than North Carolina state courts. You need a lawyer who understands these differences, so avoidable mistakes don’t hurt your case.

Another key difference is that federal charges usually carry tougher penalties. You can face larger fines and more prison time for a federal crime than for a similar charge under state law.

When Can Crimes Be Charged as Federal Offenses?

Most crimes break both state and federal law. In many cases, you are charged in either a North Carolina court or a federal court, but sometimes both systems can bring charges at the same time.

In most cases, if you are accused of a crime in North Carolina, you will be charged in state court. But some factors can, instead, cause the case to be filed as a federal crime, including:

• A federal agency, like the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the Drug Enforcement Agency investigated or arrested you
• The alleged crime involved activity that crossed state lines
• The incident happened on federal property, such as a federal building, military base, or national park
• The charge is based on a federal law rather than a state law
• A federal informant provided information during a federal investigation that led to your arrest

Usually, it is the prosecutor who decides whether a case is filed as a state or federal charge. As soon as you learn you are under investigation, you should contact a federal criminal defense lawyer. If there is any chance your case could become federal, it is best to get help as early as possible.

Our Approach to Federal Criminal Cases

If you are facing federal criminal charges, the outcome can majorly impact your future. We start every case by doing our own investigation. We do not rely only on what police, federal agents, or prosecutors say. We look closely at what really happened, review the steps officers took before your arrest, and check how reliable the witnesses are.

We carefully check whether law enforcement broke the rules when they gathered evidence against you. We pay special attention to illegal searches or seizures. If the police obtained evidence illegally, we will ask the judge to remove it. Without that evidence, the prosecutor may not have enough proof to keep the case going.

What Are the Benefits of Working With a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer?

One good thing about hiring a federal criminal defence lawyer from Ryan Willis Law, PLLC, is that the firm knows the federal court system and the people who work there. We are familiar with how North Carolina federal prosecutors handle cases like those involving guns, drugs, child pornography, and RICO and conspiracy charges. Knowing how these cases are usually handled helps us better prepare and respond to the prosecutor’s arguments and evidence.

If you hire a federal defense lawyer as soon as you learn you are being investigated, for example, after getting a target letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, you can protect your rights from the start. The most important rule is simple: do not talk to law enforcement. Do not answer questions and do not try to explain your side. If an officer contacts you, politely say no to an interview and call us right away. If you are arrested, say, “I am using my right to remain silent, and I want a lawyer.”

Another benefit of hiring our firm at the start of your case is that we know the most effective ways to work toward the best result. Our past results show our experience. With many years of courtroom practice, we have helped many clients get their charges reduced or dismissed.

Contact Ryan Willis Law

All federal charges are serious, even misdemeanor charges. Your best chance of avoiding a conviction is to work with an experienced federal defense lawyer in Raleigh, NC. With a federal criminal defense lawyer from Ryan Willis Law, PLLC, you have someone to guide you through the federal court process and protect your rights. Your legal team will build a strong defense and fight for a not-guilty result.

To find out how Ryan Willis Law, PLLC can help you, call (919) 341-6294 or use the online contact form to schedule a case review.