Orange County Federal Crime Lawyer Answers FAQs

Whenever we hear about a federal crime, it conjures up dramatic images of court rooms packed with dozens of witnesses and reporters, all watching some huge crime boss get brought to his knees. While this may happen on a rare occasion, the fact is federal crimes are often committed by regular people. Not mob bosses. A few misplaced zeroes here or an ounce of marijuana there and next thing you know federal agents are kicking in your door.

Unlike the movies, real trials are small and the sentences are often quite large. If you’ve been charged with committing a federal crime in the State of California, Law Office of Michael L. Guisti recommends two things: keep quiet and dial our number as soon as you can.

You can reach us at (714) 530-9690 or (888) 478-8999. Call today and schedule an appointment to review your options.

Remember - you have rights and remaining silent is one of them. Don’t give the prosecution anymore than they may have already. Give us a call and let our criminal defense team do the talking for you.

Depending on the circumstances you could be facing any number of federal charges, including:

• Mail and wire fraud
• Child pornography
• Weapon Offenses
• Internet crime
• Identity theft
• Drug crimes

Don’t wait. Call today and get the representation you need to defend yourself from such accusations. For more information, please read the following FAQs and contact us if you have any further questions.

• Can I Be Charged in State and Federal Court?
• My Charges Were Dropped in State Court. Can I Still be Federally Prosecuted?
• If Convicted, What Kind of Sentence Will I Face?
• Can I Hire Any Attorney to Represent Me in Federal Court?
• When Should I Contact Your Firm?

Can I Be Charged in State and Federal Court?

Absolutely.

There are many different examples of this. If you're found in violation of state drug policy, there is a good chance that you have also violated federal law as well. This applies to firearms, taxes, and computer crimes. If the item or activity in question is monitored on a federal and state level, you can be charged in both courts. This does not mean that the prosecution will charge you in both arenas; it comes down to the details of the alleged crime.

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My Charges Were Dropped in State Court. Can I Still be Federally Prosecuted?

Yes.

Despite being free on a state level, you can still face federal charges. Again, this depends on the type of crime involved. Drug crimes are a common situation in which the state will rule one way, but federal courts will view it another.

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If Convicted, What Kind of Sentence Will I Face?

Unfortunately, without the details of the crime it is impossible to say with any amount of certainty what kind of sentence you could face. Also, federal sentencing guidelines have recently changed, and a sentencing court will weigh your punishment using many factors. This is why it is critical to hire an attorney with a deep understanding of federal courts. Your counselor must have a detailed understanding of the criteria involved and how to maneuver within the system.

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Can I Hire Any Attorney to Represent Me in Federal Court?

No.

Attorneys who wish to represent their clients in federal court must be licensed to do so. While they can be offered a one-time permission to represent you if they are not licensed, we recommend against this approach. Practicing law in a state court is much different than on a federal level. Your lawyer must have a complete understanding of how federal courts operate before they can represent you.

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When Should I Contact Your Firm?

As soon as possible.

Federal prosecutors waste no time in building their cases. You should be moving just as quick. Most federal cases have a strict statute of limitations that can work in your favor. The sooner you are able to make contact with our office, the better your chances will be at walking away from these accusations – or at the very least – reducing their possible impact on your life.

Contact Law Office of Michael L. Guisti to speak with an OC criminal defense lawyer today. The number to dial is (714) 530-9690.