Federal Criminal Defense Attorney in Miami, FL, Defending Against Complex Criminal Charges for Clients in South Florida and Nationwide
Criminal charges can disrupt your life, leading to a loss of freedom and numerous other consequences if you’re convicted. State-level law enforcement agencies and prosecutors aren’t the only threats to your future. If you’re accused of certain types of offenses, you could face charges in federal court. You need a Miami federal crime lawyer to provide an unwavering defense against charges that, in many cases, carry harsh sentences.
At Forge Litigation Group, I defend those accused of federal crimes with dedication, strategy, and skill acquired through decades of legal practice. I know the stakes, and I also know what it takes to present an effective defense in federal court. Contact me today for a confidential consultation, and find out how my law firm can pursue the most favorable outcome for your circumstances.
Charged With a Federal Crime in Florida?
First things first: if you have been criminally charged in U.S. District Court, you need the guidance of an experienced Miami federal crime lawyer right away. The longer you wait to retain dedicated legal representation, the greater the risk of ending up with a defense strategy that fails to protect your interests.
The quality of your defense could mean the difference between facing the harshest sentences permitted under federal law and avoiding these consequences through a not-guilty trial verdict, a favorable plea deal, or even the dismissal of the charges.
Important Elements of a Federal Crime
For an alleged offense to constitute a federal crime, there must be some element of the case that establishes federal jurisdiction. The reasons an offense may lead to federal charges, instead of only charges at the state level, include illegal activity that occurs on federal property, crosses state lines, impacts international commerce, broadcasts content across state lines for the purpose of defrauding someone, or targets the federal government.
Types of Federal Crimes Forge Litigation Group Handles
Federal crimes can take numerous forms, and they are often sophisticated violations. For example, you might be charged in federal court if the allegations against you involve large-scale criminal activities, actions that threaten national security, or forms of fraud against protected entities or involving the use of the U.S. postal service.
Examples of the kinds of federal criminal charges I have experience in defending my clients against include:
- Money laundering
- Racketeering (violations of the federal RICO Act)
- Bank fraud
- Wire fraud
- Medicare and Medicaid fraud
I also represent clients in select cases involving violent crimes. Violent crimes may constitute federal cases if they involve violence that occurs on federal government property or is perpetrated against a federal agent, as well as kidnapping that crosses state lines.
How Forge Litigation Group Can Help in the Face of Federal Charges
I provide critical legal support for my clients at every stage of federal criminal matters, from the initial investigation by a federal agency to the pre-trial proceedings, your trial, and even potentially an appeal, if necessary.
An Advocate for You During Federal Criminal Investigations
When you’re under investigation for suspected criminal violations, every action you take matters. On your own, you’re at risk of making common mistakes, like trying to explain misunderstandings to law enforcement officers. With a knowledgeable Miami federal crime lawyer on your side, you can avoid pitfalls that often undermine defense strategies.
From the moment you retain me as your attorney, I will step in to provide guidance and representation at every point. I will manage interactions with and requests from federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or the U.S. Secret Service. I’m here to protect you from tactics that could be used to get you to make incriminating statements or to provide information that can be taken out of context and used against you.
If you’re aware that you’re under federal investigation, don’t wait until charges are filed. The best time to begin protecting your legal rights is before you have even been charged with a crime.
A Defense Attorney Dedicated to Beating Federal Charges
When it comes to fighting federal criminal charges effectively, your attorney’s approach matters. At Forge Litigation Group, I’ve achieved a record of success with an approach that includes:
- In-depth investigations: I’ll conduct a thorough investigation on your behalf, working with professional investigators and taking proactive measures to gather evidence that supports your defense.
- Diligent case preparation: I prepare every case for the possibility of a trial, developing tailored legal strategies and presenting evidence in context in compelling ways. I’m always willing to fight for my clients in court.
- Tireless advocacy: The federal government has to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction. At every stage, I’ll make the prosecutor’s job harder by challenging their assertions, questioning their evidence, and exposing weaknesses in the case against you.
I defend clients in both state and federal courts, so I understand the ins and outs of various court procedures as well as effective legal strategies in different settings and circumstances. I explore all options for defending against federal charges, including lack of knowledge of criminal activity, lack of fraudulent intent, mistakes made in good faith, or acts committed under duress or coercion.
In the course of my clients’ federal criminal cases, I challenge evidence that has been obtained improperly, including through illegal search and seizure by law enforcement. When the prosecution’s evidence is insufficient to constitute proof of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, I will make sure that the judge and jury understand exactly how the case falls short of meeting the burden of proof required under federal law.
An Experienced Guide to the Federal Appeals Process
If your trial in federal court didn’t result in the outcome you hoped for, consider whether you may have grounds for an appeal. A successful appeal could potentially overturn the ruling, modify your sentence, or allow for a new trial.
However, you can’t appeal a federal conviction or sentence just because the ruling was unfavorable. You would need to identify and explain to a higher court that issues of law occurred during your trial and unjustly influenced the outcome.
Examples of situations in which you may be able to appeal a federal conviction or sentence include:
- The judge applying the wrong legal standards at your trial
- The judge giving the jury improper instructions
- Judicial decisions about allowing or excluding certain evidence from your trial that deviate from established legal standards
- Denials of pre-trial motions, such as motions to dismiss the case or suppress improperly obtained evidence, that should have been granted based on established statutes or case law
- Misconduct by a prosecutor that unjustly prejudices the jury
- Conflicts of interest involving the judge, prosecutor, or jurors
- Sentencing decisions that exceed maximum sentencing guidelines
I have appeared in both state and federal courts of appeal, including the United States Supreme Court, to help my clients fight for fair outcomes when a legal or procedural error resulted in an unjust ruling. Whether your appeal involves interpretations of federal statutes, questions of whether the federal government has jurisdiction to charge you, or issues pertaining to federal constitutional law, I’m equipped to identify potential grounds for appeal and quickly move forward to ensure your case meets all deadlines and procedural requirements.
A Federal Criminal Defense Attorney in Miami, FL, With a Hands-on Approach
Imagine for a moment that your case is in the hands of a Miami federal crime lawyer who goes above and beyond to gather the evidence that forms the cornerstone of your defense. When you need an attorney who personally walks neighborhoods, knocks on doors, and searches for witnesses whose information can support your case, I’m the legal counsel you can depend on.
Although I frequently work with professional investigators, I also take a hands-on approach to my practice. I never shy away from the hard work of representing my clients. On more than one occasion, I’ve been the one to conduct on-site investigations in locations most people would quickly drive through, putting my clients’ best interests above my own convenience.
Why Choose Forge Litigation Group as Your Miami Federal Crime Lawyer?
With Forge Litigation Group as your federal criminal defense attorney in Miami, FL, you gain:
- Experienced counsel: I have practiced law for 25 years, gaining experience in roles that range from Assistant Public Defender in Miami-Dade County to civil litigation attorney in regional and international law firms.
- Trial-ready representation: I build every case for the possibility of going to trial, and I will never pressure you into a plea deal to avoid having to go to court. I take cases to trial every year.
- Skills for complex cases: Your case may involve complicated elements such as parallel proceedings in federal and state jurisdictions or in criminal and civil courts. You may be facing charges that involve sophisticated offenses, like embezzlement or fraud. I’m prepared to address every issue that complicates your defense.
Your choice of defense attorney matters, especially when facing charges in federal court. Choose a criminal defense lawyer you can count on to fight for you at every stage of the legal process.
Contact a Miami Federal Crime Lawyer at Forge Litigation Group Today for a Case Review
Every case is unique, and I treat it that way from the very beginning. At my law firm, each case begins with a confidential consultation and an objective evaluation. I will listen to your story, review the facts, and analyze every detail of your case.
During the initial consultation, I will walk you through your legal rights and the avenues that may be available to you. I will provide feedback tailored to your circumstances and educate you on how I would approach building a defense in your case. This approach ensures that you have the information you need to make the best possible decisions about defending against federal charges.
For help from a federal criminal defense attorney in Miami, FL, contact Forge Litigation Group online or call 786-933-8794 today.